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MINUTES
REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
May 28, 2024
City of Watsonville
Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
4:45 p.m.
Prior to the arrival of Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, City Clerk Ortiz called the meeting to order and took roll call pursuant to Municipal Code Section 2-1.107.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco (arrived at 4:55 p.m.) and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino, and Parker, were present. Mayor Quiroz-Carter and Member Salcido were absent.
With the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore absent at the beginning of the meeting, City Clerk Ortiz called for appointment of a temporary chair pursuant to Municipal Code Section 2-1.107.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Member Clark and carried by the following vote to appoint Member Parker as temporary Chair to conduct the meeting.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker
NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Orozco, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter
2. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
2.a. CALTRANS PROJECT UPDATE BY CALTRANS DISTRICT 5 PROJECT MANAGER
MADILYN JACOBSEN
Design Manager Kyle Birch, Associate Transportation Planner, Santa Cruz County Regional Planning Liaison Paul Guirguis, Design Manager Jeff Payne, and Transportation Engineer Paul Sereno were also present.
Member Dutra suggested adding lighting and additional improvements to the crosswalk on Hushbeck Avenue and East Lake Avenue to address safety concerns.
In answering Member Dutra, Project Manager Jacobsen spoke about the potential for improving lighting in certain areas of the City through Caltrans projects. She spoke about the timeline for installation of strawberry shaped bike racks throughout the City.
Design Manager Birch, in answering Member Dutra, stated an additional traffic study would be conducted to assess the effects of lane reductions on Main Street. He spoke about potential ways to address increased traffic.
In answering Member Montesino, Project Manager Jacobsen spoke about opportunities to DocuSign Envelope ID: DC15FD16-2131-45B5-81CC-807B7A3F8FF4 Vol 66 Min-CC052824
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accelerate lane reductions on Main Street. She spoke about the construction of a pedestrian bridge on Harkins Slough Road.
Design Manager Birch, in answering Member Montesino, stated Caltrans was actively exploring funding for additional improvements around Struve Slough to address safety issues due to the lack of a proper sidewalk.
In answering Member Parker, Project Manager Jacobsen stated a Citywide landscape maintenance agreement for current projects was being developed.
Design Manager Birch, in answering Member Parker, spoke about collaboration among Caltrans and the City, and road maintenance responsibilities.
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 5:15 p.m.
4.a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9(a))
Pending Litigation pursuant to subdivision (d)(1):
1. Name of case: Corrales, et al v State of California, et al - Santa Cruz Superior Court (Case No. 23CV03022)
2. Name of case: Willoughby Farms, Inc. v County of Monterey, et al - Monterey County Superior Court (Case No. 24CV000904)
3. Name of case: Clint Miller Farms, Inc. v State of California, et al - Monterey County Superior Court (Case No. 24CV001269)
4.b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (d)(2) of Section 54956.9: [1 Case] City Council Resumed at 5:41 p.m.
5. ROLL CALL
Mayor Quiroz-Carter (arrived at 6:31 p.m.), Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, and Salcido (arrived at 6:27 p.m.) were present.
Staff members present were Interim City Manager Vides, City Attorney Zutler, City Clerk Ortiz, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg, Police Chief Zamora, Fire Chief Lopez, DocuSign Envelope ID: DC15FD16-2131-45B5-81CC-807B7A3F8FF4 Vol 66 Min-CC052824
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Administrative Services Director Duran, I.T. Director Gill, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Library Director Martinez, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes, Assistant Community Development Director Meek, Housing Manager Landaverry, Principal Planner Orbach, Associate Planner Carmona, Police Officer Pisturino, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Landaverry.
5.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S)
MOTION: It was moved by Member Clark, seconded by Member Salcido and carried by the following vote to excuse Mayor Quiroz-Carter and Member Salcido’s absences.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker
NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Salcido, Quiroz-Carter
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
7. INFORMATION ITEMS
7.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
7.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
8. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT – None
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco announced that Items 8.f. and 8.k. would be removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered at a future meeting.
At Member Clark’s request, Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco removed Item 8.n. from the Consent Agenda, to be considered under Item 9.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Member Clark to approve the Consent Agenda.
Interim City Manager Vides stated a bid protest was received for Item 8.f., which staff would analyze prior to bringing the item back for Council’s consideration.
MOTION: The above motion was carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker
NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Salcido, Quiroz-Carter
8.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF MAY 14, 2024
8.b. RESOLUTION NO. 86-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING DocuSign Envelope ID: DC15FD16-2131-45B5-81CC-807B7A3F8FF4 Vol 66 Min-CC052824
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PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND CALLING FOR BIDS FOR THE KLASSEN PRESSURE REDUCING STATION, NO. WA-22-14998 (ESTIMATED COST OF $330,000
WILL BE FUNDED FROM THE WATER AND SEWER ENTERPRISE FUNDS)
8.c. RESOLUTION NO. 87-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND CALLING FOR BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
THE MIDDLE STRUVE SLOUGH HABITAT AND WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
8.d. RESOLUTION NO. 88-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
AUTHORIZING RE-ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE WWTF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAZARD MITIGATION PROJECT, NO. WW-22-14797 WITHOUT APPLYING THE
PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT, PURSUANT TO WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 7-17.03
8.e. RESOLUTION NO. 89-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CLARK BROS., INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE ZONE 2 WATER RESERVOIR AND AIRPORT BOOSTER PUMP STATION MODIFICATION PROJECT, NO. WA-22-14829 IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,999,000; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME; AND AUTHORIZING A BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF $6,884,400 FROM THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND [0720] ($4,850,000 OF THE TOTAL PROJECT COST WILL BE
REIMBURSED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES GRANT FUND)
8.f. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CLARK BROS., INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE WATER WELL NO. 4 PUMP STATION, PROJECT NO. WA-22-14557, IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,160,000; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME; AND AUTHORIZING A BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF $530,000 FROM THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND – Item moved to a future meeting.
8.g. RESOLUTION NO. 90-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
SECOND 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, INCREASING COMPENSATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,000, FOR A REVISED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $285,000; EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM TO JUNE 30, 2025; AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
8.h. RESOLUTION NO. 91-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH BOWMAN & WILLIAMS, INC., A
CORPORATION, AMENDING THE SCOPE OF WORK AND EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM TO JUNE 30, 2026, FOR THE LAKE AVENUE UNDERGROUNDING PROJECT, DocuSign Envelope ID: DC15FD16-2131-45B5-81CC-807B7A3F8FF4 Vol 66 Min-CC052824
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AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
8.i. RESOLUTION NO. 92-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING A
CONTRACT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND WALLACE GROUP, INC., A CORPORATION, TO PERFORM CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE WATER WELL NO. 4 PUMP STATION, PROJECT NO. WA-22-14557, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $420,187;
AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
8.j. RESOLUTION NO. 93-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING BID TO SYNAGRO-WWT, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE BIOSOLIDS LOADING, TRANSPORTATION, AND LAND APPLICATION PROJECT, NO. WW-24-04-QB IN THE AMOUNT OF $646,020.00; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT ($646,020.00 WILL BE FUNDED FROM THE WASTEWATER ENTERPRISE FUND [710-530-7361])
8.k. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO CAROLLO ENGINEERS, INC., A
CORPORATION, FOR HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM TREATMENT PRELIMINARY DESIGN REPORT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $746,558; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME; AND AUTHORIZING A BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF $498,558 FROM THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND [0720] – Item moved to a future meeting.
8.l. RESOLUTION NO. 94-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND LANDCO HILLCREST, LLC., REGARDING A COVENANT RUNNING WITH THE LAND, STORMWATER
CONTROL MEASURES, STORMWATER TREATMENT AND DETENTION FACILITY
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT, AND RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR THE
HILLCREST ESTATES SUBDIVISION AND AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
8.m. RESOLUTION NO. 95-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING A FOUR-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF JUNE 1, 2024, BETWEEN THE CITY
OF WATSONVILLE AND ARTT PAINT SUPPLIES, LLC, A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, FOR THE USE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 240 AIRPORT BOULEVARD, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, COMMENCING ON JUNE 1, 2024, AND ENDING ON MAY 31, 2028; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
8.n. A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, AND
CITY COUNCIL ACTING AS THE SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY ADOPTING THE WATSONVILLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM 2024 INCOME, RENT AND SALES
PRICE LIMITS FOR THE CITY'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM AND ESTABLISHING THE WATSONVILLE MEDIAN SALES PRICE AS $770,076 – Removed from Consent Agenda. See Item 9.
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8.o. RESOLUTION NO. 96-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE FIXING DATE AND TIME AS JUNE 11 AND JUNE 25, 2024, AT 6:30 P.M. FOR A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AND
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO GIVE NOTICE THEREOF
8.p. RESOLUTION NO. 97-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPOINTING
INTERIM CITY MANAGER TAMARA VIDES AS MEMBER TO THE OPERATIONS BOARD
OF DIRECTORS FOR CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY ENERGY FORMERLY KNOWN AS
MONTEREY BAY COMMUNITY POWER
8.q. RESOLUTION NO. 98-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPOINTING
CELESTE DEWALD TO THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION
8.r RESOLUTION NO. 99-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE CONFIRMING
AND CLARIFYING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL HAS DIRECTED STAFF TO INITIATE THE PROCESSES FOR POTENTIAL DEACTIVATION OF MUNICIPAL AIRPORT RUNWAY 9/27 (CROSSWIND RUNWAY), AND HAS NOT DECIDED TO DEACTIVATE OR COMMITTED
TO DEACTIVATING THE CROSSWIND RUNWAY
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
8.n. A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, AND
CITY COUNCIL ACTING AS THE SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY ADOPTING THE WATSONVILLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM 2024 INCOME, RENT AND SALES
PRICE LIMITS FOR THE CITY'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM AND ESTABLISHING THE WATSONVILLE MEDIAN SALES PRICE AS $770,076 In answering Member Clark, Housing Manager Landaverry spoke about the timeline for preparing the Affordable Housing Program income, rent, sales, and price limits. He spoke about fluctuating mortgage rates, median income, and the assessed value of affordable housing units.
Member Clark expressed his concerns with the potential negative impact of the proposed interest rates and requested the item be brought back to Council with additional information at a future meeting.
Housing Manager Landaverry, in addressing Member Parker’s concerns, stated the current Affordable Housing limits would remain in place should Council not adopt the suggested updates.
Interim City Manager Vides, in answering Member Parker, stated additional information could be provided to the Council at a future meeting.
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In answering Member Montesino, Housing Manager Landaverry spoke about possible impacts of Council not adopting updated Affordable Housing limits.
Member Clark spoke about potential issues with decreased value of affordable housing units and the impact on development.
In answering Member Dutra, Housing Manager Landaverry stated he did not believe interest rates would decrease soon. He spoke about the effects of adopting the updated Affordable Housing Program guidelines on residents and developers. He provided an explanation regarding the median sales price and possible effects in various scenarios.
Housing Manager Landaverry, in answering Member Clark, spoke about the City’s options for managing its existing affordable housing units.
Member Parker requested a comparison of the national and local mortgage rates.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Member Dutra, and failed by the following vote to approve Item 8.n.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Montesino, Orozco
NOES: MEMBERS: Clark, Parker
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Salcido, Quiroz-Carter
2.b. CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY ENERGY ANNUAL PRESENTATION BY 3CE CHIEF
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER STEDMAN
In answering Member Montesino, Chief Communications Officer Stedman spoke about community programs to incentivize residents to switch to electric vehicles.
Member Dutra stated he was looking forward to future investment from 3CE into Watsonville.
10. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
10.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Takashi Mizuno, District 7, spoke about his advocacy in favor of 3CE. He spoke about a town hall meeting regarding ethnic studies in Pájaro Valley Unified School District’s (PVSUD) curriculum. He read a statement prepared by the event organizers explaining the reasons Member Clark was not permitted to attend. (He submitted a copy of the statement for distribution to the Council.)
Maria Elena De la Garza, Community Action Board Santa Cruz County (CAB) Chief Executive Officer, spoke about CAB’s programs, their positive impact in the community, and stated May was Community Action Month.
Clauda Magallon, CAB Immigration Project Directing Attorney, spoke about the importance of the program and its services. She gave an example of a resident that had benefited from CAB’s assistance in obtaining citizenship
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Cristina Vigil, District 1, spoke about negative experiences with homeless people in her neighborhood and stated she and her neighbors were against the proposed homeless shelter planned for the area.
Catalina Torres, District 1, spoke about her negative experience in reaching out to the Santa Cruz County District 4 Supervisor to express her concerns with the tiny homes project and requested assistance from the Council. She asked for the project to obtain proper permits before moving forward. She expressed other concerns with the project. (She submitted a petition signed by residents to the Council.)
10.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Dutra expressed concerns with the lack of information received by the Council regarding the tiny homes project and requested a presentation from City staff. He wished everyone a happy Memorial Day and thanked all those who had served in the military.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about events she attended over the past weeks. She highlighted a dance recital held in the Henry J. Mello Center, where she presented a proclamation to Dr.
Gina DeShera and a press conference held by the Coalition for Organic & Regenerative Agriculture (CORA), where local farmers were urged to stop using pesticides. She stated she would be traveling to the Netherlands with other City representatives to study bicycle infrastructure.
Member Montesino requested support from the Council and community in advocating for South County to receive its share of funding for the rail trail during the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s (RTC) board meeting the following week.
Member Parker expressed agreement with Member Montesino’s comments regarding South County not receiving sufficient funding for the rail trail. She stated her disagreement with restricting attendance at town hall meetings. She spoke about the lack of information and opportunities for Council to provide input regarding the tiny homes project.
Member Salcido expressed her concerns regarding the burglary that occurred at a cannabis dispensary and the level of risk for responding officers. She spoke about the importance of public safety and accountability for cannabis facilities.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco expressed agreement with Member Salcido’s concerns. She spoke about her participation at Pájaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance’s (PVPSA) board meeting, the Pájaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club (PVCCDC), and PVPSA’s Heroes in Prevention Awards.
10.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Zutler stated the report would be given after Council considered the remaining item on the Closed Session agenda.
10.d. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING WOMEN, INFANTS, CHILDREN (WIC) PROGRAM’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
10.e. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE TOBERA PROJECT
10.f. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NAMI SANTA CRUZ COUNTY DocuSign Envelope ID: DC15FD16-2131-45B5-81CC-807B7A3F8FF4 Vol 66 Min-CC052824
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10.g. PRESENTATION REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES & SUPPORT BY NAMI
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR NOELI PEREZ
Member Parker expressed support for NAMI’s services and wished them success.
Member Dutra spoke about the importance of mental health and thanked NAMI for being part of the community.
Member Clark thanked NAMI for their work in favor of the community.
11. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
11.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
Interim City Manager Vides provided updates on upcoming events, Summer in the City, the activation of a new traffic signal on Freedom Boulevard, the City Plaza revitalization art project, and available youth summer activities.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, Interim City Manager Vides provided details regarding the orientation for Summer in the City. She stated there was still space available in Parks & Community Services’ youth camps.
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
12.a. CONSIDER TEXT AMENDMENTS TO WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 14-16 (DISTRICT REGULATIONS) & CHAPTER 14-53 (CANNABIS FACILITIES) 1) Staff Report by Associate Planner Carmona and Principal Planner Orbach. Assistant Community Development Director Meek was also present.
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
At the October 10, 2023, City Council meeting, Council expressed interest in several proposed modifications to cannabis related ordinances. City staff conducted additional analysis on the following:
1. Amending Signage Requirements to Match Commercial Sign Standards
2. Streamlining Annual Renewal Process
3. Removing City-Issued ID Badge Requirement
4. Allowing Open Application Period for Non-Retail Permits
5. Increasing Allowable Operating Hours
6. Permitting Cannabis Retail in Additional Commercial Zoning Districts
7. Amending Separation Requirements to Match State Requirements
8. Limiting 24-hour On-Site Security Requirements
9. Limiting Background Checks to Business Owners Only, Add Definition of ‘Owner’ In answering Member Salcido, Principal Planner Orbach and Associate Planner Carmona spoke about LiveScan fingerprinting requirements for cannabis businesses, security requirements, and proposed zoning amendments.
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Member Salcido stated she would be requesting the item be taken back to the Planning Commission, with suggestions four through eight from the above list removed.
In answering Member Dutra, Associate Planner Carmona spoke about the security plan requirement for cannabis businesses and stated each plan was reviewed by Police.
Principal Planner Orbach added security plan requirement changes could be explored, spoke about potential public safety benefits of allowing cannabis businesses in high visibility zones in the City, and spoke about engagement with cannabis business owners and Council to determine suggested ordinance amendments.
In answering Member Parker, Police Chief Zamora spoke about the LiveScan fingerprinting process and stated the system did not provide regular updates unless an individual was re-fingerprinted.
At Member Parker’s request, Bryce Berryessa, owner of The Hook Dispensary, approached the podium to answer questions.
Mr. Berryessa spoke about options for the City to receive regular updates on those who were LiveScan fingerprinted for cannabis licensing purposes.
Member Parker spoke about allowing cannabis businesses in high visibility areas in the City and about the cannabis business requirements in the City being greater than in surrounding jurisdictions.
Member Clark spoke about potential for receiving regular updates on individuals that were LiveScan fingerprinted, stated robberies occurred in various types of businesses, and spoke about exploring ways to address vacancies in the Police department.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco stated she would support amending signage requirements and increasing allowable operating hours but would like to further explore all other proposed modifications.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke in support of all proposed modifications and stated the cannabis industry was highly regulated. She spoke about Council prioritizing economic development and about how stringent requirements could discourage cannabis businesses. She spoke about theft in other industries and in support of reducing restrictions for businesses.
3) Public Comments
Sofia Cuentas, PVSPA staff, spoke about the increased normalization of cannabis use among youth. She stated PVSPA recommended a 1,000 square foot buffer and spoke about the impact of cannabis use on youth.
Bryce Berryessa, owner of The Hook Dispensary, spoke about the State’s cannabis industry regulations and in support of most of the proposed modifications. He stated the reasons he was against the recommendation of allowing cannabis retail in additional commercial zoning districts. He provided details about The Hook’s security system.
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Ilia Bulaich, District 1, spoke about the lack of attractions and amenities in Watsonville as compared to surrounding cities. He spoke about a cannabis business in another area that was burglarized.
Jon Kolodinski spoke in support of staff’s efforts and stated his concerns with placing blame on the cannabis industry for burglaries. He spoke about the difficulty of Police’s job and about how crime was affecting the community.
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Mayor Quiroz-Carter, to introduce the ordinances listed under Items 12.a.6. and 12.a.7. below and bring back for review those modifications relating to public safety after six months. 5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Dutra stated concerns with amending requirements to allow cannabis businesses in additional commercial zoning districts.
In answering Member Dutra, Police Chief Zamora spoke about increases in burglaries to cannabis businesses and officer safety. He recommended Council allow time to explore how other jurisdictions were handling concerns around the cannabis industry.
Member Dutra spoke about businesses in other areas closing due to theft. He stated he was in support of proposed modifications that were not related to public safety and expressed concerns for the safety of the community and the Police.
Member Clark acknowledged the concerns expressed by other Council members and cautioned against overregulating the cannabis industry.
Member Salcido stated concerns with public safety, thefts to cannabis businesses, amending zoning requirements, and the negative impact of cannabis on youth. She requested additional input from public safety.
In answering Member Parker, City Attorney Zutler spoke about the process for amending zoning ordinances.
Member Parker spoke in support of proposed ordinance modifications and stated Council could review the ordinances in six months.
Interim City Manager Vides spoke about a section in the existing cannabis ordinance requiring cannabis business owners notify the City within 24 hours should situations including criminal activity occur.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco stated she would be in support of modifications one, two, and five from the list above and requested additional time to explore the rest of the items on the list with input from Police and business owners.
Member Parker requested an addition to the motion to include a review of public safety aspects of the proposed ordinance modifications after six months.
In answering Member Clark, Associate Planner Carmona spoke about the requirement for cannabis business owners and employees to obtain a City-issued badge.
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Member Salcido stated she was in support of suggestions one, two, and five. She requested additional review of the rest of the items.
MOTION: The above motion carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Montesino, Parker, Quiroz-Carter
NOES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Orozco, Salcido
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
During roll call vote, the following Council members expressed their stance on specific items from the list, as noted below.
1. Amending Signage Requirements to Match Commercial Sign Standards
2. Streamlining Annual Renewal Process
3. Removing City-Issued ID Badge Requirement
4. Allowing Open Application Period for Non-Retail Permits
5. Increasing Allowable Operating Hours
6. Permitting Cannabis Retail in Additional Commercial Zoning Districts
7. Amending Separation Requirements to Match State Requirements
8. Limiting 24-hour On-Site Security Requirements
9. Limiting Background Checks to Business Owners Only, Add Definition of ‘Owner’ Member Dutra
Yes: Items 1 – 3, 5, and 8
No: Item 6
Further discussion on the items relating to public safety.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco
Yes: Items 1, 2, and 5
Did not have sufficient information to vote on items 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Member Parker
Yes: Items 1 – 9
Member Salcido
Yes: Items 1 – 3
Would have requested additional information on Items 5 – 9. 6) By Motion, Introduce for First Reading, by Title Only, Waiving the Full Reading of the Text, an Ordinance Amending Certain Sections of Chapter 14-16 (District Regulations) of Title 14 (Zoning) of the Watsonville Municipal Code Regarding the Cultivation, Manufacture, Distribution, Testing, Delivery & Retail Sales of Cannabis & Cannabis Products
7) By Motion, Introduce for First Reading, by Title Only, Waiving the Full Reading of the Text, and Ordinance Repealing Chapter 53 (Cannabis Facilities) of Title 14 (Zoning) in its Entirety & Adding a New Chapter 53 (Cannabis Facilities) of Title 14 (Zoning) of the Watsonville Municipal Code Regarding the Cultivation, Manufacture, Distribution, Testing, Delivery & Retail Sales of Cannabis & Cannabis Products DocuSign Envelope ID: DC15FD16-2131-45B5-81CC-807B7A3F8FF4 Vol 66 Min-CC052824
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13. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
14. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Member Salcido requested a presentation from public safety regarding safety around cannabis facilities.
Member Parker requested a presentation regarding safety concerns with Ceiba Charter School.
Member Montesino requested an item to explore State and Federal lobbyist options.
The meeting was recessed to Closed Session at 8:44 p.m.
10.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Zutler stated Council received a report on all Closed Session items and took no reportable action.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 p.m.
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Vanessa Quiroz-Carter, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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