City Council Meeting - February 24, 2026
1. ROLL CALL
Public Comments:
1.a
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES & RECOGNITION OF RETIREES Public Comments:
1.b
SERVICE WITH HEART AWARD PRESENTED TO SENIOR CAPITAL PROJECTS MANAGER FABIAN GUZMAN Public Comments:
2. CLOSED SESSION
Public Comments:
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT:
PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING ONLY THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA WILL BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT THIS TIME.
The City Council of the City of Watsonville will recess to Closed Session to discuss the matters that follow:
2.a
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Public Comments:
(Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 101 Aviation Way (APN:015-221-01)
Negotiating parties: Tamara Vides (City)
Alfredo Garcia (Owner)
Under negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
2.b
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION
Public Comments:
(Government Code Section 54956.9(a))
Two [2] Cases:
1. Kimco Realty Appeal of January 15, 2026 Zoning Administrator Denial [PP2026-10227]
2. DD’s Discounts Appeal of January 15, 2026 Zoning Administrator Denial [PP2026-10230]
CITY COUNCIL RESUMES AT 5:30 P.M.
3. ROLL CALL
Public Comments:
3.a
MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) (If any)
Public Comments:
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
5. INFORMATION ITEMS
Public Comments:
5.a
REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Report of Disbursements 021826.pdf
5.b
MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Miscellaneous Documents Report 022426.pdf
6. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Public Comments:
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comments:
This time is set aside for members of the general public to address the Council on any item not on the Council Agenda, which is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. No action or discussion shall be taken on any item presented except that any Council Member may respond to statements made or questions asked, or may ask questions for clarification. All matters of an administrative nature will be referred to staff. All matters relating to Council will be noted in the minutes and may be scheduled for discussion at a future meeting or referred to staff for clarification and report.
ALL SPEAKERS ARE ASKED TO FILL OUT A SPEAKER CARD & LEAVE IT AT THE PODIUM. SPEAKERS ARE ASKED TO ANNOUNCE THEIR NAME AND DISTRICT IN WHICH THEY LIVE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AN ACCURATE RECORD FOR THE MINUTES.
7.a
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (2 MINUTES EACH)
Public Comments:
7.b
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL (2 MINUTES EACH)
Public Comments:
8. PRESENTATIONS
Public Comments:
8.a
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JANINE LOFTON
Public Comments:
8.b
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Public Comments:
9. CONSENT AGENDA
Public Comments:
All items appearing on the Consent Agenda are recommended actions that are considered to be routine and will be acted upon as one motion. Any items removed will be considered immediately after the motion. The Mayor will allow public input prior to the approval of the Consent Agenda.
PUBLIC INPUT (2 MINUTES EACH)
9.a
MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. CC021026.pdf
9.b
MOTION ACCEPTING OCTOBER 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 2025 INVESTMENT REPORT Attachments
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Public Comments
1. OCTOBER 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 2025 INVESTMENT REPORT.pdf
2. 1) Oct - Dec 2025 Investment Report Q2.pdf
9.c
APPROVE SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH COOPER MACHINERY SERVICES FOR COGENERATION GENERATOR & TURBOCHARGER REPAIR SERVICES (Recommended by Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Report - Cogeneration Generator and Turbo Overhaul.pdf
2. 1) TSI Invoice 91450015.pdf
3. 2) EWAR 2 - Additional Work Approval Form.pdf
4. Resolution - Cooper Machinery Services, LLC 2nd Amendment.pdf
5. Second Amendment - Cooper Machinery, LLC.pdf
RESOLUTION APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH COOPER MACHINERY SERVICES, LLC, FOR COGENERATION GENERATOR & TURBOCHARGER REPAIR SERVICES FOR THE COGENERATION SYSTEM, ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK, & INCREASING COMPENSATION, IN AN AMOUNT OF $67,624.72 FOR A REVISED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $293,192.32; & AUTHORIZING & DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SERVICES & PURCHASING AGREEMENT (FUNDED FROM 710-530-7324 FUND)
9.d
APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH BEECHER ENGINEERING, INC. FOR THE HEADWORKS & INFLUENT PUMP STATION ELECTRICAL DESIGN (Recommended by Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Report - Headworks and Influent Pump Station Electrical Design.pdf
2. Resolution - First Amendment Beecher Headworks.pdf
3. 1st Amendment - Beecher Engineering Influent Pump and Headworks.pdf
4. 1st Amendment - Beecher Engineering Inc Updated 2.10.2026.pdf RESOLUTION APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH BEECHER ENGINEERING, INC., FOR CONTINUED ELECTRICAL DESIGN SERVICES ON THE HEADWORKS & INFLUENT PUMP STATION PROJECT, ADDING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $159,300 FOR A TOTAL REVISED CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $507,980 & EXTENDING THE CONTRACT COMPLETION DATE
9.e
APPROVE SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE WITH STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY FOR PURCHASE OF MICROSOFT 365 LICENSE (Recommended by I.T. Director Gill) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Report - Renewal of Microsoft 365 Licenses .pdf
2. 1) SHI Quote.pdf
3. Resolution - Purchase M365 Licenses.pdf
RESOLUTION APPROVING SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE WITH THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY (CDT), FOR THE PURCHASE OF MICROSOFT 365 SOFTWARE, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $256,167 (FUNDED FROM ACCOUNT 285-7360 HOSTED SERVICES)
9.f
AWARD CONTRACT TO EUROFINS ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING SOUTHWEST, LLC. FOR GROUNDWATER ANALYSIS SERVICES FOR LANDFILL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE (Recommended by Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg) Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Report - Landfill Groundwater Testing.pdf
2. 1) Eurofins Quote 57028230.pdf
3. Resolution - Landfill Groundwater Testing.pdf
4. Contract - Eurofins Enviro Testing Southwest Landfill Groundwater Testing.pdf RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT TO EUROFINS ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING SOUTHWEST, LLC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $160,997 FOR THREE YEARS FOR LANDFILL GROUNDWATER ANALYSIS SERVICES REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
9.g
APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH SEIU LOCAL 521 FOR FISCAL YEARS 2026-2028 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Resolution - MOU SEIU Local 521 FY 26-28 .pdf
2. Exhibit A - SEIU MOU 2026-2028.pdf
RESOLUTION RATIFYING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY & THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (SEIU), LOCAL 521, CLERICAL TECHNICAL UNIT FOR FISCAL YEARS 2026-2028
10. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
Public Comments:
11. REPORTS TO COUNCIL -- No Action Required
Public Comments:
11.a
2025-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Update.pdf
2. Presentation - 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Update.pdf
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
Public Comments:
12.a
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 7, CHAPTER 1 OF THE WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE - STREET EXCAVATIONS Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Report - Ordinance Amending WMC 7-1 Street Excavations.pdf
2. Ordinance - WMC 7-1 Street Excavations.pdf
3. Presentation - Street Excavation Ordinance .pdf
1) Staff Report by Principal Engineer Lizarraga
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
3) Public Comments
4) Motion
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
6) By Motion, Introduce for First Reading, by Title Only, Waiving the Full Reading of the Text, an Ordinance Amending Sections 7-1.01, 7-1.06, & 7-1.10 Of Chapter 1 (Street Excavations) of Title 7 (Public Works) of the Watsonville Municipal Code to Amend Existing Definitions, Specifications, & Bond or Deposit Requirements; & Adding Sections 7-1.13 Through 7-1.17 to Chapter 1 (Street Excavations) of Title 7 (Public Works) of the Watsonville Municipal Code to Establish Safety Precautions & Liability Insurance Requirements, Moratorium Against Street Excavations on Newly Improved Streets, Moratorium Permit Requirements, Moratorium Backfill & Resurfacing Requirements, & Coordination of Public Utility Excavations
12.b
CONSIDERATION OF COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 & MID YEAR BUDGET REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Report - Comprehensive Financial Report FY24-25 and Mid-Year Report FY25-26 .pdf
2. B) Watsonville FY25-Measure Y.pdf
3. Resolution - Mid Year Budget 25-26.pdf
4. Exhibit A - Midyear Budget Appropriations.pdf
5. Presentation - Mid-Year Budget.pdf
1) Staff Report by Administrative Services Director Duran 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
3) Public Comments
4) Motion
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
6) Motion Accepting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY 2024-25 7) Motion Accepting the Mid-Year Financial Report for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year 8) Motion Accepting the Annual Measure Y Audit Report for FY 2024-25 9) Action on Resolution Amending the 2025-26 Budget to Authorize $6,389,810 Budget Appropriation into Various Funds & to Authorize One Additional Position
13. NEW BUSINESS
Public Comments:
13.a
REVIEW PROJECTS IN PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM YEARS 2-3 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Report - Pavement Management Program Years 2-3.pdf
2. 1) Pavement Management Plan (PMP) Year 3-6 Projects.pdf
3. Presentation - Pavement Management Program Years 2-3.pdf 1) Staff Report by Principal Engineer Lizarraga
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
3) Public Input
4) Appropriate Motion (If Any)
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
13.b
CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT OF CITY CHARTER SECTION 402. TERM OF OFFICE Public Comments
Jenni Veitch-Olson
I am writing to strongly oppose any proposal to extend council term limits. Doing so would be ridiculous, self-serving, and fundamentally backwards-looking. Term limits exist for a reason: to prevent the consolidation of power, to encourage fresh leadership, and to ensure that our local government remains responsive and accountable to the people it serves.
Extending term limits sends the wrong message to our community. It suggests that maintaining incumbency is more important than cultivating new leaders and new ideas. In a healthy democracy, public office is a responsibility—not a career entitlement.
Watsonville has a particularly important history on this issue. In Cruz v. City of Watsonville (1988), the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of fair representation, affirming the principle that our governing structures must protect access to power rather than entrench it. That landmark case reinforced the idea that representative democracy depends on meaningful opportunity for change—not systems that allow individuals to hold on to power indefinitely.
To extend term limits now would be a step backward from those hard-won principles. It would undermine public trust and erode confidence in our city’s commitment to democratic fairness.
I urge you to reject any effort to extend council term limits and instead uphold the values of accountability, equity, and genuine representation that our community deserves.
Sincerely,
Jenni Veitch-Olson
Watsonville resident
1) Oral Report by Council Member Montesino
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
3) Public Input
4) Appropriate Motion (If Any)
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
14. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA
Public Comments:
15. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comments:
16. ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
This agenda was posted in accordance with the California Ralph M. Brown Act. The agenda packet can be accessed on the City of Watsonville website at https://watsonville.gov/2123/City-Council-Agendas-Minutes and is available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office (275 Main Street, 4th Floor) during normal business hours. Any materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Council after the distribution of the agenda packet will be made available to the public in accordance with Government Section 54957.5.
Public comments received three (3) hours or more before the meeting will be included in the online agenda packet before the meeting starts. All comments received less than three (3) hours, during the meeting, or after the conclusion of the meeting will be uploaded to the agenda packet as soon as possible, depending on staff availability.