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MINUTES
REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
September 23, 2025 City of Watsonville
Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
*Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), Council Member Clark was scheduled to participate in the meeting via teleconferencing from: 201 Jackson Street, Fairfield, CA 4:30 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Orozco, Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, and Council Members Clark (arrived at 4:42 p.m., in person), Dutra, Montesino (arrived at 4:38 p.m.), and Parker were present.
Member Quiroz-Carter was absent.
2. NEW BUSINESS
2.a. ADOPT THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 1) Staff Report by Deputy City Manager Calubaquib, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg, Housing Manager Landaverry, Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County Director of Homeless Services Mike Kittredge, People First of Santa Cruz County Executive Director Evan Morrison, Community Member Rosemary Anderson, & Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency Executive Director Mark Strudley
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Parker, Housing Manager Landaverry spoke about the process for amending the zoning ordinance to comply with State requirements.
City Manager Vides stated that the Community Development Department staff was working on drafting an ordinance to incorporate regulations around low-barrier navigation centers, which Council could expect to see early next year. She stated the City was updating its ordinances to stay in compliance with State requirements.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, People First of Santa Cruz County Executive Director Morrison spoke about his collaboration with City of Santa Cruz’s homelessness outreach programs and about the importance of effective collaboration.
People First of Santa Cruz County Executive Director Morrison, in answering Member Parker, spoke about including the unhoused community in engagement and education efforts along with local businesses.
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In answering Member Dutra, City Manager Vides stated the Council was not being asked to approve new staff positions to address homelessness. She spoke about the City’s current efforts.
Deputy City Manager Calubaquib, in response to Member Parker’s concerns regarding the name of the Plan, added that the Homelessness Action Plan was outlining strategies to address homelessness, including prioritizing the City’s interdepartmental Homelessness Action Committee and coordination efforts.
Member Parker requested guidance regarding discussion and approval of specific portions of the recommended Action Plan.
City Manager Vides, in response to Member Dutra’s concerns, stated the City would continue to prioritize interdepartmental response efforts and was not requesting additional staff or creation of a dedicated department to address homelessness.
Member Clark expressed agreement with other Council Member’s concerns regarding the City’s ability to implement the Action Plan and not misleading the community regarding expected outcomes.
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg stated that staff was not requesting additional resources and stated that the numbers included in the Plan reflected the City’s current investment in addressing homelessness.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, Deputy City Manager Calubaquib spoke about the benefits of strategic plans and spoke specifically about using the Homelessness Action Plan to coordinate efforts. He stated additional funding was not being committed through the Plan.
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg added that the Homelessness Action Plan would provide useful data to pursue funding opportunities.
In answering Member Dutra, City Manager Vides stated the City did not receive funding from the County of Santa Cruz to address homelessness.
Community Member Anderson, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about benefits of Library services for the unhoused population.
Mayor Orozco spoke in support of the Action Plan and spoke about its benefits.
In answering Member Parker, City Manager Vides stated the County’s Human Services department did not allocate direct funding to the City for homelessness services. She spoke about collaboration with the County to establish winter shelters.
Member Parker expressed concerns with the name of the Homelessness Action Plan and spoke about potentially changing the name to Homelessness Strategic Plan.
City Attorney Zutler, in response to Member Parker’s concerns, stated language could be added to the proposed resolution reflecting the name change.
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In answering Member Clark, Police Captain Radich spoke about efforts to focus on working with the group of homeless community members that produced the most impact on resources and calls for service.
Member Clark requested Council advocate to the State and County for the City’s best interests.
3) Public Input
Marta Bulaich, District 1, expressed concerns with the Homelessness Action Plan and current response to homelessness issues. She requested the Plan be sent back to staff with direction to include enforcement mechanisms, accountability measures, and crime prevention strategies.
Felipe Hernandez stated the City had not requested funding from the County of Santa Cruz. He spoke about the Homelessness Action Plan being a first step towards collaboration on grant funding opportunities.
4) MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, seconded by Member Clark to approve the resolution listed under Item 2.a.6. below, with an addition to the resolution stating the Plan would be known as the “Homelessness Strategic Plan.” AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, Salcido, Orozco NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Quiroz-Carter
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Parker requested staff further develop a focus on empowering Police to properly protect homes and businesses from impact of homelessness.
Member Montesino spoke about challenges with implementing suggestions in the Plan.
Member Dutra stated concerns with existing emergency service response resources.
Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido expressed support for the Plan and thanked Deputy City Manager Calubaquib for explaining the value of having a plan in place. 6) RESOLUTION NO. 242-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ADOPTING THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN 2025 Mayor Orozco introduced Mayor Arturo Hernández Vázquez from Watsonville’s sister city in Tangancícuaro, Michaocán, México and his staff who were visiting.
Mayor Hernández Vázquez spoke about the sister city partnership and thanked Council for their hospitality. He thanked Council for their recent visit and donation of surplus equipment. He invited everyone to visit Tangancícuaro.
3. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed the meeting to discuss the items that follow at 6:09 p.m.
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3.a. 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 6:39 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Orozco, Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, and Council Members Clark (arrived at 7:04 p.m.), Dutra, Montesino, and Parker (arrived at 6:44 p.m.) were present. Member QuirozCarter was absent.
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 Director Martinez, Airport Director Williams, Assistant Community Development Director Orbach, Police Captain Radich, Principal Management Analyst Zavala, Building and Facilities Manager Berry, I.T. Analyst II Rodriguez, Police Officer Bañuelos, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Landaverry.
4.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) – None
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
6. INFORMATION ITEMS
6.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
6.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
6.c. 2025 2ND QUARTER COMMISSIONER ATTENDANCE REPORT
7. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
7.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Dana Wagner, Meals on Wheels Senior Program Director, provided data to Council regarding the number of meals served and services provided over the past fiscal year.
Becky Steinbruner inquired why a letter opposing the battery storage project on Minto Road requested by Member Parker was not included in the agenda. She spoke about a recent Civil Grand Jury Report regarding human trafficking in Santa Cruz County and encouraged Council to read it.
7.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Dutra spoke about his attendance at various events, including the Santa Cruz County Fair, Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation’s Twilight Tapestry Gala, and at Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes.
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Member Parker spoke about her participation at a Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency Board meeting. She stated they would be meeting with the Army Corps regarding the Pajaro Levee project. She asked City Manager Vides why the letter she requested opposing the battery storage project was not included in the Consent Agenda.
In answering Member Parker, City Manager Vides stated she reached out to the developer of the battery storage project and requested they attend a future Council meeting to provide information to the Council and the community.
Mayor Orozco spoke about her participation at various events over the past weeks.
7.d. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING CHEVROLET OF WATSONVILLE,
MONTEREY BAY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM & MID BAY FORD LINCOLN
7.e. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS CYBERSECURITY
AWARENESS MONTH
7.f. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 29TH THROUGH OCTOBER 5TH AS “WEEK WITHOUT DRIVING”
7.g. NAVIGATING FOOD INSECURITY CHALLENGES IN PARTNERSHIP PRESENTATION BY SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK CEO, ERIKA PADILLA CHAVEZ (15 Minutes) Member Montesino thanked CEO Padilla Chavez for the tour of Second Harvest Food Bank provided to the delegation visiting from Tangancícuaro. He spoke about the importance of collaborating to continue assisting community members in need.
Member Parker spoke about the number of Watsonville residents being served by Second Harvest Food Bank and thanked them for their efforts.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, CEO Padilla Chavez spoke about collaborating to advocate for support at the State level. She spoke about developing a strategy to do so.
Mayor Orozco spoke about her volunteer work with Second Harvest Food Bank and the importance of continuing to support one another.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
In answering Member Clark, City Manager Vides stated she had not received any correspondence regarding a possible agreement with the local Adult Education school regarding their use of the parking lot listed under Item 8.m. She provided details regarding the proposed short-term parking meter pilot program.
City Manager Vides, in answering Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, spoke about the discounted rate the Adult Education school received when purchasing parking permits.
She spoke about the impacts of long-term parking in lots meant for short-term parking.
Member Parker spoke about continuing to communicate with Dr. Nancy Bilicich regarding the Adult Education school’s use of a City parking lot.
PUBLIC INPUT
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Beck Steinbruner spoke about challenges encountered with a parking meter pilot program done in another city in Santa Cruz County and its negative impact. She spoke in support of the letter addressed to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission regarding Measure D funding and stated it should be stronger.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido to approve the Consent Agenda.
Member Montesino spoke in favor of the short-term parking meter pilot program.
In answering Member Clark, City Manager Vides stated the short-term parking meter pilot program would last 30 days.
MOTION: The above motion was carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, Salcido, Orozco NOES: MEMBERS: Clark (Item 8.d. only)
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Quiroz-Carter
*8.a. MOTION DESIGNATING COUNCIL MEMBERS AS VOTING DELEGATES FOR LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO. ON OCTOBER 8-10, 2025, IN LONG BEACH, CA – No voting delegates designated.
8.b. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
8.c. MOTION APPROVING LETTER TO SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGARDING MEASURE D FUNDING
8.d. MOTION APPROVING THANK YOU LETTER FOR PASSING OF SENATE BILLS 627 & 805 REGARDING LAW ENFORCEMENT: MASKS & CRIMES
8.e. RESOLUTION NO. 243-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING CONTRACT WITH PAPÉ MACHINERY, INC., FOR VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT REPAIR SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000 PER YEAR, FOR THE NEXT THREE (3) FISCAL YEARS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $600,000; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
THE SAME
8.f. RESOLUTION NO. 244-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NUMBER 5, IN THE AMOUNT OF $249,994.38 WITH ROBERT A BOTHMAN CONSTRUCTION FOR THE RAMSAY PARK RENAISSANCE PROJECT, NO. PK-22-01, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
CITY MANGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME
8.g. RESOLUTION NO. 245-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND LWP CLAIMS SOLUTIONS, INC. A CORPORATION, FOR Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF2FEB4-56CE-4D93-A746-DF3BF973F1D8 Vol 66 Min-CC092325
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WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIMS MANAGEMENT INCREASING CONTRACT COMPENSATION TO $180,585 IN FY 25-26, $187,808 IN FY 26-27, $195,321 IN FY 27- 28; EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT FROM AUGUST 30, 2025 TO AUGUST 30, 2028, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE SAME
8.h. RESOLUTION NO. 246-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH COOPER MACHINERY
SERVICES, LLC, A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, FOR COGENERATION
GENERATOR AND TURBOCHARGER REPAIR SERVICES FOR THE
COGENERATION SYSTEM, ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK, AND INCREASING COMPENSATION, IN AN AMOUNT OF $52,071.97 FOR A REVISED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $225,567.60; AND AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME
8.i. RESOLUTION NO. 247-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT TO SYNAGRO-WWT, INC., A
CORPORATION, FOR THE WWTF BIOSOLIDS LOADING, TRANSPORTATION, AND DISPOSAL PROJECT, NO. WW-25-02, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,057,520; AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT (FUNDED
FROM THE SEWER ENTERPRISE FUND)
8.j. RESOLUTION NO. 248-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO MNS ENGINEERS, INC., A
CORPORATION, FOR INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE BRIDGE STREET PAVEMENT RESTORATION PROJECT – BRIDGE ST. TO BECK ST., NO. ST-25- 14816, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $134,850.00; AND AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
8.k. RESOLUTION NO. 249-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AWARDING CONTRACT WITH 72 HOUR LLC DBA NATIONAL TRUCK SALES AND
SERVICE, FOR VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT REPAIR SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000 PER YEAR FOR THE NEXT THREE (3) FISCAL YEARS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $600,000; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME
8.l. RESOLUTION NO. 250-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) MODEL 600 SWEEPER TRUCK FOR THE SOLID WASTE DIVISION FROM TYMCO, INC., THROUGH THE PURCHASING
AUTHORITY OF SOURCEWELL (FORMERLY NJPA), IN AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEED $420,269.24; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE ORDER (FUNDED FROM SOLID WASTE ENTERPRISE FUND [0740])
8.m. RESOLUTION NO. 251-25 (CM)
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AUTHORIZING A SHORT-TERM PARKING METER TEST AT DOWNTOWN LOT 14
AND THE WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, APPROVING A TRIAL AGREEMENT WITH I.P.S. GROUP, INC., A CORPORATION, GRANTING AUTHORITY TO TEST VARIED RATES AND TIME LIMITS; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT
8.n. RESOLUTION NO. 252-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
RATIFYING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE FIRE MANAGEMENT UNIT FOR FISCAL YEARS 2025-2028
8.o. RESOLUTION NO. 253-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPOINTING ANGEL ZUNIGA TO THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE PERSONNEL
COMMISSION
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
10. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
10.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
City Clerk Ortiz announced that the City Clerk’s office would be open for early voting for the Statewide Special Election beginning Monday, October 6th.
11. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
12. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None
3. CLOSED SESSION (Continued)
The City Council recessed the meeting to discuss the items that follow at 7:49 p.m.
3.a. 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] Council resumed the regular meeting at 8:59 p.m.
7.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Zutler stated Council gave direction to the City Manager to join on behalf of the City the settlement of In re National Prescription Opiate litigation # 1:117-MD-2804 in the Northern District of Ohio.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
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______________________________
Maria Orozco, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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