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MINUTES
REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
October 14, 2025 City of Watsonville
Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
*Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), Council Member Clark participated in the meeting via teleconferencing from: 421 Ogden Way, Vacaville, CA 95687. Council Member Montesino participated in the meeting via teleconferencing from: 2101 River Plaza Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833
4:32 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Orozco, Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, and Quiroz-Carter were present.
1.a. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES & RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
2. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
2.a. WATSONVILLE CITY PLAZA REVITALIZATION PROJECT UPDATE BY BUILDING &
FACILITIES MANAGER BERRY
In answering Member Parker, Deputy City Manager Calubaquib spoke about the process of developing master plans for the City Plaza and Ramsay Park.
Member Parker expressed concerns with the proposed project changes presented. She stated the public and Council should have had access to the staff presentation prior to the meeting.
In answering Member Dutra, Building & Facilities Manager Berry provided additional details regarding the differences in scope of work between two options presented for changes to the Civic Plaza Project.
City Manager Vides spoke about staff efforts to identify cost-saving opportunities in the various options presented.
In answering Member Dutra, Building & Facilities Manager Berry spoke about pathway lighting planned for the City Plaza.
City Manager Vides spoke about the importance of Council’s direction to staff to ensure continued progress toward meeting the timeline for releasing the City Plaza Project for bid.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, Building & Facilities Manager Berry spoke about the various proposed options presented and their budget implications.
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Deputy City Manager Calubaquib, in answering Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, spoke about funding for Option A and his concerns with potential for costs increases.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, Building & Facilities Manager Berry stated his concerns with repair of the Plaza Gazebo due to its age.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Parker, stated the Ramsay Park Renaissance project was within budget.
Member Parker shared her concerns with the City Plaza Project update and spoke about the public’s desire to keep the Gazebo in place based on past community input.
Mayor Orozco spoke about accountability to the public and stated she was open to considering Option B.
3. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed the meeting to discuss the items that follow at 5:20 p.m.
3.a. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(Government Code Section 54957)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: [City Clerk and City Manager]
City Council Resumed at 6:30 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Orozco, Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, and Council Members Clark, Dutra, Montesino (arrived at 6:32 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 Director Martinez, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green, Assistant Community Development Director Meek, Building and Facilities Manager Berry, Principal Engineer Theriot, Police Sergeant Uretsky, 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
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7. PRESENTATIONS & ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
7.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Aurelio Gonzalez, District 2, requested Council choose the Plaza Revitalization Project option that included restoring the Gazebo. He stated that waiving the Project Labor Agreement for the City Plaza Project would not reduce project costs. He requested Member Dutra resign from his Council seat.
7.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Mayor Orozco spoke about events and meetings she attended over the past weeks, and the organizations involved in those events.
7.c. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Orozco stated no reportable action was taken.
7.d. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE MONTEREY BAY CHAPTER OF 99S
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN PILOTS
7.e. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION (EAA) CHAPTER 119
7.f. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FARM BUREAU
7.g. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SLICE PROJECT PIZZA
7.h. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SALUD PARA LA GENTE
7.i. LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES HELLEN PUTNAM AWARD PRESENTED BY
DEANNA SESSUMS, REGIONAL AFFAIRS MANAGER
7.j. PRESENTATION – OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE
PROJECT BY MAX CHRISTIAN, SENIOR PROJECT DEVELOPER
In answering Member Clark, Senior Project Developer Christian spoke about the power source for battery charging, use of solar energy, the project’s expected operating life, and other project details.
In response to Member Parker’s concerns regarding the opportunity for public input, City Manager Vides stated a date to host a community meeting was being explored.
Senior Project Developer Christian, in answering Member Parker, spoke about community engagement efforts to allow the public to obtain information on the project. He spoke about delays to the project due to challenges with the necessary permits, alternatives to advance the project, and provided responses to various other concerns that were raised by Member Parker.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, Senior Project Developer Christian gave details regarding the proposed storage of batteries and safety features to prevent spread in the event of a fire.
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project design.
Mayor Orozco recessed the meeting at 7:51 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 7:58 p.m.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT – None
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, seconded by Member Dutra and carried by the following vote to approve the Consent Agenda.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Orozco NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
8.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
8.b. RESOLUTION NO. 254-25 (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 STERNS, CONRAD AND SCHMIDT CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC., DBA SCS FIELD SERVICES, A CORPORATION,
FOR LANDFILL GAS SUPPORT SERVICES AT THE CITY LANDFILL, REDUCING THE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT FROM $400,000 TO $250,000, , UPDATING THE LABOR AND EQUIPMENT FEE SCHEDULE FOR FY25-26, EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM FROM JUNE 30, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2026; AND AUTHORIZING
AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
8.c. RESOLUTION NO. 255-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH WORLD FUEL SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE PURCHASE OF AVIATION GRADE GASOLINE AND JET “A” FUEL AND BRANDING AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH AVIATION FUELING, IN AN AMOUNTNOT TO EXCEED 1.85 MILLION GALLONS FOR EIGHT YEARS; AND APPROVAL OF A THREE YEAR LEASE (AT $1.00 PER YEAR) OF A 1,000 GALLON AVIATION GRADE GASOLINE REFUELER VEHICLE FROM ASCENT AVIATION GROUP, INC., AND AUTHORIZING
AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL AGREEMENTS (FUNDING
FOR THESE SERVICES WILL BE FUNDED FROM THE AIRPORT ENTERPRISE FUND [0730])
8.d. RESOLUTION NO. 256-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING FIRST CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH HARRIS & ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR THE RAMSAY PARK RENAISSANCE PROJECT, NO. PK-22-01, INCREASING COMPENSATION BY $129,745 AND EXTENDING CONTRACT TERM TO DECEMBER 31, 2026; AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME
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8.e. RESOLUTION NO. 257-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH PJ TRUCKING ACADEMY, LLC FOR
COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (CDL) TRAINING SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $56,000, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
8.f. RESOLUTION NO. 258-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING FREEWAY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT (SCR-1-2.25 HARKINS
SLOUGH ROAD OC) BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS) FOR THE
MAINTENANCE OF ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS AT HARKINS SLOUGH ROAD CROSSING OF STATE ROUTE 1; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
8.g. RESOLUTION NO. 259-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING A ONE-YEAR LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH ONE-YEAR OPTION TERM
BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ, FOR USE OF COMMUNICATIONS TOWER SPACE LOCATED AT 370 AIRPORT
BOULEVARD, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO OF A NON-SUBSTANTIVE NATURE SUBJECT TO LEGAL APPROVAL; AND FINDING THE
ACTION NOT SUBJECT TO REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
8.h. RESOLUTION NO. 260-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING A FOUR-YEAR LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND THE INTERNET STORE, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION,
DBA CRUZIO, CRUZIO INTERNET, CRUZIOWORKS, CRUZIO MEDIA AND SANTA CRUZ FIBER, FOR USE OF COMMUNICATIONS TOWER SPACE AT 370 AIRPORT
BOULEVARD, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO OF A NON-SUBSTANTIVE NATURE SUBJECT TO LEGAL APPROVAL; AND FINDING THE
ACTION NOT SUBJECT TO REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
8.i. RESOLUTION NO. 261-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE ORDER OF ONE (1) 2025 JOHN DEERE 700 P DOZER FOR THE SOLID WASTE DIVISION FROM PAPÉ MACHINERY, INC.,
THROUGH THE PURCHASING AUTHORITY OF SOURCEWELL (FORMERLY NJPA), IN AN AMOUNT OF $293,343 PLUS ANY ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE ACTUAL COST
OF FREIGHT, DELIVERY, AND TAXES WHICH ARE CALCULATED AT THE TIME OF FINAL SHIPMENT; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE ORDER (FUNDED FROM SOLID WASTE ENTERPRISE FUND [0740]) Docusign Envelope ID: 6FA2168B-BDB0-42EE-A95C-5E28304590AD Vol 66 Min-CC101425
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8.j. RESOLUTION NO. 262-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE ADOPTING THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE 2025 RECORDS MANAGEMENT
GUIDELINES AND RETENTION SCHEDULE AND AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OR
DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN RECORDS
8.k. RESOLUTION NO. 263-25 (CM)
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPOINTING RADOVAN RADICH, POLICE CAPTAIN, TO THE SANTA CRUZ
COUNTY HOUSING FOR HEALTH PARTNERSHIP POLICY BOARD
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
10. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
10.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
In answering Member Parker, City Manager Vides spoke about her participation in a Crisis Communication Panel at the California League of Cities Conference.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Quiroz-Carter, provided the hours of operation for the self-serve sandbag stations available at two locations in the City.
In answering Member Parker, City Manager Vides spoke about the City’s social media advertising of CruzAware emergency alerts.
City Clerk Ortiz spoke about voting services provided by the City Clerk’s office for the November 4th Special Statewide Election, including weekend hours.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
11.a. CONSIDERATION OF PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 1) Staff Report by Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg & City Attorney Zutler.
Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green was also present. 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Dutra, City Attorney Zutler stated Council could modify the proposed ordinance.
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg, in answering Member Dutra, provided a timeline regarding ongoing negotiations with the labor trades.
Mayor Orozco gave additional details regarding negotiations with the labor trades.
At Mayor Orozco’s request, Monterey/Santa Cruz Building and Construction Trades Council CEO Casey Van Den Heuvel approached the podium to answer Council questions.
In answering Member Parker, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg spoke about bidding requirements for certain projects.
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Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green, in answering Mayor Orozco, provided an explanation regarding the City’s use of bidding requirements similar to Caltrans.
Member Parker stated she did not want to rescind the existing Project Labor Agreement without a replacement in place.
Mayor Orozco stated she was not in favor of repealing the Project Labor Agreement without replacing it with a new one.
In answering Member Quiroz-Carter, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green spoke about the length of bid openings for City projects.
Member Quiroz-Carter stated she was not comfortable moving forward without a new Project Labor Agreement.
Member Montesino spoke about challenges with negotiating updates to the Project Labor Agreement.
At Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido’s request, Monterey/Santa Cruz Building and Construction Trades Council CEO Casey Van Den Heuvel approached the podium to answer Council questions.
Mr. Van Den Heuvel, in answering Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, spoke about challenges in negotiating amendments to the Project Labor Agreement and potential solutions.
In answering Member Dutra, Mr. Van Den Heuvel spoke about the potential use of a Joint Administrative Committee (JAC).
Member Dutra stated concerns with the negative impacts on the community due to infrastructure projects not getting done and suggested alternatives to handle Water and Wastewater projects.
Mr. Van Den Heuvel requested Council allow time for negotiations to continue with the goal of reaching an agreement.
In answering Member Parker, Mr. Van Den Heuvel listed some of the challenges with reaching an agreement on amendments to the Project Labor Agreement.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Parker, spoke about the City’s bidding process and concerns about establishing a JAC.
In answering Member Parker, Mr. Van Den Heuvel spoke about how a JAC could function and how possible concerns could be addressed.
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg listed concerns with establishing a JAC.
In answering Member Montesino, City Attorney Zutler clarified that Council would need the trades to agree in order to establish a new Project Labor Agreement.
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Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido listed the reasons she was not in favor of a JAC.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido, Mr. Van Den Heuvel stated he would meet with his council to discuss Council’s requests and provide options to move forward.
Mr. Van Den Heuvel, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about providing options to Council to move certain projects forward.
In response to Member Parker, City Clerk Ortiz stated the agenda needed to be published at least 72 hours prior to the meeting start time.
City Attorney Zutler stated Council could hold a special meeting to further discuss the subject.
After discussion among the Council, Mayor Orozco suggested a special meeting be held on November 5th.
3) Public Comments
Ron Cheshire spoke in favor of the Project Labor Agreement (PLA).
Paul Bruno, Monterey Peninsula Engineering owner, spoke in favor of rescinding the PLA.
The following members of the public spoke in support of preserving the current PLA:
Aurelio Gonzalez
Daniel Rubio, Sheet Metal Workers Local 104
Chris Cosworth, Green Valley Road resident
Daniel Alvarez, Carpenters Local Union 646
Sam, District Council Painters and Allied Trades Union organizer Bart Bruno, Monterey Peninsula Engineering, spoke in opposition to the PLA.
Bart Bruno, Monterey Peninsula Engineering, spoke in opposition to the PLA.
Eric Christen, Coalition for Fair Employment in Construction Executive Director, spoke in opposition to the PLA.
Rex Hime, Western Electrical Contractors Association Government Relations Director, spoke in opposition to the PLA.
The following members of the public spoke in support of preserving the current PLA:
Frank Hewit, District Council 16 Business Representative Dan Miller
Susan Carter, former member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Jacob Panovich, District 7 resident and Plumbers and Pipefitters Monterey and Santa Cruz County Training Coordinator
David Alvarez, Union Plumber Apprentice
Ryan Calabrese, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 62
J Atencio, NorCal Industry Construction Compliance employee Docusign Envelope ID: 6FA2168B-BDB0-42EE-A95C-5E28304590AD Vol 66 Min-CC101425
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Luis Arguello, Monterey Santa Cruz Building Trades Vice President Neils Ash, Operating Engineers Local 3 Representative
Matt Cardenas, Local 62 Plumber Apprentice
Jose Luis Rivera
Daniel Dodge
Anthony Viscuso, Local 16 Heat and Frost Insulators Business Agent Jacob DeRose, District 7, Local 62 Plumbers
Adolfo Ureno, Local 104 Sheet Metal worker
Jesus Soto, UA 62 of Plumbers
Elijah Narajno, Local 104 Apprentice
TJ Gardner, District Council 16 Organizer
Keith Marklin, District Council 16 Business Representative Sergio Ledesma, Local 270 Laborers Union
Jose Arriaga, Laborers Local 270 Business Agent
Trudy Teller, IBEW Local 234 Business Representative
Jose Munoz, IBEW Local 234 Business Manager and Financial Secretary Fernando Correa, Local 507 Painter
Elizabeth Gonzalez, Local 104 Second Year Apprentice
Aymeth Suarez de Rivera
Felix Garcia, Local 104 Union Member
Tony Garcia, Operating Engineers Local 3 Business Agent Thomas, Local 62 Union Member
Alex Sandoval, Local 62 Manager
Jorge Garcia, Local 62 Union Organizer
Mark, retired sheet metal worker
4) 1st MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido and failed due to lack of a second, to schedule a special meeting on November 5th to continue discussion on the item.
2nd MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Orozco, seconded by Member Dutra, to keep the existing Project Labor Agreement in place until a new PLA was agreed upon and to continue negotiations until the November 5th Special City Council meeting.
City Attorney Zutler clarified a motion was not needed to continue discussion on the item at a future meeting.
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
6) RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 119-14 (CM)
7) By Motion, Introduce for First Reading, by Title Only, Waiving the Full Reading of the Text, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 17 (Project Labor Agreements for Public Works Construction Projects) of Title 7 (Public Works) of the Watsonville Municipal Code Authorizing the Use of Project Labor Agreements for Certain City Funded Construction Projects
12. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
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13. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Orozco requested an item to discuss bidding guidelines and requirements be taken to Council during the October 28th meeting.
Member Quiroz-Carter and Member Clark supported Mayor Orozco’s request.
Member Parker requested a letter addressed to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors expressing the City’s concerns with safety, impact on the environment, resources, resources, and resident safety if a battery storage plant is built on Minto Road.
Member Clark and Member Quiroz-Carter agreed with Member Parker’s request.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:08 p.m.
______________________________
Maria Orozco, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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