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MINUTES
REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
October 28, 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: 751 Larkin Valley Road, Watsonville, CA 95076. Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido participated in the 5:30 p.m. session of the meeting via teleconferencing from: 65 Peppertree Lane, Watsonville, CA 95076 4:39 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Orozco, Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido (in person), and Council Members Clark (in person), Dutra, Montesino (arrived at 4:45 p.m.), and Quiroz-Carter were present. Member Parker was absent.
2. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed the meeting to discuss the items that follow at 4:40 p.m.
2.a. PERSONNEL MATTERS
(Government Code Section 54957)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: [City Manager]
City Council Resumed at 5:34 p.m.
Mayor Orozco requested a moment of silence for former Council Member Manuel Bersamin, who recently passed away.
3. ROLL CALL
Mayor Orozco, Mayor Pro Tempore Salcido (via teleconference; left at 7:03 p.m.), and Council Members Clark (in person), Dutra, Montesino, and Quiroz-Carter were present.
Member Parker was absent.
Staff members present were City Manager Vides, Assistant City Attorney Bazzano, City Clerk Ortiz, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg, Interim Police Chief Rodriguez, Acting Fire Chief Schaefer, Administrative Services Director Duran, Community Development Director Brletic, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Library Director Martinez, Deputy City Manager Manning, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green, Battalion Chief Schaefer, Building Official DeSante, Recreation Services Manager Merolla, Senior Environmental Project Analyst Stolzenthaler, Recreation Docusign Envelope ID: 61C6F210-A333-4709-A15D-E3C1B279D9CA Vol 66 Min-CC102825
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Supervisor Barrera, Police Sergeant Uretsky, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco and Interpreter Jauregui.
3.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S)
MOTION: It was moved by Member Clark, seconded by Member Montesino and carried by the following vote to excuse Member Parker’s absence.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Orozco NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Parker
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. INFORMATION ITEMS
5.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
5.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
5.c. 2025 3RD QUARTER COMMISSIONER ATTENDANCE REPORT
5.d. WRITTEN REPORTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS
6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
6.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Becky Steinbruner, Aptos resident, expressed concerns with a potential Brown Act violation that occurred at a past meeting. She stated she had not seen any indication of a follow-up meeting with community members regarding the battery storage project on Minto Road. She inquired why Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) did not invest funding into support for non-lithium battery energy storage projects. ? male, spoke about how he could be more involved with community issues. He stated he was interested in collaborating with the City on various topics and issues.
6.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Montesino spoke about former Council Member Bersamin’s mentorship and expressed condolences for his recent passing.
Mayor Orozco spoke about various events she attended over the past weeks and the community members and organizations that participated in them.
7. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Orozco stated no reportable action was taken during the Closed Session.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.a. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE RUSTIC TABLE
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8.b. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING ERIK’S DELICAFÉ
8.c. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING PAJARO VALLEY SHELTER SERVICES
8.d. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING INDEPENDECE SQUARE HOUSING
CORPORATION
8.e. GREEN BUSINESS AWARDS
GREEN BUSINESS AWARDS RECOGNITION FOR CERTIFIED GREEN BUSINESSES
MODELING ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES, CLIMATE
PROTECTION, POLLUTION PREVENTION, & THE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL
RESOURCES
8.f. CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY ENERGY (3CE) ANNUAL UPDATE BY SOPHIA
SCHWIRZKE, COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER, & DAS WILLIAMS, SENIOR
ADVISOR FOR POLICY & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Member Dutra spoke about renewable energy storage challenges and community concerns due to a fire at a battery storage facility in a nearby jurisdiction.
Senior Advisory for Policy & Legislative Affairs Williams, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about 3CE’s efforts to advocate for regulations around lithium battery storage.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
City Manager Vides answered questions from Member Clark regarding Consent Agenda Items 9.g., 9.j., 9.l.
In answering Member Montesino, City Manager Vides spoke about the contract listed under Item 9.h.
Mayor Orozco spoke in support of Item 9.m. and congratulated the appointees. She spoke in support of Item 9.k.
Assistant City Attorney Bazzano gave an oral report regarding Item 9.d. pertaining to the City Clerk’s employment contract pursuant to Government Code 54953.
PUBLIC INPUT
Recreation Services Manager Merolla stated the Teen Action Council members were in attendance and thanked Council for their support of the program.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Member Clark and carried by the following vote to approve the Consent Agenda.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter, Orozco NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Parker, Salcido
9.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 14, 2025
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9.b. MOTION APPROVING LETTER TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
STATING WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY CONCERNS REGARDING BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FACILITY ON MINTO ROAD (Recommended by Council Members Parker, Quiroz-Carter, and Clark) – Removed per Member Dutra’s request.
9.c. RESOLUTION NO. 264-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH DOCUSIGN, INC. FOR
ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE SOLUTION SERVICES, INCREASING CONTRACT COMPENSATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $47,567.52; AND AUTHORIZING
AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
9.d. RESOLUTION NO. 265-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING FOURTH AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND IRWIN IVAN ORTIZ FOR EMPLOYMENT AS CITY CLERK
9.e. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND J. JOHNSON & COMPANY, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE 2024-2025 CITYWIDE SIDEWALK REPAIR PROJECT, ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK, INCREASING THE COMPENSATION BY $166,000, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME – Removed per staff request.
9.f. RESOLUTION NO. 266-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT WITH POLYDYNE, INC., DBA SNF POLYDYNE, INC., FOR THE PURCHASE AND DELIVERY OF POLYMER
CHEMICALS USED IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND RECYCLED WATER
PRODUCTION AS A SOLE SOURCE PROVIDER, INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $420,000 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $670,000 FOR FY 2025-2026; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME (FUNDED FROM THE WASTEWATER ENTERPRISE FUND); AND FINDING
THE APPROVAL EXEMPT FROM REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301
9.g. RESOLUTION NO. 267-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES
BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND PANTHER PROTECTIVE SERVICES, INC., INCREASING THE CONTRACT TOTAL BY $76,205 FOR A REVISED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $150,000 AND EXTENDING THE TERM TO JUNE 30, 2027 FOR SECURITY SERVICES, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
9.h. RESOLUTION NO. 268-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE Docusign Envelope ID: 61C6F210-A333-4709-A15D-E3C1B279D9CA Vol 66 Min-CC102825
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AWARDING CONTRACT TO BRANDLEY ENGINEERING, INC., FOR A TOTAL COMPENSATION AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,500,000 TO PROVIDE VARIOUS
ENGINEERING AND CONSULTING SERVICES TO THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT (KWVI),
WHICH WILL BE FUNDED BY FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION GRANTS AT A RATE OF NINETY PERCENT (90%) OF TOTAL PROJECT COST WITH FIVE (5%) PERCENT FROM CALTRANS AERONAUTICAL DIVISION AND FIVE PERCENT (5%) FUNDED BY THE AIRPORT ENTERPRISE FUND; AND AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
9.i. RESOLUTION NO. 269-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 238-25 AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT VEHICLES 1) JOHN DEERE 325G COMPACT TRACK LOADER AND 2) JOHN DEERE 444G TIER WHEEL LOADER, FROM PAPÉ MACHINERY, INC., AN AUTHORIZED SOURCEWELL DEALER, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $320,000; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE PURCHASE ORDER WITH PAPÉ MACHINERY INC. INCLUDING ANY
EXTENSIONS OR AMENDMENTS THEREOF IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THIS
PURCHASE
9.j. RESOLUTION NO. 270-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING A TWO-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH ONE TWO-YEAR EXTENSION
OPTION BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND THE MONTEREY BAY AIR RESOURCES DISTRICT FOR OFFICE SPACE LOCATED AT 275 MAIN STREET, SUITE 104, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO OF A NON-SUBSTANTIVE NATURE; AND FINDING PROJECT EXEMPT FROM REVIEW
UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301
9.k. RESOLUTION NO. 271-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
ACCEPTING THE GAMETIME COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS PLAYGROUND GRANT OF $39,112 FOR A NEW CHERRY BLOSSOM PARK PLAYGROUND; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE PLAYGROUND
AND INSTALLATIONAND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM REVIEW PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15302 (CLASS 2)
9.l. RESOLUTION NO. 272-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO VOTE “YES” ON THE CITY’S ASSESSMENT
BALLOTS FOR CITY-OWNED PARCELS FOR THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
MOSQUITO, VECTOR, AND DISEASE CONTROL PROPOSED BENEFIT
ASSESSMENT, AND TO SUBMIT BALLOTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY
9.m. RESOLUTION NO. 273-25 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPOINTING ISABELLA ALVARADO TO THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION AND CHRISTINA NOLASCO TO THE CITY OF Docusign Envelope ID: 61C6F210-A333-4709-A15D-E3C1B279D9CA Vol 66 Min-CC102825
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WATSONVILLE LIBRARY COMMISSION AS YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES
10. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
9.b. MOTION APPROVING LETTER TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
STATING WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY CONCERNS REGARDING BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FACILITY ON MINTO ROAD (Recommended by Council Members Parker, Quiroz-Carter, and Clark)
Member Dutra stated he was a 3CE board member and, after discussion with the City Attorney’s office, confirmed he did not have a conflict of interest because he had no financial interest in the decision before the Council and would participate in the discussion.
Mayor Orozco stated the statement read by Member Dutra regarding not having a conflict of interest applied in her case as well.
Member Dutra spoke about the importance of communicating Council concerns to the County of Santa Cruz in regards to effects of the battery storage project on Minto Road would have on the City and about the pending battery energy storage system ordinance.
Mayor Orozco expressed agreement with the proposed letter and agreed with Member Dutra on requesting the County allow Council to provide input on a battery energy storage system ordinance. She asked that the letter include language at the conclusion to urge the County Board of Supervisors to consider City concerns and that the Council supports the pending County ordinance that would review approval of battery storage facilities.
Member Clark stated he agreed with most of Mayor Orozco’s proposed addition but expressed concerns with stating support for the ordinance.
Member Quiroz-Carter spoke in support of the proposed modification in the letter.
Public Input
Becky Steinbruner stated the County’s ordinance had not been made available to the public for review and supported Member Clark’s opposition to including support for the ordinance. She expressed support for the letter as was written.
Das Williams, 3CE, spoke about community meetings they had held to obtain public input and expressed agreement with Mayor Orozco’s suggested addition to the letter.
Ron Cheshire, Local 234 Electrician’s Unit, stated Council was in its right to send a letter to the County. He stated the public would have an opportunity to provide input to the County regarding its battery energy system storage ordinance.
Council resumed questions and comments following Public Input.
Member Clark stated why he was not in agreement with the addition of language indicating support for a County ordinance.
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of a County ordinance that would review battery storage facilities.
Member Dutra spoke about what could occur if no ordinance was put in place by the County.
Member Clark expressed concerns with supporting an ordinance that the Council had not seen.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Member Quiroz-Carter and carried by the following vote to approve the letter with changes to the conclusion as described by Mayor Orozco.
The changes were to replace sentences two and three on the conclusion with, “We are advocating for actions that help us maintain public trust and ensure long-term safety and resilience of our area. In conclusion, we urge the County Board of Supervisors to continue prioritizing resident safety, environmental protection, neighborhood wellbeing, and community engagement as it considers potential project approvals. We understand the Board is considering a battery energy storage ordinance and we support the County adopting an ordinance if it addresses the primary concerns outlined above.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Montesino, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido, Orozco NOES: MEMBERS: Clark
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Parker
11. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
11.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
In answering Mayor Orozco, City Manager Vides spoke about the potential for allocating funding to assist Second Harvest Food Bank and stated she could bring an item for Council to consider.
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
12.a. 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODES, THE 2024
INTERNATIONAL MAINTENANCE CODE, & THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE FOR THE
ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS
1) Staff Report by Chief Building Official DeSante & Fire Battalion Chief Almita Schaefer
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions – None 3) Public Comments
Becky Steinbruner expressed concerns with lithium battery fires and potential dangers for first responders.
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Quiroz-Carter, seconded by Member Dutra and carried by the following vote to introduce the ordinance listed under Item 12.a.6. below.
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NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Parker, Salcido
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
6) By Motion, Introduce for First Reading, by Title Only, Waiving the Full Reading of the Text, an Ordinance Repealing & Replacing Title 8 (Building Regulations) Pertaining to the Adoption by Reference of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes in its Entirety, the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, & the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition & Amending the Fire Code as Identified Herein, through Express Findings of Local Necessity
13. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
14. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
______________________________
Maria Orozco, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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