Vol 66 Min-CC031924
47 MINUTES REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING
AGENCY, & SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
March 19, 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 (arrived at 5:32 p.m.), and Council Members Clark, Dutra (arrived at 4:45 p.m.), Montesino, Parker (arrived at 4:36 p.m.), and Salcido were present.
2. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
2.a. OPPORTUNITY TO WORK PROGRAM COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
3. CLOSED SESSION CORRESPONDENCE
4. CLOSED SESSION
(a) Public Comments
(b) Closed Session Announcement:
The City Council recessed the meeting to discuss the items that follow at 4:47 p.m.:
4.a. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency Negotiators: Rene Mendez, Nathalie Manning, and Marissa Duran Employee organization: International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), and Police Officers Association (POA)
4.b. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(Government Code Section 54957)
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Title: City Manager
City Council Resumed at 6:21 p.m.
5. ROLL CALL
Mayor Quiroz-Carter, Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, and Salcido were present.
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48 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, I.T. Director Gill, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Library Director Martinez, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Assistant Community Development Director Meek, Police Officer Rodriguez, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Jauregui.
5.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) – None
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
7. INFORMATION ITEMS
7.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
7.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
7.c. WRITTEN REPORTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
8. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT
Steve Trujillo, District 7, spoke about gun violence, the importance of securing firearms, in favor of banning assault weapons, and thanked Police for their work to make the City safe for its residents.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco stated she would abstain from voting on Item 8.e. due to serving on the Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance Board of Directors.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Member Montesino, and carried by the following vote to approve the Consent Agenda.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
8.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2024
8.b. RESOLUTION NO. 31-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND CALLING FOR BIDS FOR THE ZONE 2 WATER RESERVOIR AND AIRPORT BOOSTER PUMP STATION MODIFICATION PROJECT, NO.
WA-20-14829, WHICH WILL BE FUNDED FROM THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND
8.c. RESOLUTION NO. 32-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND CAROLLO ENGINEERS, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE FREEDOM SITE
FEASIBILITY STUDY, HISTORIC PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION REPORT, AND DocuSign Envelope ID: CAA9974B-0637-47DD-AA1D-AC27CAB1EA6F Vol 66 Min-CC031924
49 AMENDING THE SCOPE OF WORK, ADDING TO THE COMPENSATION (INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $30,666, FOR A REVISED TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $280,354); AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE SAME
8.d. RESOLUTION NO. 33-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING CONTRACT TO RALPH ANDERSEN & ASSOCIATES, A CORPORATION, FOR A CITYWIDE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION STUDY, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $120,000; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE SAME
8.e. ACCEPT & APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL $260,091 IN BHJIS GRANT FUNDS &
APPROVE AMENDED & NEW CONTRACTS WITH PVPSA, CAB, & MONARCH SERVICES FOR THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM – Removed by Member Clark. See Item 9.
1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ACCEPTING AN ADDITIONAL $260,091 IN GRANT FUNDS FROM THE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH JUSTICE INTERVENTION SERVICES (BHJIS) PROJECT
GRANT FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES (DHCS) TO SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE PLANNING, CAPACITY BUILDING,
STRATEGIC PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
TRAUMA INFORMED MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM; EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT THROUGH MARCH 31, 2025,
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND (0260)
2) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH PAJARO VALLEY
PREVENTION AND STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, A CORPORATION, TO
SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE PLANNING, CAPACITY BUILDING, STRATEGIC PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM, INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $139,091, AND EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT TO MARCH 31, 2025, APPROPRIATING $139,091 TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND (0260); AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME
3) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH COMMUNITY ACTION BOARD OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, INC. A CORPORATION, TO SUPPORT
COLLABORATIVE PLANNING, CAPACITY BUILDING, STRATEGIC PROGRAM
DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY
CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM, INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $40,000, AND EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT THROUGH MARCH 31, 2025, APPROPRIATING $40,000 TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND (0260); AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
THE SAME
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50 4) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH MONARCH SERVICES – SERVICIOS
MONARCA, A CORPORATION, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000, TO
SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE PLANNING, CAPACITY BUILDING, STRATEGIC PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2024, THROUGH MARCH 31, 2025, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME; AND APPROPRIATING $50,000 TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND (0260)
8.f. ORDINANCE NO. 1463-24 (CM)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE 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
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
In answering Member Clark, Police Chief Zamora spoke about the contracts with the nonprofit organizations listed under Item 8.f., their role in Police’s Multi-Disciplinary Critical Incident Response Team, and the process for referring people in need of services.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Member Clark, and carried by the following vote to approve Item 8.f. below.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: MEMBERS: Orozco
8.f. ACCEPT & APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL $260,091 IN BHJIS GRANT FUNDS &
APPROVE AMENDED & NEW CONTRACTS WITH PVPSA, CAB, & MONARCH SERVICES
FOR THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM 1) RESOLUTION NO. 34-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ACCEPTING AN ADDITIONAL $260,091 IN GRANT FUNDS FROM THE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH JUSTICE INTERVENTION SERVICES (BHJIS) PROJECT
GRANT FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES (DHCS) TO SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE PLANNING, CAPACITY BUILDING,
STRATEGIC PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
TRAUMA INFORMED MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM; EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT THROUGH MARCH 31, 2025,
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND (0260)
2) RESOLUTION NO. 35-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
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51 PREVENTION AND STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, A CORPORATION, TO
SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE PLANNING, CAPACITY BUILDING, STRATEGIC PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM, INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $139,091, AND EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT TO MARCH 31, 2025, APPROPRIATING $139,091 TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND (0260); AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME
3) RESOLUTION NO. 36-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH COMMUNITY ACTION BOARD OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, INC. A CORPORATION, TO SUPPORT
COLLABORATIVE PLANNING, CAPACITY BUILDING, STRATEGIC PROGRAM
DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY
CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM, INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $40,000, AND EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT THROUGH MARCH 31, 2025, APPROPRIATING $40,000 TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND (0260); AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
THE SAME
4) RESOLUTION NO. 37-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH MONARCH SERVICES – SERVICIOS
MONARCA, A CORPORATION, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000, TO
SUPPORT COLLABORATIVE PLANNING, CAPACITY BUILDING, STRATEGIC PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2024, THROUGH MARCH 31, 2025, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME; AND APPROPRIATING $50,000 TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND (0260)
10. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS CONTINUED
10.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Takashi, District 7, spoke about City Manager Mendez’s tenure and stated he will be missed.
He requested continued discussions and exploring approval of a ceasefire resolution.
Kirby Harris, District 7, thanked various Parks & Community Services employees for their assistance with clean-up efforts in the district and thanked additional staff for their storm preparedness efforts. She requested signage at McKenzie and Hushbeck Avenues and stated there was deteriorated striping in certain areas of the City. She thanked City Manager Mendez for his work.
Steve Trujillo, District 7, thanked City Manager Mendez for his work and the City for providing him with a free orange tree. He spoke about the importance of allowing Zoom participation and requested Council reconsider their decision to discontinue its use for Council meetings.
Tony Nuñez, District 6, thanked City Manager Mendez for his work and the Council for their support of Watsonville Community Hospital. He stated Measure N, the Pajaro Valley Health DocuSign Envelope ID: CAA9974B-0637-47DD-AA1D-AC27CAB1EA6F Vol 66 Min-CC031924
52 Care District Bond, was close to passing according to unofficial Election results.
Grecia Magaña, District 6, expressed concerns over residents of the Meadow Manors Mobile Home Park being assigned the same size trash containers and spoke about the issues it created. She requested assistance from Council in finding a solution.
Tammy McKrosky, District 6, in regards to Meadows Manor Mobile Home Park, spoke about the issues created by being assigned a trash container that is too large.
Alejandro Mata, District 6, expressed concerns with not being able to select the trash container size appropriate for his needs due to a policy established by Meadows Manor Mobile Home Park for garbage bins.
10.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Dutra spoke in support of the Meadow Manors Mobile Home Park residents and stated staff would explore solutions. He spoke about advocating for funding for City projects at the National League of Cities (NCL)’s Congressional City Conference and his attendance at Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County’s Annual Holiday Food & Funds Drive Awards Dinner.
Member Parker spoke about her participation in a recent Pajaro River Flood Management Agency meeting and reported that levee areas damaged due to flooding last year had been repaired and work would soon begin in other areas. She expressed support for the Meadow Manors Mobile Home Park residents and stated Council would further explore the issue.
Member Montesino congratulated the community for helping Measure N be approved and spoke about his participation at NCL’s Congressional City Conference. He congratulated the Watsonville Film Festival on a successful event.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco spoke about her attendance at Watsonville Film Festival’s More Than Cars exhibition and Second Harvest Food Bank’s Annual Awards Dinner. She congratulated the Hunger Fighters of the Year, spoke about her participation in the Fortaleciendo Familias Community Action Project and thanked Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg for her work.
Member Salcido spoke in support of Measure N.
Member Clark stated he attended a Pajaro Valley Arts Board of Directors meeting and invited the public to their ongoing lowriders art exhibit. He spoke about his attendance at the City’s Employee Awards Dinner and in support of the Meadow Manors Mobile Home Park residents.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about her participation in the Fortaleciendo Familias Community Action Project and Second Harvest Food Bank’s Annual Awards Dinner. She stated she attended NLC’s Congressional City Conference, met with legislators along with other Council members, and toured the Watsonville exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She spoke about her attendance at the City’s Annual Employee Awards Dinner and in support of the Meadow Manors Mobile Home Park residents.
10.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Zutler stated no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
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53 10.d. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE COMMUNITY HEALTH TRUST OF
PAJARO VALLEY & MUZZIO PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN
11. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
11.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
At City Manager Mendez’s request, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg spoke about the new See, Click, Fix reporting tool that residents could utilize to report items needing maintenance throughout the City.
Members Dutra, Parker, Clark, and Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke in support of the new tool.
12. NEW BUSINESS
12.a. DIRECTION ON THE FUTURE OF WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT RUNWAY 9/27 1) Staff Report by Airport Director Williams, Community Development Director Merriam, and Assistant Community Development Director Meek 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Dutra, Community Development Director Merriam spoke about challenges with developing housing in the Buena Vista area.
Airport Director Williams, in answering Member Dutra, stated the pavement of runway 9/27, known as the crosswind runway, would be maintained even if it were to be deactivated. He spoke about the growth of aerial ridesharing services, possible benefits of extending the main runway, and the need for environmental review if any changes were made to the Airport’s runways.
In answering Member Dutra, City Manager Mendez spoke about the importance of exploring all options regarding the future of the Airport and the crosswind runway.
Airport Director Williams, in answering Member Dutra, provided approximate costs to shorten the crosswind runway.
Assistant Community Development Director Meek and Community Development Director Merriam, in answering Member Clark, spoke about Airport safety zones and stated they could not be moved.
In answering Member Salcido, Airport Director Williams stated the crosswind runway’s pavement would still be maintained in the event of its deactivation. He spoke about requirements for corporations and individuals to lease hangars, the percentage of lessees with Watsonville addresses, and potential for extending the length of the main runway.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, Airport Director Williams spoke about the percentage of hangar lessees who resided in Watsonville. He listed potential impacts on educational and training opportunities and events for youth at the Airport with either deactivation or shortening the crosswind runway.
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54 3) Public Input
Judy Gittelsohn spoke about the value of the Airport and requested its runways be extended to allow additional partnerships and opportunities.
Michael Baker, District 4, spoke about the importance of the crosswind runway. He spoke about potential for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding in the future and about the tax revenue generated from aircraft stationed at the Airport.
Sarah Tabor spoke in support of the Young Eagles program, its benefits for participating children, and in support of the crosswind runway.
Jake, Young Eagles member, spoke about his positive experience in the program and stated the crosswind runway provided an alternative when the main runway was not available.
Thomas Dienwiebel, Watsonville Airport Advisory Committee Member, spoke about costs for modifying the crosswind runway, possible challenges with building housing in the Buena Vista area, and Caltrans’ update of their guidelines. He requested the Council wait on deciding on the future of the crosswind runway until more information was available (Submitted handouts to Council).
Barry Porter, Airport tenant, stated there were other areas in the City that could be developed for housing, spoke about the value of the Airport, and stated it did not use City General Funds to operate. He spoke in support of shortening the crosswind runway by 860 feet and requested Council take additional time to examine the information prior to making at a decision.
Ronald Fryn spoke about local businesses’ use of the Airport and stated the Airport should be viewed as an asset.
Jeremy Lezin stated he had utilized runway 9/27 on multiple occasions and requested Council reconsider the option of shortening it by 860 feet.
Tracy Laws, District 7, spoke in support of runway 9/27 being shortened rather than deactivated, stated she had seen the Young Eagles pilots utilize it, and spoke about revenue generated by the Airport. She requested the crosswind runway be left at the length approved by the FAA and cited the Airport Master Plan.
Joseph Laws, District 7, stated he was one of the Young Eagles participants when runway 9/27 had been utilized and benefits of not having to divert to land somewhere else.
Scott Randolph, Airport tenant, stated he had utilized runway 9/27 when the main runway was unavailable.
Allan Grantz spoke about safety considerations, landing on runway 9/27 due to foggy conditions, and potential hazards of not having that runway as an option. He stated pilots in non-emergency situations would not land on deactivated runways.
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55 Orry Korb, Airport tenant, spoke about California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) considerations, safety issues, and challenges with potential housing development opportunities with shortening or deactivating the crosswind runway. He stated Council could not make such a decision without first conducing an environmental review.
Tony Nuñez, District 6, spoke in support of deactivating the crosswind runway, increasing Regional Housing Needs Allocation numbers, and the need for additional housing.
Derick Hernandez Diaz, student pilot at the Airport, spoke in support of the 9/27 runway and about the positive impact of the training he was receiving to help him explore aviation as a career choice.
George Hernandez, District 4, spoke about challenges with building housing near the Airport, about available commercial space in the downtown area, in support of the crosswind runway staying open, and about opportunities to maximize use of the Airport.
Jaret, District 4 spoke in opposition of deactivating runway 9/27 and about the Airport as an asset, especially during emergency situations.
Kathy Julia spoke about her experience as a pilot and about the importance of the Young Eagles program which provided opportunities for kids of all backgrounds. She expressed support for keeping runway 9/27 functional.
Maximilian Fedasko stated there were other options available for housing developments and spoke in support of keeping runway 9/27 intact or shortening it if necessary.
Theresa Byers, District 5, spoke about the benefits of the Young Eagles program, including scholarship opportunities and other programs offered to youth. She expressed support for maintaining the Airport intact.
Christopher Laws, District 7, spoke in support of keeping runway 9/27 functional for safety reasons and about the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) providing education opportunities for youth to explore aviation.
Ryan Ramirez, Watsonville Pilots Association President, spoke about landing challenges presented by the marine layer and the importance of the crosswind runway as an alternative when the main runway was not available. He stated deactivating the crosswind runway would not open a considerable amount of land for development.
Malcolm Jack spoke about potential future opportunities with the Airport, about Joby Aviation and about electric automated aviation services.
Bryan Meek, District 7, stated reactivating the crosswind runway would be difficult and expressed concerns with possible development of housing in the Buena Vista area.
Justin White, K & D Landscaping Chief Executive Officer, spoke about their use of the Airport and requested additional investment in the Airport. He stated there were other options for commercial development.
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56 Greg Gatland stated the Airport was an asset and asked Council to take additional time to study relevant information before making a decision. He spoke in opposition to deactivating the crosswind runway.
Oscar Rios, District 5, spoke about the urban limit line, the General Plan, challenges with growth, the importance of agriculture and housing, and in support of deactivating runway 9/27.
Mercedes Eulitt, Watsonville Airport Advisory Committee Member, expressed concerns over the quality of housing that could be built near the Airport and asked Council to consider the future of Watsonville and its youth.
Jesus Vega, District 2, spoke in support of the Airport and exploring other options for developing housing. He requested developers be required to hire Watsonville residents and provide apprenticeship opportunities.
Lowell Hurst, District 3, listed concerns with the crosswind runway, stated there were challenges with developing housing for various reasons, and stated deactivation or shortening of runway 9/27 was necessary.
Jotham Fisher-Smith spoke about potential growth of the aviation field, work done by Joby Aviation, and about loss of opportunities without support for the Airport.
Monike Tone, Watsonville/Pajaro Homeless Union President, inquired about the cost of the land at the Airport should it be closed and spoke about uses of the Airport for military purposes and emergency situations.
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Member Salcido to give direction to staff to explore deactivating the crosswind runway, 9/27. 5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Montesino listed his reasons for supporting deactivation of the runway, including the need for housing and challenges faced by many members of the community to obtain adequate housing.
Member Salcido thanked all members of the public who spoke and stated it was necessary to find the greatest opportunity for housing. She expressed continued support for the Airport.
In answering Member Clark, Airport Director Williams spoke about CEQA considerations and conducting environmental review in the event of runway 9/27’s shortening or deactivation.
Community Development Director Merriam, in answering Member Clark, spoke about the CEQA process and how it was determined if project benefits outweighed environmental impacts and if mitigation measures were necessary. She added Council would make those determinations.
In answering Member Clark, City Manager Mendez spoke about the amount received by the City from taxes collected by Santa Cruz County on aircraft stationed at the Airport.
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57 Member Dutra spoke in support of the Airport and about the importance of compromising about the future of the Airport. He requested information regarding shortening the runway by 860 feet and stated development near the Airport was challenging due to constant lawsuits.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about the importance of growth opportunities, the need for revenue, challenges with development due to the urban limit line, and providing housing at all income levels.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco spoke about the importance of dignified housing for all residents.
In answering Member Parker, Community Development Director Merriam and Assistant Community Development Director Meek spoke about the number of residential units and commercial square footage that would become available with shortening or deactivation of runway 9/27, about alternative combinations of residential and commercial units by possible zoning amendments.
Member Dutra spoke about the impact of e-commerce on traditional shops and stated there were available commercial spaces in the downtown area. He expressed concerns with recently approved housing developments not serving City residents due to funding source restrictions and spoke about the need for workforce housing.
Member Montesino stated housing for all income levels was necessary.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco spoke about partnerships with various organizations to explore workforce housing opportunities.
In answering Member Clark, Airport Director Wiliams stated there was no deadline from the FAA for deciding on the future of runway 9/27.
Member Clark spoke about potential for rezoning and maximizing available vacant properties.
In answering Member Dutra, Airport Director Williams, spoke about options for pilots in the event runway 9/27 was deactivated, the age at which student pilots were allowed to fly solo, and pilots utilizing their judgement to determine safety for landing.
Member Dutra expressed concerns with deactivating runway 9/27 due to safety considerations, especially for student pilots.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Montesino, Orozco, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Parker
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
13 EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
14. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
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58 Member Dutra requested an item to explore implementation of a parking permit pilot program.
The meeting was adjourned into Closed Session at 9:43 p.m.
The Council reconvened at 9:49 p.m. and City Attorney Zutler reported that no reportable action was taken during the Closed Session.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
______________________________ __
Vanessa Quiroz-Carter, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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