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MINUTES
REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
September 9, 2025 City of Watsonville
Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
4:33 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Orozco, Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, and Quiroz-Carter were present.
2. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed the meeting to discuss the items that follow at 4:34 p.m.
2.a. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency negotiator: Nathalie Manning, Marissa Duran and Mark Wilson, Burke Williams and Sorensen
Employee organizations: Fire Management, International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 1272; Public Safety Mid-Management, and Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
2.b. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(Government Code Section 54957)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: [City Clerk and City Attorney]
2.c. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – PENDING LITIGATION (Government Code Section 54956.9)
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (d)(2) of Section 54956.9: [3 cases] City Council Resumed at 6:20 p.m.
3. ROLL CALL
Mayor Orozco, Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino (left at 8:36 p.m.), Parker, and Quiroz-Carter were present.
Staff members present were City Manager Vides, City Attorney Zutler, City Clerk Ortiz, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg, Interim Police Chief Rodriguez, Acting Fire Chief Schaefer, Administrative Services Director Duran, Community Development Director Brletic, I.T. Director Gill, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Library Docusign Envelope ID: 67299818-510F-4173-A406-DDE62FA25B2A Vol 66 Min-CC090925
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Director Martinez, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Assistant Community Development Director Orbach, Police Captain Thul, Police Captain Fulgoni, Housing Manager Landaverry, Public Information Officer Pulido, Police Media & Communications Assistant Vazquez, Police Corporal Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Jauregui.
3.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) – None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. INFORMATION ITEMS
5.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
5.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
6. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
6.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Jazmine Venegas, PG&E Central Coast Division Government Relations Representative, introduced herself to Council and encouraged them to reach out for assistance when needed.
? female, spoke on behalf of MariaElena De la Garza, Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County Chief Executive Officer, thanking Mayor Orozco for her support and leadership in their ongoing efforts to complete their challenge of 1,000 childcare safety plans by September 30th. She spoke about the importance of these plans and collaboration with various local organizations to reach their goal.
Nat, Pajaro Valley for Ethnic Studies and Justice, stated some community members were on a hunger strike to protest harmful effects of pesticides. She spoke about the rate of pediatric cancer in the County and asked Council to support the strikers’ efforts to encourage Driscoll’s and California Giant to switch to organic practices. She requested the Council not appoint Georgia Acosta to any committee or other public service position.
Becky Steinbruner requested Council write a letter in opposition to the proposed Seahawk battery storage project at 90 Minto Road. She expressed concerns with the project, including potential safety hazards.
Brian Peoples, Trail Now, spoke about concerns with potential use of funding and future revenue by Santa Cruz for construction of the coastal trail. He stated Council should oppose any new bonds against Measure D and stated the reasons why.
Bernie Gomez, District 1, spoke about the importance of road infrastructure and safe beach access for Watsonville residents.
Dr. Barraza stated her concerns over the safety of Pajaro Valley High School students and requested Council expedite construction of the pedestrian bridge in that area.
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6.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Mayor Orozco spoke about various events she attended over the past weeks and other organizations involved in those events.
6.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Zutler stated Council held a Closed Session and took no reportable action.
6.d. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING BUENA VISTA BREWING CO.
6.e. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING WATSONVILLE WETLANDS WATCH
6.f. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS CHILDHOOD CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
7. CONSENT AGENDA
In responding to Member Dutra’s concerns regarding the contract listed under Item 7.d., City Manager Vides spoke about ongoing conversations with the Watsonville Pilots Association and potential adoption of the Airport Land Use Planning Handbook. She stated the proposed contract was in response to Council’s previous direction to explore closure of Runway 9-27. She spoke about potential implications of closing the Runway, including impacts on current Airport safety zones.
Member Dutra expressed his concerns with closing Runway 9-27 and with the amount for the contract listed under Item 7.d.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, City Manager Vides stated the contract proposed under Item 7.d. was related to environmental review to explore closure of Runway 9-27.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Parker, spoke about the distribution of Type 47 alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County and stated there were currently none available. She stated Item 7.m. was a request to the County of Santa Cruz to initiate a legislative ask to the State to allow more licenses to be issued in the city.
Mayor Orozco highlighted Item 7.e. and spoke in support of improving lighting citywide.
PUBLIC INPUT
Becky Steinbruner spoke in opposition to Item 7.d. and listed reasons why she was opposed to closure of Runway 9-27.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Quiroz-Carter, seconded by Member Montesino and carried by the following vote to approve the Consent Agenda.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Orozco NOES: MEMBERS: Dutra (Item 7.d. only), Parker (Item 7.d. only) ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
7.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF AUGUST 26, 2025
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7.b. MOTION AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO OVERHIRE FIREFIGHTERS DURING
FORECASTED STAFFING SHORTAGES
7.c. RESOLUTION NO. 231-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND MNS ENGINEERS, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE DESIGN OF THE POPPY HILL BOOSTER PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, NO.
WA-21-14830, AMENDING THE SCOPE OF WORK AND INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $55,701; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
7.d. RESOLUTION NO. 232-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING CONTRACT TO KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC., A CORPORATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $271,215 FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES RELATED TO POTENTIAL DEACTIVATION OF RUNWAY 9-27, APPROPRIATING $271,215 FROM THE GENERAL FUND [0150] TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 0150 315 7307
AND AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT
7.e. RESOLUTION NO. 233-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING CONTRACT TO STAR ENERGY MANAGEMENT, INC., A
CORPORATION, FOR THE CITYWIDE LED STREETLIGHT INSTALLATION PROJECT, NO. ST-25-01, IN THE AMOUNT OF $225,357 PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 15% CONTINGENCY FOR A TOTAL PROJECT AMOUNT OF $259,160; AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT (FUNDED FROM THE MEASURE R FUND)
7.f. RESOLUTION NO. 234-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AUTHORIZING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND JAM SERVICES INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF SMART
PHOTOCONTROL UNITS FOR THE LED STREET LIGHT BULBS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $215,366 FOR A TOTAL REVISED PURCHASE AMOUNT OF $1,540,929 (FUNDED
FROM THE MEASURE R FUND)
7.g. RESOLUTION NO. 235-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO STRAWN CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY ROOFTOP ADDITION, NO. CB-25-5220, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,696,600, PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% CONTINGENCY ($269,600) AND INDIRECT/SOFT CONSTRUCTION COSTS ($68,000) FOR A TOTAL PROJECT AMOUNT OF $3,033,600; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME; AND AUTHORIZING BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF $183,600 FROM THE LIBRARY FUND (0250)
7.h. RESOLUTION NO. 236-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF Docusign Envelope ID: 67299818-510F-4173-A406-DDE62FA25B2A Vol 66 Min-CC090925
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WATSONVILLE AND THE KPA GROUP, FOR CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
SERVICES, ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK AND INCREASING
COMPENSATION, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $112,160, FOR A TOTAL REVISED CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $326,160; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
7.i. RESOLUTION NO. 237-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH GRANITE ROCK COMPANY,
FOR WATER CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, RENTAL EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES, PROJECT NO. WA-23-02, INCREASING CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $500,000 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,050,000 FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025 (FUNDED FROM THE WATER ENTERPRISE FUND) AND EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM FROM JANUARY 1, 2026 TO DECEMBER 31, 2026 AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
7.j. RESOLUTION NO. 238-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT VEHICLES 1) JOHN DEERE 325G COMPACT TRACK LOADER AND 2) JOHN DEERE 444G TIER WHEEL LOADER, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $320,000; AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE PURCHASE ORDER
WITH JOHN DEERE CONSTRUCTION RETAIL SALES INCLUDING ANY
EXTENSIONS OR AMENDMENTS THEREOF IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THIS
PURCHASE
7.k. RESOLUTION NO. 239-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO’S. 187-24 (CM) THROUGH 198-24(CM) AND
APPROVING THE CURRENT CITY OF WATSONVILLE STANDALONE SALARY SCHEDULE FOR ALL CLASSIFICATIONS IN CONFORMANCE WITH SECTION 570.5 (REQUIREMENT FOR A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE) OF TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION) OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS AND LISTING
ALL EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION LEVELS ON A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY
SCHEDULE
7.l. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A 24-MONTH ORDER FORM FOR THE LEASE OF THIRTY-SEVEN (37) AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READERS (ALPR) CAMERAS FROM FLOCK GROUP, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $251,0000, AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY NECESSARY DOCUMENTS – Removed per Mayor Orozco’s request.
7.m. RESOLUTION NO. 240-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
REQUESTING THAT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ SUPPORT AND PURSUE STATE LEGISLATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF TYPE 47 ALCOHOL
LICENSES AVAILABLE IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
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7.n. ORDINANCE NO. 1480-25 (CM)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AMENDING CHAPTER 14-46 (AFFORDABLE HOUSING ORDINANCE) OF THE
WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE
7.o. ORDINANCES REGARDING 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION 1) ORDINANCE NO. 1481-25 (CM)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AMENDING MULTIPLE CHAPTERS WITHIN TITLE 14 (ZONING) OF THE
WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS WITHIN THE 6TH CYCLE 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT; AND
FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) AS IT IS NOT A PROJECT BUT IF A PROJECT, EXEMPT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3) 2) ORDINANCE NO. 1482-25 (CM)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL AMENDING THE DOWNTOWN
WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN RELATED TO IMPLEMENTATION OF
PROGRAMS WITHIN THE 2023-2031 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT; AND
FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) AS IT IS NOT A PROJECT BUT IF A PROJECT, EXEMPT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3)
8. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
A presentation was given by Interim Police Chief Rodriguez and Police Captain Thul.
In answering Member Parker, Interim Police Chief Rodriguez stated Police was not requesting a budget increase to fund the contract.
City Attorney Zutler, in answering Member Dutra, stated the contract could be canceled in the event terms were breached. Interim Police Chief Rodriguez stated that the cameras could be turned off at any moment if there were a breach to the contract by Flock.
In answering Member Parker, City Attorney Zutler provided clarification regarding requests for Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) data and possible remedies in the event the contract terms were breached.
Interim Police Chief Rodriguez, in answering Member Dutra, stated the ALPR system only provided license plate numbers and spoke about additional investigation necessary after receiving Flock date.
Public Input
The following members of the public spoke in opposition to the use of Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Cameras and expressed their concerns. ? female
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Bernie Gomez
? male, Santa Cruz County resident
Julia Monohan
? male, Santa Cruz County Latino Affairs Commission Chair Alma
Yesenia, District 7
Scott
Jessica Murray
Kitty Mizzuno, District 7
Karen Odsmundson
Bobby Marchessault, District 2
Jill Clifton, Santa Cruz County resident
Fernanda Jordan
Nat, Pajaro Valley for Ethnic Studies and Justice
Eli, Santa Cruz County Resident and Pajaro Valley for Ethnic Studies and Justice ? female
? female
Dr. Barraza
Yesenia Molina
Yuli
Basilio
Becky Steinbruner
? female
Eileen Clark-Nagaoka, District 6
MOTION: It was moved by Member Clark, seconded by Member Dutra, to approve the resolution listed under Item 7.l. below.
Member Quiroz-Carter spoke about her reasons for supporting approval of the original contract with Flock. She spoke about the sale and tracking of data by social media companies. She stated the reasons she would not support the motion.
Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido thanked the residents who attended and participated in the meeting and thanked Interim Chief Police Chief Rodriguez for his presentation. She spoke about the reasons she would support the motion.
Mayor Orozco acknowledged Police’s effective use of Flock ALPR cameras but stated the reasons she could not support the staff recommendation.
MOTION: The above motion was carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: Quiroz-Carter, Orozco
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
7.l. RESOLUTION NO. 241-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A 24-MONTH ORDER FORM FOR THE LEASE OF THIRTY-SEVEN (37) AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READERS (ALPR) CAMERAS FROM FLOCK GROUP, INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $251,0000, AND Docusign Envelope ID: 67299818-510F-4173-A406-DDE62FA25B2A Vol 66 Min-CC090925
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AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
Mayor Orozco recessed the meeting at 8:17 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:26 p.m.
9. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
9.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
9.b. REPORT REGARDING MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 2025 TO UPDATE LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 2019
Report was given by Clare Peabody, County of Santa Cruz.
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg was also present.
Public Input
Becky Steinbruner expressed concerns over a possible lack of representation of Watsonville residents in survey responses. She requested Council include lithium-ion battery storage facilities as a hazard. She spoke about the importance of maintaining a viable Airport.
Ms. Peabody spoke about in-person community outreach efforts in Watsonville.
9.c. FIREWORKS ENFORCEMENT REPORT BY POLICE CAPTAIN FULGONI & ACTING
FIRE CHIEF COREY SCHAEFER
In answering Member Parker, Police Captain Fulgoni spoke about increased fireworks enforcement efforts in comparison to previous years.
Member Parker thanked staff for their enforcement efforts.
In answering Member Dutra, Acting Fire Chief Schaefer spoke about Fire and Police’s roles in enforcement efforts, and stated Police was responsible for issuing citations.
City Manager Vides, in answering Mayor Orozco, provided details regarding the process for collecting payment for citations and stated an amount paid to date could be provided at a later time.
Public Input
Becky Steinbruner inquired if those who received citations were city residents, whether Flock cameras could be used to track them in the future, how much non-profit organizations made from sale of safe and sane fireworks, how much money had been collected from fines, and how that money would be utilized.
10. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
11. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Member Parker requested a letter from Council opposing a battery storage facility on Docusign Envelope ID: 67299818-510F-4173-A406-DDE62FA25B2A Vol 66 Min-CC090925
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Minto Road. She also requested a letter asking the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to prioritize tax funds for South County.
Member Clark agreed with Member Parker’s requests.
12. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
______________________________
Maria Orozco, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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