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MINUTES
REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
September 24, 2024
City of Watsonville
Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
4:00 p.m.
Note: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), Councilmember Dutra participated in the meeting via teleconferencing from: 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Quiroz-Carter, Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco (arrived at 5:54 p.m.) and Council Members Clark, Dutra (arrived at 5:30 p.m.) Montesino, Parker, and Salcido were present.
2. NEW BUSINESS
2.a. HOMELESSNESS STUDY SESSION - PRESENTATION BY MONICA MORALES, COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR; ROBERT RATNER, HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HOUSING FOR HEALTH DIVISION DIRECTOR; & KAREN
KERN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
In answering Member Salcido, Human Services Department Housing for Health Division (HSDHHD) Director Ratner spoke about the process for assisting homeless persons with registering for services and obtaining identification documents.
Deputy Director of County Behavioral Health Kern, in answering Member Salcido, spoke about avenues for incarcerated individuals to sign up for Medi-Cal coverage upon release.
In answering Member Salcido, County of Santa Cruz Health Department Director Morales stated the provided details on how the Crisis Now Model was a Countywide initiative and how it would function. Deputy Director of County Behavioral Health Kern stated there would be an assigned number for people to call to connect callers to the proper services.
HSDHHD Director Ratner, in answering Member Salcido, spoke about the Pathways to Housing – Housing First model, how it could be implemented in an effective manner, and the need for providing services in conjunction with housing.
In answering Member Montesino, Deputy Director of County Behavioral Health Kern spoke about the approximate number of people they provided services to.
HSDHHD Director Ratner, in answering Member Montesino’s concerns, spoke about the potential for improving services for residents of the Resetar Residential Hotel and other housing for homeless persons projects.
County of Santa Cruz Health Department Director Morales stated that price of housing was not expected to decrease in the future and spoke about exploring solutions to homelessness.
She spoke about challenges with providing affordable housing for community members.
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In answering Member Parker, County of Santa Cruz Health Department Director Morales spoke about services provided to South County residents and spoke about what areas were included in South County. She stated she would obtain more specific data on the subject to share with Council.
Deputy Director of County Behavioral Health Kern, in answering Member Parker, spoke about California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal’s (CalAIM) Enhanced Care Management Initiative to connect individuals to health services.
County of Santa Cruz Health Department Morales, in answering Member Clark, provided details on the Youth Crisis Residential and Stabilization Unit that would be located in Mid County.
In answering Member Clark, Deputy Director of County Behavioral Health Kern stated the Youth Crisis Residential and Stabilization Unit did not include partnering with law enforcement.
Deputy Director of County Behavioral Health Kern, in answering Member Clark, spoke about services provided at Montecito Manor Assisted Living facility. She spoke about other residential care facilities in the County.
In answering Member Clark, County of Santa Cruz Health Department Director Morales spoke about available funding sources to continue providing stabilization services.
Deputy Director of County Behavioral Health Kern, in answering Member Clark, spoke about available facilities to provide services for persons struggling with substance abuse issues.
Member Salcido requested staff attend the homelessness workshop on October 5th. She requested they listen to the community’s concerns regarding the Tiny Homes project. 5:30 p.m.
3. CLOSED SESSION CORRESPONDENCE (None)
4. CLOSED SESSION
(a) Public Comments
(b) Closed Session Announcement:
The City Council recessed the meeting to discuss the items that follow.
4.a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Government Code 54956.8)
Property: 300 Main Street, Watsonville (APN: 01711306) & 25 Maple Avenue, Watsonville (APN 01711305)
Negotiating parties: Tamara Vides, City
Vacarlos, LLC
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4.b. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(Government Code Section 54957)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Attorney, and City Clerk
4.c. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Government Code 54957.6)
Agency negotiators: Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco and Council Members Clark, and Parker Unrepresented employee: City Clerk
City Council Resumed at 6:37 p.m.
5. ROLL CALL
Mayor Quiroz-Carter, Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, and Salcido were present
Staff members present were City Manager 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, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Library Director Martinez, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Housing Manager Landaverry, Principal Planner Orbach, Assistant Police Chief Rodriguez, Police Captain Thul, Police Captain Radich, Police Sergeant Trujillo, Police Officer Bañuelos, Police Officer Hernandez, 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
8. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
8.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Steve Trujillo stated there had been a decrease in violent crimes, but an increase in hate crimes according to a recent report by the FBI. He stated there had been no homicides in the City and thanked Police for their efforts.
Maria Perez, Regeneración Community Outreach Manager, invited the public and Council to attend their Climate of Hope Fair and provide input on potential future projects.
8.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Parker thanked the public for attending. She stated she attended various meetings over the past weeks. She spoke about Watsonville High School’s Class of 1969’s 50th reunion.
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Member Salcido invited the public to continue attending Council meetings. She spoke about Watsonville Community Hospital (WCH) Foundation’s fundraiser.
Member Montesino thanked the public for attending, encouraged residents to register to vote, and spoke about the importance of voting.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco thanked the public for attending the meeting. She spoke about her participation at Friends of Watsonville Parks & Community Services Board of Directors meeting and WCH Foundation’s fundraiser. She congratulated the Parks & Community Services Department on their first Salsa y Salsa event.
Member Clark spoke about the Santa Cruz County Fair and encouraged the public to continue attending Council meetings.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter thanked the public for attending the meeting.
8.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Zutler and Mayor Quiroz-Carter stated no reportable action was taken during the Closed Session.
8.d. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS OVARIAN CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
8.e. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING WATSONVILLE YOGA & HEALING ARTS &
ITS FOUNDER PHOENIX ARTEMISIA
8.f. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING QUEEN’S BOUTIQUE & ITS OWNER SINDY HERNÁNDEZ
8.g. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING QUIROZ PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
9. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT – None
Member Salcido spoke in support of the grant awarded under Item 9.b. to continue pedestrian and bicycle safety efforts. She spoke about the importance of the Conflict-of-Interest Code listed under Item 9.f. and supported its adoption.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco to approve the Consent Agenda.
Member Parker spoke in support of Item 9.f. and stated the purpose of the Conflict-of-Interest Code.
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
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9.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
9.b. RESOLUTION NO. 200-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE WITH AQUA METRIC SALES COMPANY, AN AFFILIATE OF SENSUS USA INC’S, FOR THE PURCHASE OF WATER METERS AND SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $700,000 FOR TWO YEARS; AND AUTHORIZING CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SERVICES AND PURCHASING AGREEMENT (FUNDED
FROM THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND)
9.c. RESOLUTION NO. 201-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO WALLACE GROUP, A CALIFORNIA
CORPORATION, FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE FREEDOM BLVD (GREEN VALLEY RD TO AIRPORT BLVD) IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $629,022; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE SAME
9.d. ACCEPT CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 1) RESOLUTION NO. 202-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ACCEPTING $198,972 IN GRANT FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY FOR FY 2025: $77,000 FOR THE SELECTIVE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP) AND $121,972 FOR THE PEDESTRIAN AND
BICYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM, TO USE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAFFIC SAFETY STRATEGIES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HER DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE A STANDARD AGREEMENT AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO; AND ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND DIRECTING THAT SUCH FUNDS BE APPROPRIATED INTO THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND (0260)
2) RESOLUTION NO. 203-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING
A CONTRACT WITH ECOLOGY ACTION OF SANTA CRUZ, A CORPORATION, TO
SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BEST PRACTICE STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE
NUMBER OF PERSONS KILLED AND INJURED IN CRASHES INVOLVING PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025, AND APPROPRIATING $115,472, FROM THE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME
9.e. ACCCEPT WASH RACK AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT GRANT (AIG) & AWARD BID FOR
WASH RACK CONSTRUCTION TO S&H CONSTRUCTION
1) RESOLUTION NO. 204-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ACCEPTING THE $405,000 GRANT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) REPRESENTING
DESIGN, ENGINEERING, TESTING AND CONSTRUCTION COST FOR A POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM (WASH RACK), AT THE WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT;
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AGREEMENT FOR PROJECT NO. 3-06-0272-026-2024 AND ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO; AND
APPROPRIATING SUCH FUNDS TO THE AIRPORT ENTERPRISE FUND 2) RESOLUTION NO. 205-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING $408,600 BID TO S & H CONSTRUCTION, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM (WASH RACK), PROJECT NO. 3-06-0272-026-2024, (FUNDED FROM FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) GRANT NO. 3-06-0272-026-2024 AND THE AIRPORT ENTERPRISE FUND)
9.f. RESOLUTION NO. 206-24 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE READOPTING CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE FOR THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE BY INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION’S
STANDARD MODEL CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE AND BY AMENDING THE
APPENDIX IDENTIFYING DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES WHO SHALL BE SUBJECT TO
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
10. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA – None
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
11.a. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 4 (MOBILE HOME PARK CONVERSIONS OR CLOSURES) TO TITLE 11 (MOBILE HOMES & PARKS) & AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 14-16.705 (PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS) WITHIN PART 7 (R-MH-RESIDENTIAL MANUFACTURED HOME PARK DISTRICT) OF CHAPTER 14-16 (DISTRICT REGULATIONS) & REPEALING CHAPTER 14- 42 (MOBILE HOME PARK CONVERSIONS TO RESIDENT OWNERSHIP OR TO ANY OTHER USE) WITHIN TITLE 14 (ZONING)
1) Staff Report by Burke, Williams, & Sorensen Attorney Deepa Sharma and Community Development Director Merriam. Housing Manager Landaverry was also present.
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Salcido, Attorney Sharma explained the process for mobile home park owners to convert or close their mobile home parks. She spoke about the process for granting exceptions for mitigation benefits from owners to displaced tenants.
Community Development Director Merriam, in answering Member Parker, spoke about staff efforts to update the mobile home park ordinances and increase protections for residents.
In answering Member Dutra, Attorney Sharma spoke about potential mitigation exceptions from mobile home parks owners to their tenants.
Community Development Director Merriam, in answering Member Dutra, explained the process for mobile home park owners seeking mitigation exemptions and stated the request would go to Council for action.
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In answering Member Dutra, Attorney Sharma stated State law provided protections for displaced tenants and spoke about the reasons an exemption process was included in the ordinance.
Community Development Director Merriam, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about the reasons the exemption process was included in the ordinance and provided details regarding its application.
In answering Member Parker, Attorney Sharma stated property owners were afforded due process rights under the law.
3) Public Comments
Trina Coffman-Gomez, District 6, requested any exemption requests be considered by the Planning Commission as well as the City Council. She expressed concerns with challenges faced by residents living in mobile home parks. She spoke about potential for exploring protections for mobile home tenants.
Mary Kay Zaineb, District 3, stated the reasons she was in support of the proposed ordinances and urged Council to approve them.
Rick Valdez spoke about potential legislation that would impact mobile home parks and requested Council approve the proposed ordinances.
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Member Dutra to introduce the ordinances listed under Items 11.a.6. and 11.a.7. below. 5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Dutra stated he was not in agreement with mitigation exemption requests by property owners being taken to Planning Commission and stated those requests should be taken directly to Council for consideration.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco thanked staff for their efforts in preparing the ordinances. She expressed support for mitigation exemption requests being taken directly to Council and in support of the proposed ordinances.
Member Parker spoke in support of all parties having due process rights. She stated her support for ensuring all residents had homes and spoke about protecting mobile home residents.
Member Salcido expressed support for protecting mobile home park residents. She requested exploring rent control in the future. She spoke in favor of mitigation exemption requests being considered by Council.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter spoke in support of the ordinances and about the importance of protecting residents.
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
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6) By Motion, Introduce for First Reading, by Title Only, Waiving the Full Reading of the Text, an Ordinance Adding a New Chapter 4 Entitled Mobile Home Park Conversions or Closures of Title 11 (Mobile Homes & parks) of the Watsonville Municipal Code Relating to Mobile Home Park Conversions or Closures 7) By Motion, Introduce for First Reading, by Title Only, Waiving the Full Reading of the Text, an Ordinance Amending Section 14-16.705 (Property Development Standards) Within Part 7 (R-MH-Residential Manufactured Home Park District) of Chapter 14-16 (District Regulations) & Repealing Chapter 14-42 (Mobile Home Park Conversions to Resident Ownership or to Any Other Use) Within Title 14 (Zoning) of the Watsonville Municipal Code
12. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
12.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
Member Dutra left at 7:58 p.m.
12.b. PRESENTATION REGARDING RECURSO DE FUERZA VILLAGE (LOW-BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTER) 118 1ST STREET APN: 017-172-31, 32, & 35 Staff presentation by Principal Planner Orbach. Santa Cruz County Human Services Department Housing for Health Division Director Robert Ratner and Monterey County Homeless Services Director Roxanne Wilson were also present.
In answering Member Parker, Principal Planner Orbach provided details regarding the placement and height of the tiny home units and the height of the fence that would be installed as part of the project.
Human Services Department Housing for Health Division (HSDHHD) Director Ratner, in answering Member Parker, spoke about Santa Cruz County’s plans to support the project after the initial grant funding was spent and the Memorandum of Understanding that was in place.
Principal Planner Orbach added that the tiny home units were portable but would require inground utilities.
In answering Member Salcido, Principal Planner Orbach provided additional details regarding the design of the project, including the proposed fence and storage.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Salcido, stated Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County would be invited to present to Council regarding plans for managing the site.
In answering Member Salcido, City Attorney Zutler stated conversations were ongoing with Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties regarding indemnification for the City in the event of litigation.
Principal Planner Orbach, in answering Member Montesino, spoke about the security plan for the center, including cameras and a site monitor.
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Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson provided additional information regarding the security plan, including the potential for security guards at the site.
In answering Member Salcido, Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson spoke about the visitor policy and operational standards that would be in place at the center.
Principal Planner Orbach, in answering Member Parker, spoke about available parking for residents of the center.
In answering Member Parker, City Manager Vides stated the Municipal Code included parking regulations.
Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson, in answering Member Parker, stated there would be participation rules in place at the center.
In answering Member Clark, Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson stated Police would be called if necessary to address situations at the project site. She spoke about the success of low barrier navigation centers across the country.
Member Clark expressed the reasons he was not in support of the project.
In answering Member Clark, Monterey County Homeless Services Director Wilson and HSDHHD Director Ratner spoke about funding sources for the project.
City Manager Vides stated all parties continued to collaborate to bring additional information on the project to Council.
In answering Member Clark’s concerns, Principal Planner Orbach spoke about the reasons for the lengthy application process.
Principal Planner Orbach, in answering Member Parker, stated use of the church adjacent to the project would not be affected by the new project. He spoke about the entrance and exit points and use of City utilities to service the site.
Public Input
Dan Hoffman, Westview Presbyterian Church Pastor, expressed support for the low barrier navigation center.
Margaret Lore, Westview Presbyterian Church member, spoke in support of the homeless population and expressed support for the project.
Reverand Julianne Porras-Center, Somos Watsonville Executive Director, expressed support for homeless persons and spoke about the importance of providing services for them.
Catalina, District 1, spoke about negative experiences faced by residents due to homeless crimes and stated a different location for the center should be explored. She expressed frustration with the effects of continuing issues with the homeless population near the Pajaro River.
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Marta Bulaich, District 1, expressed concerns with lack of transparency by those involved with the project. She spoke about the issues faced with homeless persons by those residing near the project site.
Ilia Bulaich, District 1, stated concerns with the project. He spoke about his experiences with homeless persons.
13. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
14. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Member Salcido requested a presentation by Community Action Board Santa Cruz County regarding the tiny homes project.
Member Montesino requested an update on the pedestrian bridge near Pajaro Valley High School and the sidewalk on a portion of Main Street.
Member Parker requested an update on the status of El Frijolito.
Mayor Pro Tempore Orozco requested an item to explore rent control for mobile homes.
Mayor Quiroz-Carter requested an item to explore protections for all tenants and homeowners.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
________________________________
Vanessa Quiroz-Carter, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________ _______
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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