Vol 65 Min-CC022724
33 MINUTES REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING
AGENCY, & SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
February 27, 2024
City of Watsonville
Council Chambers
275 Main Street,
Top Floor
4:30 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Quiroz-Carter, Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, and Salcido (arrived at 4:31 p.m.) were present.
2. CLOSED SESSION CORRESPONDENCE
3. CLOSED SESSION
(a) Public Comments
Ron Cheshire expressed concerns with information shared with the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors regarding the City’s Project Labor Agreement (PLA). He spoke about the benefits of apprenticeship programs.
(b) Closed Session Announcement:
The City Council recessed the meeting to discuss the items that follow at 4:33 p.m.:
3.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(a))
Pending Litigation pursuant to subdivision (d)(1):
Name of Case: Westia et al v City of Watsonville, et al - Santa Cruz Superior Court (Case No. 23CV00800)
3.b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(b))
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Section 54956.9(b): [1 Case] City Council Resumed at 6:00 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Quiroz-Carter, Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino, 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 DocuSign Envelope ID: 7143CEF6-F275-4D9D-BD11-0C69D87BA05F Vol 65 Min-CC022724
34 Zamora, Fire Chief Lopez, Administrative Services Director Duran, I.T. Director Gill, Library Director Martinez, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green, Parks & Community Services Recreation Superintendent Negrete, Senior Administrative Analyst Zavala, Acting Police Captain Radich, Police Sergeant Trujillo, Police Officer Lopez, Police Officer Larios, Assistant Finance Manager Rodriguez, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Landaverry.
4.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) – None
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6. INFORMATION ITEMS
6.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
7. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT
Ron Cheshire, IBEW Local 234 Government Affairs Director, stated they would make their best effort to help the City obtain bids for Item 7.c. and spoke about engineers’ estimates not always being accurate, as well as other factors that created challenges in obtaining competitive bids.
Steve MacArthur, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 62 Business Manager, spoke in favor of the City’s PLA, stated their members would bid on any future City piping projects, and stated PLAs were not the cause of lack of bids or high costs of projects.
Alex Sandoval, Plumbers & Steamfitters Union Member, spoke about the positive impact of unions and the PLA for him and other community members.
Wayd La Pearle, Silicon Valley Contractors Association Chief Executive Officer (CEO), spoke about the importance of the PLA and utilizing local labor. He stated contractors were not experiencing issues due to the PLA.
Casey Van Den Heuvel, Monterey/Santa Cruz Building & Construction Trades Council President, spoke positively about the project listed under Item 7.c. and about utilizing apprentices and continuing to collaborate with the City.
Daniel Dodge Sr., Monterey Bay Central Labor Council President, spoke in support of building trades, listed the reasons the PLA had been adopted during his tenure as a City Council member, and about its benefits.
Manny Pinheiro, Monterey/Santa Cruz County Building & Construction Trades Council CEO, spoke in support of the PLA and about the importance of providing apprenticeship opportunities for the community’s youth.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, to approve the Consent Agenda.
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35 In answering Member Dutra, Recreation Superintendent Negrete spoke about the sports programs that were offered at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Member Dutra requested staff explore the possibility of creating a women’s basketball league and stated community members had expressed interest.
In answering Member Dutra, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green spoke about the process for preparing engineers’ estimates for projects, efforts to obtain competitive bids, and the process for awarding a bid to a contractor.
Member Salcido thanked the members of the public who spoke regarding Item 7.c. and spoke about the importance of the project and collaboration.
Member Parker thanked those who spoke regarding Item 7.c. and spoke about the importance of the project for the community.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
7.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10 & 13, 2024
7.b. RESOLUTION NO. 25-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ADOPTING
AND CONFIRMING THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE INVESTMENT POLICY FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024 AND DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR
TO IMPLEMENT THE POLICY
7.c. RESOLUTION NO. 26-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND CALLING FOR BIDS FOR THE WWTF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAZARD MITIGATION PROJECT, NO. WW-22-14797, WHICH WILL BE FUNDED
FROM THE SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND
7.d. RESOLUTION NO. 27-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND TRAFFIC PATTERNS, LLC., A LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY, FOR THE ON CALL TRAFFIC SERVICES FOR DESIGN REVIEW, TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING STUDIES, TRAFFIC ANALYSIS REVIEW, PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT SITE
PLAN REVIEW AND OFF SITE IMPROVEMENT CONCEPT PLANS AND APPROVING AN INCREASE IN THE CONTRACT COMPENSATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,000 FOR A REVISED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $190,000; AND AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
7.e. RESOLUTION NO. 28-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING
DESIGN CONTRACT TO WALLACE GROUP, A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, FOR THE DocuSign Envelope ID: 7143CEF6-F275-4D9D-BD11-0C69D87BA05F Vol 65 Min-CC022724
36 URBAN GREENING PROGRAM FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE NEW NATURE CENTER AT RAMSAY PARK,
PHASE IV GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $119,175, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT
7.f. RESOLUTION NO. 29-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING A TWO-YEAR LEASE WITH ONE (1) FIVEYEAR OPTION TERM BETWEEN THE CITY OF
WATSONVILLE AND THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ, A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, FOR COUNTY PROPERTY AT 215 EAST BEACH STREET, (WATSONVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING), WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, COMMENCING ON MARCH 1, 2024 AND ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2026, AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME AND
ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO OF A NON-SUBSTANTIVE NATURE SUBJECT TO
LEGAL APPROVAL
7.g. ORDINANCE NO. 1462-24 (CM)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE REPEALING UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE NO. 1456-23 (CM) AND REPLACING IT WITH A NEW CODIFIED ORDINANCE; BY ADDING SECTION 2-1.123 (COMPENSATION) TO ARTICLE 1 (COUNCIL PROCEDURE) OF CHAPTER 1 (COUNCIL) OF TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION)
OF THE WATSONVILLE MUNCIPAL CODE WHICH SETS THE COMPENSATION FOR
EACH MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR
8. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA – None
9. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
9.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Maria Cadenas, Santa Cruz Community Ventures Executive Director, requested Council amend the City Charter to expand qualifications for appointment to City boards and commissions to all residents, regardless of voter registration status, and spoke about the reasons for her request such as promoting diversity, inclusivity, and expanded representation.
Cristal Gonzalez, Santa Cruz Community Ventures Semillitas Program Director, spoke in support of removing the registered voter status requirement found in Sections 409 and 900 of the City Charter and in support of diverse representation and inclusivity.
Takashi Mizuno, District 7, read a letter on behalf of him and other community members requesting Council approve a ceasefire resolution. (He submitted the letter and a draft resolution to Council.)
Kitty Mizuno, District 7, spoke in support of Council approving a ceasefire resolution and the negative impacts of the war in Gaza.
Nasreen expressed concerns over treatment received by Police prior to the meeting, spoke about the impacts of the war in Gaza, and requested Council approve a ceasefire resolution.
Casey Van Den Heuvel, Monterey/Santa Cruz Building & Construction Trades Council President, spoke about bidding requirements for Public Works & Utilities projects and DocuSign Envelope ID: 7143CEF6-F275-4D9D-BD11-0C69D87BA05F Vol 65 Min-CC022724
37 expressed concerns with one requirement potentially hindering bids. He expressed concerns over a staff report from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting where City staff expressed that the PLA had a negative impact on private developments.
Ani expressed disappointment with Council not approving a ceasefire resolution and spoke about her lack of trust in Council as a result.
Irene requested a Special City Council meeting to consider approval of a ceasefire resolution and expressed concerns with funding and aid given to Israel by the Federal government.
Priscilla spoke about her grandfather coming to the United States through the Bracero Program and the importance of braceros’ labor. She expressed concerns with treatment of braceros from the program, spoke about the negative impacts of the war in Gaza on a local and global level, and requested Council consider approving a ceasefire resolution.
Victor, Pájaro Valley Unified School District employee, spoke about similarities between the Vietnam War and the war in Gaza. He expressed concerns over funding being spent on weapons and not on providing services for people.
? female, requested Council approve a ceasefire resolution. She requested clarification regarding actions the public could take to have an item placed on a Council meeting agenda.
Houda requested that Council approve a ceasefire resolution and stated Federal funding used for the war in Gaza could have instead been used to benefit the community.
Noula spoke in support of a ceasefire in Gaza and about the widespread negative effects of the war in Gaza.
Meriam spoke in support of a ceasefire in Gaza and about the negative impacts of the war.
Nat requested Council approve a ceasefire resolution, spoke about the war in Gaza, and about the importance of protecting all children.
Yesenia, District 7, spoke in support of a ceasefire resolution and expressed concern with the time for public comment being limited at a previous meeting. She spoke about conflicts in the region near Gaza and the negative impact of the war.
Tara Bailey spoke about the negative impacts of the war in Gaza and read a message from a friend in Gaza describing the situation.
Rachel spoke about the rising death toll in Gaza and encouraged Council to watch the videos posted on social media. She requested Council hold a Special City Council meeting to consider approving a ceasefire resolution.
Joe Alba, Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 retiree, requested Council support the PLA and spoke about its positive impact on new workers.
Basilio spoke about the impact of the war in Gaza and requested Council approve a ceasefire resolution.
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38 Assistant City Manager Vides spoke about the City’s efforts to empower women, stated March 8th was International Women’s Day, and spoke about the women who worked for the City and their efforts to serve the community through their jobs.
Rosa Rice requested Council approve a ceasefire resolution.
Camille requested Council hold a Special City Council meeting to consider approving a ceasefire resolution.
? female, requested Council approve a ceasefire resolution.
Mark, Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 retiree, spoke about his efforts in negotiating for PLAs in San Jose and about the positive impacts of PLAs. He stated collaboration was essential.
Wayd La Pearle, Silicon Valley Contractors Association Chief Executive Officer (CEO), spoke in support of the PLA and stated their contractors would bid on upcoming projects.
Kelly spoke in support of a ceasefire resolution and stated concerns over Federal funding being used to aid Israel. She spoke about the negative impacts of the war in Gaza.
Abdul, District 7, stated various jurisdictions across the country had adopted ceasefire resolutions and expressed concerns that Council had not considered taking similar action.
9.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Parker spoke about the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency meeting she participated in and about a meeting with the other two Council members who were part of the Henry J. Mello Performing Arts Center Board of Directors Joint Powers Authority. She mentioned other events she attended over the past weeks and highlighted an event in memory of Mas Hashimoto that was held the past Saturday.
Member Montesino spoke about his attendance to the Muzzio Park Community Garden Grand Opening and thanked the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley for their collaboration.
Member Dutra spoke about various events he attended over the past weeks, including Nourish, a partnership between Second Harvest Food Bank and Watsonville Community Hospital, the Mas Hashimoto event, and a meeting with the owners of Vallarta, a new supermarket that would be opening in the City. He thanked members of the public for their attendance and participation at the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco spoke about her attendance to the Muzzio Park Community Garden Grand Opening, mentioned other events she attended, and stated the nomination period for the 22nd Annual César Chávez Community Awards would open soon. She expressed concerns over Council’s direction at the last meeting regarding keeping the registered voter requirement to serve on boards and commissions and stated she would be requesting the original amendments suggested by the City Charter Subcommittee be kept.
Member Dutra stated February was Black History Month and spoke about the contributions made by black people in the community.
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39 Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about her efforts to place a ceasefire resolution on a Council meeting agenda and to hold a Special City Council meeting for the same purpose, and about the importance of having a discussion on the subject. She stated global issues had local impacts and spoke about the effect of the war in Gaza on a personal level.
9.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Zutler stated no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
10. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
10.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
City Manager Mendez stated staff was exploring the possibility of rescheduling the March 12th Council meeting to March 19th.
10.b. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY
Staff report by Kosmont Companies President Ken Hira
In answering Member Clark, Kosmont Companies President Hira spoke about the vacant KMart building in relation to tracking of occupied properties, additional studies of vacant properties, and potential revenue from multi-family housing.
Kosmont Companies President Hira, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about potential benefits of public-private partnerships and private funding.
Assistant City Manager Vides added that elements of the Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan (DWSP) relating to CEQA and environmental impact report requirements for developers created the potential for exploring partnerships with private developers.
Assistant City Manager Vides spoke about the importance of the DWSP and the Economic Development Strategic Plan in working with private developers.
In answering Member Dutra, Assistant City Manager Vides spoke about exploring potential use of a property on Hangar Way for development and about market rate housing projects.
Kosmont Companies President Hira, in answering Member Montesino, spoke about efforts to create time frames around the Economic Development Strategic Plan, including hiring a dedicated staff member to focus on its implementation and exploring growth scenarios should the Airport be closed.
Staff report by Assistant City Manager Vides
Assistant City Manager Vides, in answering Member Clark, spoke about engagement efforts with downtown business owners and the Revolving Loan Program available to small businesses.
In answering Member Montesino, Assistant City Manager Vides spoke about efforts to address parking issues in the downtown area.
Assistant City Manager Vides, in answering Member Parker, stated development opportunities in the City’s industrial zone were being explored.
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40 In answering Member Parker, Kosmont Companies President Hira spoke about exploring properties in the industrial zone for development.
Member Salcido stated it was necessary to streamline processes for new businesses and continue collaborating with business owners.
Member Dutra spoke in support of exploring restoration of historic buildings.
In answering Member Parker, City Manager Mendez stated the Special City Council meeting scheduled for March 23rd would include exploring potential solutions to concerns with homelessness and crime in the downtown area.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco spoke about the importance of accessibility and requested a centralized location for new businesses to access necessary resources.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, Assistant City Manager Vides spoke about connecting the General Plan Update with economic development and exploring potential annexation of property along Lee Road.
City Manager Mendez, in answering Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, spoke about work in progress to explore possibly annexing property on Lee Road and about efforts to integrate Council priorities and community needs in economic development efforts.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, Assistant City Manager Vides spoke about exploring ways to provide assistance with marketing to downtown businesses.
Assistant City Manager Vides, in answering Member Clark, stated the Pájaro Valley Chamber of Commerce was included in their efforts.
10.c. 2023-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
Staff report by Assistant City Manager Vides
In answering Member Dutra, Assistant City Manager Vides spoke about funding and the timeline for construction of the City’s new Nature Center.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
11.a. CONSIDERATION OF COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FY 2022-23 AND MID-YEAR REPORT FOR FY 2023-24
1) Staff Report by Administrative Services Director Duran 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Clark, City Manager Mendez stated grant funding was not currently at risk. He spoke about potential concerns with Measure R funds due to possible changes in tax related State legislation, about the City’s financial outlook and use of funding for homelessness related services.
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41 Assistant City Manager Vides answered Member Clark’s question regarding use of City funds for collaborative efforts with Santa Cruz County to provide homelessness services.
In answering Member Clark, Police Chief Zamora spoke about the duties that would be assigned to the additional Police Service Specialists the department was requesting.
City Manager Mendez answered Member Clark’s question regarding the funding allocation request for a pilot program exploring solutions for homelessness.
In answering Member Montesino, Administrative Services Director Duran spoke about sales tax generated by the City’s car dealerships and about the sidewalk repair program.
Fire Chief Lopez answered Member Montesino’s question regarding the increase in overtime costs for Fire and efforts to fill vacancies.
In answering Member Parker, Fire Chief Lopez and Administrative Services Director Duran spoke about potential revenue generated through participation in the State’s Master Mutual Aid Agreement by sending firefighters to assist in other jurisdictions. Fire Chief Lopez also spoke about challenges due to vacant positions.
Fire Chief Lopez answered Member Salcido’s question regarding vacancies within the department, including retirees and staff on leave.
In answering Member Parker, Library Director Martinez spoke about effects of the pandemic on material check-out levels, about hours of operation, staff, online services, additional funding opportunities, community engagement efforts and various Library programs.
Police Chief Zamora, in answering Member Parker, spoke about possible reasons why service calls had decreased over the past years, the decrease in moving violation citations, current vacancies, and funding for the additional Police Service Specialists being requested.
In answering Member Dutra, Police Chief Zamora spoke about the number of Police officers that were on leave and vacancies.
Police Chief Zamora, in answering Member Parker, spoke about the various reasons overtime costs had increased, challenges with hiring and retaining officers, and exploring ways of increasing successful recruitments.
In answering Member Parker, Administrative Services Director Duran spoke about the City’s CalPERS unfunded liability costs.
City Manager Mendez, in answering Member Parker, stated funding requested to address concerns with homelessness would not be used for Monterey County’s tiny homes project.
In answering Member Parker, Assistant City Manager Vides spoke about the terms of the settlement of a State lawsuit against the opioid crisis and the agreement the City and other jurisdictions entered into with the County of Santa Cruz to administer and utilize the funds due to restrictions on allowed uses and reporting requirements.
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42 Member Parker requested additional information on the agreement Assistant City Manager Vides spoke about, including a report to Council on how the funds were being utilized by the County.
In answering Member Dutra, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg spoke about the timeline for implementation of the City’s Pavement Management Plan and additional pavement repairs along Freedom Boulevard and spoke about how pavement repairs throughout the City were prioritized.
City Manager Mendez, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about reasons for requesting funding for a homelessness pilot program, the need for exploring alternate solutions to having Police officers respond to calls involving homeless persons, and the additional Police Services Specialists requested by the department.
Member Dutra requested the funding for a homelessness pilot program not be allocated until after the Special City Council meeting on exploring solutions for homelessness concerns.
Member Montesino underscored the importance of addressing the homelessness concerns voiced by the community and stated changes could be made to the pilot program if needed.
In answering Member Clark, Police Chief Zamora stated Police officers had the authority to place someone experiencing a mental health crisis on a 72-hour psychiatric hold, but Police Service Specialists did not.
Police Chief Zamora, in answering Member Salcido, spoke about safety and other specialized training received by Police Service Specialists which aided in responding to calls involving homeless persons, and about how it was determined what calls Police Service Specialists could respond to. He also spoke about work being done by Police’s CARE team and the importance of proactiveness.
In answering Member Parker, Administrative Services Director Duran spoke about actual cannabis tax revenues received by the City versus initial projections and stated those revenues were included in the General Fund.
3) Public Comments
Bernie Gomez, District 1, expressed concerns with language used to speak about the homeless population and those suffering mental health and substance abuse issues. He listed concerns with allocating additional funds to Police.
Karina Moreno, County of Santa Cruz Human Services Commissioner, spoke about providing services and support to the homeless population, including exploring the CAHOOTS crisis response model, and spoke in support of not delaying implementation of the homelessness pilot program. She congratulated Mayor Quiroz-Carter and Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco on their appointments.
Yesenia, District 7, expressed concerns over the language being used to describe homeless community members, requested funds be allocated towards providing services, and expressed concerns with criminalization of homeless persons.
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43 4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Member Salcido, and carried by the following vote to approve items 11.a.6. through 11.a.9. listed below.
Member Dutra stated he would support the funding allocation for the homelessness pilot program and requested an action plan be discussed during the Special City Council meeting.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
6) Accept by motion, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY 2022-23 7) Accept by motion, the Mid-Year Financial Report for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year 8) Accept by motion, the Annual Measure Y Audit Report for FY 2022-23 9) RESOLUTION NO. 30-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AMENDING THE 2023-24 BUDGET TO AUTHORIZE $3,735,852 BUDGET
APPROPRIATION INTO VARIOUS FUNDS AND TO AUTHORIZE FOUR ADDITIONAL
POSITIONS
11.b. SAFE FIREARM STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
1) Staff Report by City Attorney Zutler & Police Chief Zamora 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
Member Dutra spoke about the reasons he requested the item be considered by Council, including the safety of young people.
In answering Member Clark, City Attorney Zutler stated that antique, unloaded firearms such as muskets did not fit the definition of “firearm” listed in the ordinance and therefore would not be included.
City Attorney Zutler, in answering Member Clark, read the definition of “locked container” found in the ordinance.
In answering Member Clark, City Attorney Zutler read the definition of “residence” found in the proposed ordinance.
City Attorney Zutler, in answering Member Parker, stated the ordinance could be amended to include tents under the definition of “residence.”
In answering Member Parker, Police Chief Zamora stated there was case law that set precedent for tents to be considered residences.
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44 City Attorney Zutler, in answering Member Salcido, stated similar ordinances had been adopted by jurisdictions across the State and spoke about the differences between State law and the City’s proposed ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco thanked Member Dutra for requesting the item and spoke in support of the ordinance and about the importance of protecting youth and those suffering mental health issues.
3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, and carried by the following vote to introduce the ordinance listed under Item 11.b.6. below, with the changes read into the record by City Attorney Zutler, which were as follows:
Add the phrase “tents, tent-like structures” to the definition of “Residence” under Section 4-
7.06 (a)(4).
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
6) By Motion, Introduce for First Reading, by Title Only, Waiving the Full Reading of the Text, an Ordinance Adding Section 4-7.06 (Safe Firearm Storage) to Chapter 7 (Weapons) of Title 4 (Public Safety) of the Municipal Code Relating to Safe Storage of Firearms
12. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
13. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13.a. CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS SUBMITTED BY
COUNCIL MEMBERS AT PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Staff Report
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about the reasons why she had requested an information item regarding park restrooms.
Member Montesino stated sandwich sign boards could create safety hazards and spoke about the need to keep the downtown area clean.
Member Parker stated additional code enforcement officers were needed to address issues including unpermitted sale of food outside schools and for additional enforcement. 3) Public Input – None
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45 4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Clark, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, and carried by the following vote to schedule an agenda item regarding hours of operation for park restrooms.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
5) MOTION: It was moved by Member Clark, seconded by Member Dutra, and carried by the following vote to schedule agenda items regarding the sign ordinance and code enforcement efforts pertaining to sandwich sign boards and code enforcement efforts in general.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
6) Motion Scheduling an Agenda Item Regarding Code Enforcement Efforts – was included in the previous motion.
13.b. REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Member Montesino requested an item regarding cleaning and maintenance efforts downtown and Citywide.
Member Parker requested a discussion on the impact of homelessness on the community, providing services, and compassionate treatment be included on the agenda for the March 23rd Special City Council meeting.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:56 p.m.
______________________________ __
Vanessa Quiroz-Carter, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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