Vol 66 Min-CC042324
87 MINUTES
REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
April 23, 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 4:38 p.m.), and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino (arrived at 4:52 p.m.), Parker, and Salcido (arrived at 4:40 p.m.) were present.
2. CLOSED SESSION CORRESPONDENCE
3. CLOSED SESSION
(a) Public Comments
(b) Closed Session Announcement:
The City Council recessed the meeting to discuss the items that follow.
3.a. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(Government Code Section 54957)
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT APPOINTMENT
Title: City Manager
3.b. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency negotiators: Rene Mendez, Nathalie Manning, and Marissa Duran Employee organizations: Police Officers Association (POA) and Public Safety MidManagement City Council Resumed at 5:30 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Quiroz-Carter, Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino (arrived at 5:33 pm.), Parker, and Salcido were present.
Staff members present were City Manager Mendez, City Attorney Zutler, City Clerk Ortiz, DocuSign Envelope ID: B368B48D-9CCF-4941-80D4-C679DFA6FF3C Vol 66 Min-CC042324
88 Assistant City Manager Vides, 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 Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes, Parks Superintendent Medina, Water Division Manager Kayser, Police Officer Pisturino, Police Officer Travers, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Jauregui.
4.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) – If Any
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6. INFORMATION ITEMS
6.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
6.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
6.c. CEIBA QUARTERLY UPDATE REPORTS
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Quiroz-Carter read the following statement regarding Item 7.g.:
California Government Code Section 54953(c)(3) requires the City to report an oral summary prior to taking action on executive compensation. This is that summary. Item 7g includes approval of an atwill employment agreement for Tamara Vides as Interim City Manager. The recommended salary is $247,200 with a maximum annual contribution to deferred compensation of $5,000. The contract provides for other economic benefits, including longevity pay, vacation, sick leave, administrative leave, health benefits, and bilingual pay, as described in the Compensation and Benefits Plan for the Executive Team.
PUBLIC INPUT
Aurelio Gonzalez, District 2, spoke in support of Item 7.g., appointing Assistant City Manager Vides as Interim City Manager. He spoke about her work during the Covid-19 pandemic and her qualifications to serve in the position.
Takashi Mizuno, District 7, stated he agreed with Mr. Gonzalez’s statement.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Member Montesino, to approve the Consent Agenda.
In regard to Item 7.b., Member Dutra requested larger print on the utility bills mailed to residents.
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
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89 7.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF APRIL 4 & 9, 2024
7.b. RESOLUTION NO. 60-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE PURCHASING OFFICER TO ISSUE REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR THE UTILITY BILL ONLINE, PRINT AND MAILING SERVICES, ESTIMATED COST OF $400,000 FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS BUDGETED IN THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND AND ADOPTED IN THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023- 2024
7.c. RESOLUTION NO. 61-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH INFOSEND INC, A CORPORATION, FOR
PROCESSING AND PRINTING CITY UTILITY BILLS, MAILING, AND ONLINE BILL
SERVICES, INCREASING COMPENSATION FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $35,000, EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM TO JUNE 30, 2024; AND AUTHORIZING
AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME (FUNDED FROM THE
WATER, WASTEWATER AND SOLID WASTE ENTERPRISE FUNDS)
7.d. RESOLUTION NO. 62-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 TO A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND TOP LINE ENGINEERS, INC., A CORPORATION,
ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK AND INCREASING COMPENSATION, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $433,605; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER
7.e. RESOLUTION NO. 63-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE ORDER WITH MCLAUGHLIN WASTE EQUIPMENT INC.,
A CORPORATION, FOR THE PURCHASE OF SOLID WASTE CONTAINERS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $183,081; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE PURCHASING AGREEMENT (FUNDED FROM THE SOLID WASTE FUND [0740])
7.f. RESOLUTION NO. 64-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ACCEPTING
THE OFFICE PLANNING AND RESEARCH REGIONAL RESILIENCE GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $649,335 FOR THE MONTEREY BAY ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING ROADMAP; AUTHORIZING CITY
MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE A STANDARD AGREEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO; AND ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND
APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS TO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND
7.g. RESOLUTION NO. 65-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPOINTING
TAMARA VIDES INTERIM CITY MANAGER AND APPROVING AT WILL EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
7.h. RESOLUTION NO. 66-24 (CM)
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90 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
SIDE LETTER TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND THE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FOR FISCAL YEARS 2022- 2025
7.i. RESOLUTION NO. 67-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPOINTING
DON BROWN TO THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
8. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
9. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
9.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Aurelio Gonzalez, District 2, thanked Member Montesino for his efforts as a Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation (SCCRTC) Commissioner and speaking against the delay of building a rail trail that would serve Watsonville. He encouraged the Council to send a letter to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in support of the rail and trail concept and stated grant funding had not benefited South County.
Takashi Mizuno, District 7, read excerpts from an essay written by a young person living in Gaza. He requested Council’s support for approval of a ceasefire resolution.
Barry Scott thanked Member Montesino for voting in support of the rail trail during a recent SCCRTC meeting. He expressed concerns with the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors not approving construction of segments of the rail trail and potential loss of available grant funding. He encouraged the Council to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors expressing support for construction of the rail trail.
Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes invited the Council and public to attend the first Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting on May 1st. He spoke about the updated Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan and about the purpose of the Traffic Advisory Committee.
9.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about meetings and events she attended over the past weeks.
She highlighted Pajaro Valley Education Foundation’s (PVEF) Spring Fling at Jalisco Restaurant and the Polynesian cultural event at the Youth Center. She invited the public to attend the Fashion Cares event hosted by Queen’s Shoes. She encouraged youth to reach out to her and become involved in the community.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco spoke about her participation at PVEF’s Spring Fling and at Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County’s Community Impact Awards, where she presented proclamations to award recipients.
Member Montesino spoke about his participation at SCCRTC’s meeting. He expressed concerns with South County not receiving funding for a rail trail, stated he was advoking for funding, and spoke about the expiration of Measure D funds.
Member Parker stated she had attended various meetings. She expressed concerns that the DocuSign Envelope ID: B368B48D-9CCF-4941-80D4-C679DFA6FF3C Vol 66 Min-CC042324
91 rail trail was not first built in South County and about grant funding not being invested in South County.
Member Salcido recognized Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County for hosting their Second Annual Prom Dress and Suit Collection Giveaway. She spoke about potential for the City to participate in the event in the future.
9.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Zutler stated a Closed Session was held and no reportable action was taken on Item 3.b. Mayor Quiroz-Carter verified that no reportable action was taken on Item 3.a.
10. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
10.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
City Manager Mendez stated the application period for Summer in the City would close the following week and spoke about various City streets that were being restriped. He stated Congresswoman Lofgren would present a check to the City for improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant at an upcoming event.
10.b. PRESENTATION ON THE 34-UNIT HOUSING NAVIGATION TINY VILLAGE PROJECT AT
THE WESTVIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
A presentation was given by Monterey County Homeless Services Director Roxanne Wilson and County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department Deputy Director Kimberly Peterson
In answering Member Dutra, Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson spoke about community meetings with neighboring residents and about enforcement of the proposed Good Neighbor Policy. She spoke about Monterey County’s success with programs addressing homelessness and underscored the importance of collaboration among the City, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties.
County of Santa Cruz Human Services Deputy Director Peterson, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about the wraparound services and support that would be provided as part of the Tiny Village Project. She stated there had been a funding request to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to support navigation centers and prevention services.
In answering Member Parker, Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson spoke about the grant funding awarded for the project, how it would be utilized, reasons the project would not be located in Monterey County, and use of funds by year. She spoke about efforts to obtain funding to cover the entirety of the second year of operation and beyond.
County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department Deputy Director Peterson, in answering Member Parker, spoke about efforts to seek funding for homeless services, including the Tiny Village project. She spoke about challenges to secure funds and advocacy with the State for stable funding.
In answering Member Parker, Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson stated an agreement with Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County was being prepared for site management. She spoke about reasons HomeFirst was no longer being considered as a site manager.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B368B48D-9CCF-4941-80D4-C679DFA6FF3C Vol 66 Min-CC042324
92 Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson, in answering Member Montesino, spoke about efforts to engage with neighboring residents to address their concerns regarding the project.
Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson, in answering Member Salcido, spoke about cameras and overnight security for the project. She provided details regarding the Good Neighbor Policy, its content, preparation, purpose, and enforcement.
An oral presentation was given by Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB) Assistant Director Helen Ewan-Storey and CAB Programs and Impact Director Paz Padilla.
Member Salcido requested a draft of the Good Neighbor Policy and spoke about the importance of the security of the residents of the project and neighbors in the surrounding areas.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco spoke in support of the project and the wraparound services that would be provided. She thanked everyone involved in the project for taking Council’s and residents’ concerns and suggestions into consideration.
In answering Member Clark, Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson spoke about providing low barrier housing while encouraging residents of the tiny homes to pursue long-term housing goals. She spoke about Monterey County’s success with providing services and long-term housing through Project Roomkey.
Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson, in answering Member Clark, spoke about the potential for developing a policy requiring residents of the tiny village to receive services. She addressed concerns regarding the allowable time frame for staying at a shelter per the City’s ordinance.
In answering Member Clark, CAB Assistant Director Ewan-Storey spoke about engagement with the City Manager’s Office and the Community Development Department regarding their potential involvement in the project. She provided details regarding the training that would be provided for the staff that would manage the project.
County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department Deputy Director Peterson addressed Member Clark’s earlier question regarding challenges with restrictions on shelter stays.
In answering Member Clark, Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson spoke about ongoing efforts to communicate with residents that lived near the project.
County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department Deputy Director Peterson, in answering Member Clark, stated the County had approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Monterey County regarding the project in March. She spoke about funding challenges for other shelters in the County.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about potential State funding to continue addressing homelessness.
11. NEW BUSINESS
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93 11.a. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE URBAN FORESTRY
MANAGEMENT PLAN
1) Staff Report by Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib and Parks Superintendent Medina. Watsonville Wetlands Watch Executive Director Jonathan Pilch and Davey Resource Group Principal Consultant Tina McKeand were also present.
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Mayor Quiroz-Carter, Parks Superintendent Medina and Principal Consultant McKeand spoke about requirements to become part of Tree City USA.
Watsonville Wetlands Watch Executive Director Pilch, in answering Member Montesino, spoke about efforts to ensure planting of appropriate tree species, adequate spacing, and proactive maintenance.
In answering Member Montesino, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib stated the proposed Urban Forestry Management Plan was only for Watsonville. He spoke about plans to plant trees at Ramsay Park as part of the Renaissance Project.
Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, in answering Member Parker, spoke about heritage and memorial trees in the City Plaza. He spoke about proposed amendments to the ordinance regarding trees and stated they would provide estimated fees for tree removal on residential properties for Council to consider.
Member Dutra expressed concerns with the possibility of establishing a policy for regulating private property tree planting and removal. He spoke against imposing a fee for tree removal on private property.
3) Public Input
Sally-Christine Rodgers spoke in support of Watsonville Wetlands Watch and about the positive impact of having a thriving tree canopy in the City. She spoke about encouraging developers to plant trees.
Aurelio Gonzalez, District 2, spoke about the past removal of a tree due to safety concerns. He spoke about his efforts to increase the tree canopy during his tenure on the Council and stated it was important to mitigate loss of trees in the City.
Ilia Bulaich, District 1, spoke about the City’s previous efforts to implement fees for tree removal on private property. He expressed concerns with potential implementation of fees in the near future.
Victor Marani recommended the City engage with Pajaro Valley Unified School District to celebrate Arbor Day. He expressed concerns with some tree species causing damage to sidewalks and property.
4) MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, seconded by Member Montesino, to approve Item 11.a.6. listed below.
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
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94 Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco spoke in support of the young adult job training program included in the Urban Forestry Management Plan. She requested information regarding potential effects of the Plan on residents adding accessory dwelling units to their properties.
Member Dutra thanked Watsonville Wetlands Watch Executive Director Pilch for his past efforts to remove non-native trees and clean up landscaping in District 4. He requested native and sustainable trees be planted.
Member Salcido thanked the members of the public who spoke on the item. She requested staff collaborate with the City Attorney to analyze potential effects of adopting fees for tree removal.
Member Montesino spoke in support of the Urban Forestry Management Plan.
Member Parker spoke about balancing the need for a tree canopy with property owners’ rights in an effort to have the community support the Urban Forestry Management Plan.
Principal Consultant McKeand, in response to Member Parker’s earlier question, stated there were currently 118 redwood trees in the City’s public property.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter encouraged the public to look at the resources regarding trees and tree care mentioned during the presentation.
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
6) RESOLUTION NO. 68-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ADOPTING THE WATSONVILLE URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN 2024
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
12.a. CITY CHARTER AMENDMENTS AS PROPOSED BY THE CITY CHARTER SUBCOMMITTEE – FINAL HEARING
1) Staff Report by City Clerk Ortiz
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Dutra, City Attorney Zutler spoke about the process for preparing the first proposed Charter amendment ballot question and stated changes could be made if necessary.
Member Salcido provided suggestions regarding clarifying some of the language in the first ballot question.
In answering Member Parker, City Attorney Zutler stated the term “qualified elector” in the DocuSign Envelope ID: B368B48D-9CCF-4941-80D4-C679DFA6FF3C Vol 66 Min-CC042324
95 second ballot question could be changed to make it easier for the public to understand. 3) Public Comments
Maria Cadenas, Santa Cruz Community Ventures Executive Director, expressed concerns with separating the proposal to amend the Charter to allow residents not registered to vote to be appointed to certain boards and commissions. She spoke about local and State inclusion policies and spoke about the importance of being inclusive with appointments to boards and commissions.
Mary Magaña-Ayala, Ventures Semillitas Program Coordinator, spoke about the program and expressed support for allowing all City residents to serve on boards and commissions regardless of voter registration status. She spoke about injustices faced by undocumented immigrants and stated there were opportunities for increasing civic engagement by allowing non-registered voter residents to serve on boards and commissions.
Victor Marani expressed concerns with the language on the ballot measure related to adjustment of the Mayor’s salary and spoke about costs of placing two measures on the ballot. He requested Council be cautious, take cost into consideration, and be more specific with some of the language on the measures.
In response to Mr. Marani’s comments, City Attorney Zutler stated the Brown Act required an oral summary of increases to compensation for executive positions, but that did not apply to Council compensation.
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Member Parker, to accept the proposed ballot questions with the following changes:
Measure #1: Rearrange the order of the language and place “clarify staff positions” and “update qualifications and duties of the City Manager” at the beginning of the ballot question.
Measure #2: Change the term “qualified elector” to “registered voter.” 5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco spoke about compromise during the Charter amendment process. She expressed support for the original recommendation of allowing any resident, whether registered to vote or not, to be appointed to boards and commissions. She stated most cities listed in a poll included in the staff report did not require voter registration to serve on boards and commissions.
Members Dutra and Montesino thanked the Charter Subcommittee members and the rest of the Council for their efforts.
Member Parker spoke about Watsonville being a Charter City and not a General Law City.
She spoke about the importance of residents voting.
Member Salcido thanked those who spoke on the item and thanked Ms. Cadenas for providing her with perspective. She spoke about Council’s efforts to arrive at a compromise on the proposed amendments and about the work of the Subcommittee.
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96 Mayor Quiroz-Carter stated she was not in support of the second ballot measure. She spoke about the importance of allowing all residents to be appointed to boards and commissions regardless of voter registration status.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: Quiroz-Carter
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
12. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
13. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Member Montesino requested an item regarding the installation of stop signs versus roundabouts. He also requested an item regarding a parking management plan.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
______________________________ __
Vanessa Quiroz-Carter, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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