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MINUTES
REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
June 25, 2024
City of Watsonville
Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
5:31 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Quiroz-Carter, Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino (arrived at 5:35 p.m.), Parker, and Salcido 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, Administrative Services Director Duran, Community Development Director Merriam, I.T.
Director Gill, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes, Assistant Finance Manager Rodriguez, Administrative Analyst Meyer Police Sergeant Bailey, Police Captain Radich, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Landaverry.
1.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S)
MOTION: It was moved by Member Clark, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco and carried by the following vote to excuse Member Montesino’s absence.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Montesino
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. INFORMATION ITEMS
3.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
3.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
3.c. WRITTEN REPORTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
4. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT – None
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, seconded by Member Clark and carried by the following vote to approve the Consent Agenda.
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AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Orozco, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Montesino
4.a. MOTION APPROVING JUNE 11, 2024 MINUTES
4.b. RESOLUTION NO. 111-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
THIRD AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND CSG CONSULTANTS, INC., A CORPORATION, EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM TO JUNE 30, 2025, FOR ON-CALL ENGINEERING
PLAN CHECK REVIEW SERVICES, AND UPDATING THE ENGINEERING HOURLY RATES FOR 2024, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE SAME
4.c. RESOLUTION NO. 112-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND GOVERNMENT JOBS.COM, INC. DBA “NEOGOV”, ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK, INCREASING COMPENSATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000; AND AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
4.d. RESOLUTION NO. 113-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND CAROLLO ENGINEERS INC., A CORPORATION, FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE ZONE 2 RESERVOIR PROJECT, NO WA-20-14829; ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK, INCREASING COMPENSATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $429,008, EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT FROM DECEMBER 31, 2024 TO DECEMBER 31, 2025; AND
DIRECTING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
4.e. RESOLUTION NO. 114-24 (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 PRESENTATION PRODUCTS, INC., DBA SPINITAR, FOR
THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AUDIO-VISUAL UPGRADE
PROJECT, EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT, AND AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
4.f. RESOLUTION NO. 115-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING CONSULTANT CONTRACT WITH HARRIS & ASSOCIATES, INC., A CORPORATION,
FOR ON CALL ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING INTERIM
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
4.g. RESOLUTION NO. 116-24 (CM)
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 Docusign Envelope ID: 7D0EA37B-891C-4AE9-BF5B-53C07A008A9A Vol 66 Min-CC062524
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THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME; AND AUTHORIZING A BUDGET APPROPRIATION IN FY 24/25 OF $498,558 FROM THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND [0720]
4.h. RESOLUTION NO. 117-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, APPROVING
FORM OF TOW SERVICE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME; AUTHORIZING THE NUMBER OF OPENINGS ON THE TOWING SERVICE ROTATION LIST PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 11 (VEHICLE TOWING SERVICES) OF TITLE 4 (PUBLIC SAFETY) OF THE WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE, AND
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO CONDUCT A TOW FEE STUDY TO CONFORM WITH RATES
WITH OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OPERATING WITHIN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
4.i. RESOLUTION NO. 118-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
A LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND THE LAND
TRUST OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, A CALIFORNIA NON-PROFIT PUBLIC BENEFIT
CORPORATION, FOR A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION STAGING AREA LOCATED AT 275 LEE ROAD, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
4.j. RESOLUTION NO. 119-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ AND
THE CITIES OF CAPITOLA, SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ, AND WATSONVILLE FOR EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY SERVICES REQUIRED BY SB 1383; AND AUTHORIZING
INTERIM CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME, IN A FORM APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY (FUNDED FROM CALRECYCLE SB 1383 GRANT FUND)
4.k. RESOLUTION NO. 120-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
A FOUR-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND SPECIALIZED HELICOPTERS, INC. FOR THE USE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 140 AND 150 AVIATION WAY, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2024, AND ENDING ON JUNE 30, 2028; AND AUTHORIZING
AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
4.l. RESOLUTION NO. 121-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
TWO YEAR LEASE BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND COMMUNITY ARTS &
EMPOWERMENT, A CORPORATION, FOR THE USE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 26 WEST FRONT STREET, WATSONVILLE (MUZZIO PARK COMMUNITY CENTER), COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2024, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026,
AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
4.m. RESOLUTION NO. 122-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
SECOND SIDE LETTER TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND THE PUBLIC SAFETY MID-MANAGEMENT UNIT FROM JANUARY 1, 2022, TO DECEMBER 31, 2024
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4.n. CALLING & ORDERING MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2024 1) RESOLUTION NO. 123-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
CALLING A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
FOR ELECTION OF ONE COUNCILMEMBER FROM EACH DISTRICT NUMBERS 1, 2, AND 6 AND DIRECTING THE PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024 2) RESOLUTION NO. 124-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ORDERING AN ELECTION; REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ CONDUCT THE ELECTION; AND REQUESTING THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE
GENERAL STATEWIDE AND MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024
3) RESOLUTION NO. 125-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ADOPTING POLICIES IN REGARD TO THE CANDIDATE’S STATEMENTS FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024
5. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
6. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
6.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Steve Trujillo, District 7, spoke about the negative impact of fireworks noise and requested the Council ban the use of fireworks. He requested exploring construction of a temporary shelter.
He stated the Surgeon General declared gun violence as a health crisis and spoke about banning assault weapons.
Francisco Estrada, District 4, thanked Council and City staff for supporting Nerdville and highlighted Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco’s involvement with Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services, which was one of the organizations that helped organize Nerdville.
Marta Bulaich, District 1, presented a citizen’s report expressing concerns with a District 1 community meeting that would be held the following day. (She submitted the report to Council) Catalina, District 1, expressed concerns with residents in her neighborhood not receiving notice of a District 1 community meeting and lack of communication regarding issues affecting the district. She spoke about efforts to inform neighbors of the community meeting.
6.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Dutra thanked Interim City Manager Vides, Police Chief Zamora, and Police Captain Thul for attending a community meeting to address District 6 residents’ concerns with increased crime in the area. He spoke about suggestions to improve safety. He expressed concerns over illegal firework usage.
Member Parker stated her concerns with the use of illegal fireworks and challenges in addressing the issue. She spoke about various meetings she participated in over the past weeks.
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Member Montesino spoke about the Ramsay Park Renaissance Project groundbreaking, other construction projects, and street and road improvements. He stated there had been collaboration with Pájaro Valley Unified School District to allow public use of Radcliff Elementary School’s playground. He spoke about the District 1 community meeting that would take place the following day.
Member Salcido spoke about her participation in Watsonville Community Hospital (WCH) Foundation Board’s Finance Subcommittee meeting and in a Charter Subcommittee meeting.
She expressed concerns with the use of illegal fireworks and spoke about Police’s potential use of drones to assist with addressing the issue.
Member Clark stated he met with Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg regarding options to address concerns with an intersection on Auto Center Drive and Marin Street. He stated Clifford Avenue and Pennsylvania Drive improvements were being explored and community input would be requested.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco spoke about her meeting with Pajaro Valley Health Care District’s ad hoc committee, tasked with exploring external partnership opportunities for WCH. She stated she attended a Charter Subcommittee meeting. She thanked the California Supreme Court for blocking the California Business Roundtable’s proposed ballot measure and spoke about the positive impact for the City in relation to Measure R.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about various meetings and events she attended over the past weeks including the Inter-Governmental Committee meeting, the Rather Awards, Summer in the City, Music in the Plaza, and Nerdville.
6.c. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE 10, 2024, AS PORTUGAL DAY
7. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
7.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
Member Parker spoke about efforts to obtain State funding for improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant and support received from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren.
Member Montesino spoke about Council’s efforts to advocate for funding to address City needs.
7.b. UPDATE ON BICYCLE LANES BY & ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES
DIRECTOR FONTES
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg was also present.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about her participation with a delegation of other city and county representatives on a trip to the Netherlands to study bicycle infrastructure. She spoke about exploring ways to make roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Member Montesino requested staff explore ways to ensure consistency when installing bicycle lanes throughout the City.
In answering Member Parker, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes stated Ecology Action and an additional donor provided funding for the City delegation that visited the Netherlands.
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Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes, in answering Member Salcido, spoke about challenges with installation of additional bicycle lanes, street size limitations, lane reduction impacts, and exploring alternatives for bike lane installations.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about the prevalence of roundabouts in the Netherlands that allowed for continuous traffic flow. She stated consistency and exploring connections between existing bicycle lanes and other transportation modes was necessary.
7.c. PRESENTATION BY SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGARDING ZERO EMISSION PASSENGER RAIL & TRAIL MILESTONE 2 - PRELIMINARY VEHICLE TYPES & INITIAL CONCEPTUAL ALIGNMENTS A presentation was given by Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Senior Transportation Engineer Sarah Christensen. Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes was also present.
In answering Member Salcido, Senior Transportation Engineer Christensen spoke about exploring avenues to move forward with design of the rail and trail while avoiding right of way issues.
Member Salcido spoke in support of light rail vehicles for the rail system.
In answering Member Clark, Senior Transportation Engineer Christensen spoke about current freight use and stated light rail vehicles were not compatible with freight. She spoke about the potential elevation of Walker Street and efforts to limit impacts.
Member Montesino spoke about the possibility of adding a segment of rail and trail on Beach Street, which could potentially expand resident access to the local beach.
In answering Member Parker, Senior Transportation Engineer Christensen spoke about the amount of funding that would be invested in the project and how potential benefits to South County factored into grant funding applications. She spoke about current freight use of the rail and exploring compatibility with proposed vehicle types.
Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes, in answering Member Parker, spoke about attendance at an open house hosted by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission the previous day.
In answering Member Parker, Senior Transportation Engineer Christensen stated rails were sometimes located in proximity to schools.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
8.a. RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 202-25 & RELATED ACTIONS 1) Staff Report by Administrative Services Director Duran Docusign Envelope ID: 7D0EA37B-891C-4AE9-BF5B-53C07A008A9A Vol 66 Min-CC062524
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2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Montesino, Interim City Manager Vides stated there had been no changes to the budget with recent news of the California Business Roundtable’s measure being blocked from the ballot in November. She stated staff would bring an update to Council during the mid-year budget review.
Administrative Services Director Duran, in answering Member Montesino, provided details regarding the Water and the Solid Waste Enterprise Funds.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, Interim City Manager Vides stated certain projects funded through Measure R would be addressed during the mid-year budget review.
Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, in answering Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, spoke about the use of Measure R funds to address needs in parks throughout the City.
In answering Member Parker, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg spoke about the proposed commercial container contamination fee. She provided details regarding inspection of residential green bins and working with residents and commercial users on compliance with State regulations.
Administrative Services Director Duran, in answering Member Parker, stated the Redevelopment Manager position that would remain vacant would have been paid for through the General Fund.
Interim City Manager Vides added staff would continue to explore hiring for the Redevelopment Manager in the future. She spoke about challenges with funding ongoing positions and other Council priorities with one-time funding. 3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco to approve Items 8.a.6 through 8.a.13 listed below.
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Dutra spoke in support of the budget and thanked staff for their work.
Member Montesino spoke about exploring funding for additional cleaning of park facilities during the summer.
Member Parker spoke in support of Member Montesino’s suggestion. She thanked staff for their efforts.
In answering Member Montesino, Interim City Manager Vides stated she would collaborate with Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib to explore avenues for additional maintenance of park facilities.
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Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke about exploring funding for additional cleaning of park facilities, hiring a staff person to focus on economic development, and an additional parking control officer. She thanked Administrative Services Director Duran for her presentation.
MOTION: The above motion was carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
6) RESOLUTION NO. 126-24 (CM)
RESOLUTION NO. 2-24 (SHA)
RESOLUTION NO. 2-24 (SA)
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE CITY COUNCIL IN ITS
CAPACITY AS THE SUCCESSOR TO THE HOUSING ASSETS AND FUNCTIONS OF
THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, AND
THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024- 2025, PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN TRANSFERS OF FUNDS, AND APPROVING THE FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024-25 to 2028-29
7) RESOLUTION NO. 127-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
ESTABLISHING AND SETTING A HYDRANT METER DEPOSIT FEE FOR THE PUBLIC
WORKS DEPARTMENT
8) RESOLUTION NO. 128-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
ESTABLISHING A COMMERCIAL CONTAINER CONTAMINATION FEE FOR THE
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
9) RESOLUTION NO. 129-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
ESTABLISHING TOTAL ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA STATE CONSTITUTION ARTICLE XIII-B FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 10) ORDINANCE NO. 1466-24 (CM)
AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WATSONVILLE INSTRUCTING THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ TO LEVY AND
COLLECT A PROPERTY TAX ON TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024, FIXING THE RATE OF 0.077% THEREOF AND ALLOCATING IT TO THE RETIREMENT FUND Docusign Envelope ID: 7D0EA37B-891C-4AE9-BF5B-53C07A008A9A Vol 66 Min-CC062524
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11) RESOLUTION NO. 3-24 (SA)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE IN ITS
CAPACITY AS THE SUCCESSOR TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF
THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE FINDING THAT THE USE OF FUNDS FROM THE LOW
AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING ASSET FUND FOR PLANNING AND GENERAL
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS IS NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRODUCING, IMPROVING, AND PRESERVING THE COMMUNITY’S SUPPLY OF LOW AND
MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING
12) RESOLUTION NO. 130-24 (CM)
RESOLUTION NO. 3-24 (SHA)
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND CITY COUNCIL IN ITS
CAPACITY AS THE SUCCESSOR TO THE HOUSING ASSETS AND FUNCTIONS OF
THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE FINDING THAT THE USE OF THE FORMER AGENCY’S FUNDS AND OTHER ASSETS GENERATED FROM THE WATSONVILLE 2000 REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA
FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPROVING, INCREASING, AND PRESERVING THE COMMUNITY’S SUPPLY OF LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING OUTSIDE
THE PROJECT AREA WILL BENEFIT THE PROJECT AREA
13) RESOLUTION NO. 131-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
AUTHORIZING THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT TO PREPARE NOT TO EXCEED CONTRACTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 EACH TO FACILITATE $10,000 AND
SMALLER PURCHASES
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.a. RESOLUTIONS PLACING CHARTER AMENDMENTS ON THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024, BALLOT
1) Staff Report by City Clerk Ortiz
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Parker, City Attorney Zutler provided clarification on language regarding the election that was included in the resolution for the second proposed ballot measure.
3) Public Input
Brando Sención, Ventures Futuro Program Director, read a statement requesting Council approve the original suggestion made by the Charter Subcommittee to place a measure on the ballot that would allow all residents, regardless of voter registration status, to be appointed to City boards and commissions.
Brenda Jauregui, Ventures Program Coordinator, requested Council approve the original suggested language for a ballot measure that would allow non-registered voters to serve on boards and commissions.
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Crystal Gonzalez, Semillitas Program Director, read a statement on behalf of Ventures Executive Director Maria Cadenas expressing concerns with the proposed language for a measure changing requirements for appointment to boards and commissions. She requested the original language proposed by the Charter Subcommittee be used instead.
Carmen Herrera-Mansir, District 4, requested Council approve the original Charter Subcommittee recommendation for the second ballot measure and spoke about the importance of inclusivity. (She submitted a letter to Council.) Sarah Marshall spoke in support of the original language that was proposed for the second ballot measure.
Josue Barajas, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County Chief Programs Officer, expressed concerns with lack of community involvement and representation. He spoke in support of allowing all residents to serve on boards and commissions. ? female, Positive Discipline Community Resources Executive Director and Women in Leadership for Diverse Representation Co-chair, spoke about increasing civic engagement and in support of the original Charter Subcommittee recommendation.
Karina Moreno, District 6, spoke about her participation in A Santa Cruz Like Me, the lack of diversity on boards and commissions, and the importance of diverse points of view. She expressed concerns with language used by Member Parker at a previous meeting.
Edgar Ibarra, District 6, requested Council approve the original Charter Subcommittee recommendation regarding the ballot measure that would allow all residents to serve on boards and commissions. He expressed concerns with language used at previous meetings that could discourage minorities from community engagement.
Marisol asked questions regarding proposed changes to Council eligibility for benefits and City Manager employment qualifications. She stated she was in support of allowing only registered voters to serve on City boards and commissions.
Erica Padilla-Chavez, South County Triage Group member, commended Council for their efforts to amend the Charter. She spoke in support of allowing all residents to serve on boards and commissions.
Following Public Input, the City Council continued with their comments and questions.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco thanked all residents who spoke and expressed support for allowing all residents to serve on boards and commissions. She requested the language for the second measure be changed in accordance with her suggestion.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, City Attorney Zutler spoke about necessary changes to the language on the resolutions submitting the ballot measures to the voters should Council elect to change the second measure to allow service on boards and commissions by all residents.
At Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco’s request, City Attorney Zutler read the following proposed changes into the record.
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Charter Update Measure (Measure 1)
Section 7 - Add the following language: If both measures receive a majority of votes the term “registered voter”, in Section 24 of the Charter Update Measure shall be replaced with “resident” pursuant to the Commission Service Measure.
Commission Service Measure (Measure 2)
Title – Change lines to read “to remove voter registration requirements for service on all City boards and commissions”
Ballot Question – Change to: Shall the measure amending the Charter of the City of Watsonville to modify the eligibility requirement for appointment to all Boards and Commissions created pursuant to the Watsonville Charter from registered voter to resident of the City of Watsonville be adopted?
Section 7 – Stike out portions of said section, to read instead as follows: Should the Charter Update Measure and this Commission Service Measure each receive a majority of votes, the term “registered voter”, added by Section 24 of the Charter Update Measure to Section 900 of the Charter, shall be replaced by the term “resident” as indicated by this Commission Service Measure.
Attachment 1 First Paragraph – To read as follows: Text of Proposed Commission Service Charter Amendment Measure to be Submitted to the Voters: Proposal to Amend the Charter of the City of Watsonville to eliminate the voter registration/citizenship requirement for service on all Boards and Commissions created pursuant to the City of Watsonville City Charter.
Section 900. Boards and Commissions: Intents and Purposes. – Strike out portions of said paragraph, to read instead as follows: In order to be eligible for appointment to any board or Commission, a person shall be a resident of the City.
Part 2. Ballot Description First Full Paragraph – Strike out portions of said paragraph to read instead as follows: The amendments would eliminate voter registration/citizenship requirements for service on all Boards and Commissions created pursuant to the City of Watsonville Charter.
4) MAIN MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, seconded by Mayor Quiroz-Carter to approve the resolution submitting the Commission Service Measure (Measure 2) to the voters, with the changes read into the record by City Attorney Zutler, including drafting of the argument in favor by the Charter Subcommittee and releasing the City Council’s rebuttal argument to Ventures.
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
In answering Member Clark, City Clerk Ortiz spoke about the potential for setting parameters to verify City residency for board and commission applicants.
City Attorney Zutler added that the Council could consider adopting further policies to clarify address verification procedures.
Member Clark expressed concerns with potential address verification procedures.
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Interim City Manager Vides, in answering Member Clark, spoke about Council’s ability to direct staff to implement changes to the Municipal Code. She stated Council could create an ordinance establishing address verification procedures.
In answering Member Clark, City Clerk Ortiz spoke about avenues the Council could explore to establish address verification processes.
Member Dutra spoke in support of allowing voters to make decisions and spoke about the importance of updating the Chater. He stated Council could establish address verification procedures in the future.
Member Parker spoke in support of revising the Charter. She stated the reasons she was not in support of the motion. She stated certain boards and commissions were not advisory in nature. She spoke about the City focusing efforts on increasing voter registration and stated she was in favor of the Commission Service Measure’s language as written. She expressed interest in preparing an argument against the Commission Service Measure if the motion was approved.
In answering Member Parker, City Attorney Zutler spoke about her preparation of the language for both proposed ballot measures.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter stated she was in support of the Charter Subcommittee’s original recommendation of allowing all residents to serve on boards and commissions regardless of voter registration status.
Member Montesino spoke about challenges for residents to be civically engaged and stated he was in support of the motion. He thanked the non-profit organizations that spoke at the meeting.
In answering Member Dutra, City Attorney Zutler stated Council could write the arguments in favor of the ballot measures.
Member Dutra spoke about the value of allowing all residents to serve on boards and commissions. He stated he was in support of the motion.
Member Salcido spoke in support of the motion. She requested that the Charter Subcommittee write the arguments in favor of both proposed measures.
City Attorney Zutler provided an explanation regarding the process for writing and submitting arguments and rebuttals for both measures. She spoke about Council’s ability to allow an organization to write a rebuttal to an argument.
Member Parker expressed interest in forming a subcommittee to draft an argument against the Commission Service Measure.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter recessed the meeting at 9:08 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:28 p.m.
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appear on the voter information guide. She stated Council could assign the rebuttal to the argument against the Commission Service Measure to a specific organization.
Member Parker requested the Council appoint a subcommittee to draft the argument against the Commission Service Measure.
SECONDARY MOTION: It was moved by Member Parker, seconded by Member Clark, that, depending on the outcome of the vote on the Main Motion regarding the Commission Service Measure, the minority on that vote would draft the argument against the Commission Service Measure on behalf of the Council.
In answering Mayor Quiroz-Carter, City Attorney Zutler spoke about how the arguments in favor and against the Commission Service Measure would appear on the voter information guide.
City Attorney Zutler, in answering Member Dutra, stated a Council member could submit an argument against a measure in their individual capacity.
SECONDARY MOTION: The above motion failed by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Parker
NOES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
In answering Member Clark, City Attorney Zutler stated interested parties could submit arguments against Measure 2 to the City Clerk.
City Attorney Zutler read the following changes into the record.
Commission Service Measure (Measure 2)
Section 5 – To be replaced in its entirety with the following:
(a) The deadline for filing direct arguments for or against the measure shall be 5:00 p.m.
August 16, 2024, based upon the consolidation of the election as contemplated in Elections Code Section 10400. All such arguments shall not exceed three hundred (300) words and shall be filed with the Watsonville City Clerk. (b) The City Clerk, upon receipt of arguments and after the filing deadline, shall immediately transmit copies to any known opposing parties who may then submit rebuttals no later than August 23, 2024. The Council appoints a subcommittee of Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, Councilmember Dutra and Councilmember Salcido to draft the argument in favor of the referenced measure on behalf of the City Council. (c) If more than one argument is submitted in favor or against the measure, the Clerk shall select the argument based upon the priorities set forth in Elections Code 9287, and if more than one argument shares the same highest priority, the City Clerk shall use a random selection methodology. Arguments received prior to the deadline shall be confidential until the deadline.
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5:00 p.m. August 23, 2024 and all such arguments shall be filed with the Watsonville City Clerk, and shall not exceed 250 words in length. Arguments received prior to the deadline are confidential until the deadline.
(e) As authorized by California Elections Code §9285, the City Council authorizes the release of the City Council’s rebuttal argument to Ventures.
MAIN MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, seconded by Mayor Quiroz-Carter to approve the resolution submitting the Commission Service Measure (Measure 2) to the voters, with the changes read into the record by City Attorney Zutler, including drafting of the argument in favor by the Charter Subcommittee and releasing the City Council’s rebuttal argument to Ventures.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: Clark, Parker
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
City Attorney Zutler read the following changes into the record due to the revision of the Commission Service Measure (Measure 2.)
Charter Update Measure (Measure 1)
Section 7 – Add the following sentence at the end: If both measures receive a majority of votes, the term “registered voter” in Section 24 of the Charter Update Measure shall be replaced with “resident” pursuant to the Commission Service Measure.
Section 5 – To be replaced in its entirety with the following:
(a) The deadline for filing direct arguments for or against the measure shall be 5:00 p.m.
August 16, 2024, based upon the consolidation of the election as contemplated in Elections Code Section 10400. All such arguments shall not exceed three hundred (300) words and shall be filed with the Watsonville City Clerk. (b) The City Clerk, upon receipt of arguments and after the filing deadline, shall immediately transmit copies to any known opposing parties who may then submit rebuttals no later than August 23, 2024. The Council appoints a subcommittee of Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, Councilmember Salcido and Councilmember Dutra to draft the argument in favor of the referenced measure.
(c) If more than one argument is submitted in favor or against the measure, the Clerk shall select the argument based upon the priorities set forth in Elections Code 9287, and if more than one argument shares the same highest priority, the City Clerk shall use a random selection methodology. Arguments received prior to the deadline shall be confidential until the deadline.
(d) The deadline for filing rebuttal arguments for or against the ballot measure shall be 5:00 p.m. August 23, 2024 and all such arguments shall be filed with the Watsonville City Clerk, and shall not exceed 250 words in length. Arguments received prior to the deadline are confidential until the deadline. The City Council is not releasing the ability to draft a rebuttal argument for this measure.
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MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, seconded by Mayor QuirozCarter and carried by the following vote to approve the resolution submitting the Charter Update Measure (Measure 1) to the voters, with the changes read into the record by City Attorney Zutler including drafting of the argument in favor by the Charter Subcommittee and not releasing the ability to draft a rebuttal argument for this measure.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido, Quiroz-Carter NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
7) RESOLUTION NO. 132-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
SUBMITTING A BALLOT MEASURE TO THE VOTERS TO AMEND THE CITY OF
WATSONVILLE CHARTER TO REMOVE VOTER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE ON ALL CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS; ORDERING AN ELECTION; REQUESTING THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT
CONDUCT THE ELECTION AND CONSOLIDATE IT WITH THE GENERAL STATEWIDE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024
6) RESOLUTION NO. 133-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
SUBMITTING A BALLOT MEASURE TO THE VOTERS TO AMEND THE CITY OF
WATSONVILLE CHARTER TO CLARIFY STAFF POSITIONS AND REFERENCES TO
CITY REGULATIONS, CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS REGARDING ORDINANCE
PUBLICATION AND HIRING ATTORNEYS, UPDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES
OF CITY MANAGER, MODIFY COUNCIL MEETING REQUIREMENTS, ALLOW THE
COUNCIL TO SET COMPENSATION FOR PLANNING COMMISSIONS, MAKE THE
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES A COMMISSION, ALLOW COUNCIL MEMBERS TO RECEIVE EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, ADJUST THE MAYOR’S SALARY, AND REMOVE OR REVISE PROVISIONS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH CURRENT LAW; ORDERING AN ELECTION; REQUESTING THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY ELECTIONS
DEPARTMENT CONDUCT THE ELECTION AND CONSOLIDATE IT WITH THE GENERAL STATEWIDE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024
10. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
11. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Member Clark requested a homelessness workshop.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter requested an item to explore an economic development staff position, a parking control officer, and a park maintenance crew member.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:53 p.m.
______________________________ __
Vanessa Quiroz-Carter, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _______
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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