Vol 67 Min-CC022426
25 MINUTES
REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
February 24, 2026 City of Watsonville
Council Chambers
275 Main Street, Top Floor
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), Mayor Pro Tempore Clark was scheduled to participate in the meeting via teleconferencing from: 751 Larkin Valley Road, Watsonville, CA 95076.
4:.30 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Salcido, Mayor Pro Tempore Clark (in person) and Council Members Dutra (arrived at 4:40 p.m.), Montesino, Orozco, Parker and Quiroz-Carter were present.
1.a. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES & RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
1.b. SERVICE WITH HEART AWARD PRESENTED TO SENIOR CAPITAL PROJECTS
MANAGER FABIAN GUZMAN
2. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed the meeting to discuss the items that follow at 4:41 p.m.
2.a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIOR
(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 (Government Code Section 54956.9(a))
Two [2] cases:
1. Kimco Realty Appeal of January 15, 2026 Zoning Administrator Denial [PP2026-10227] Docusign Envelope ID: E62A1CFF-BF37-4E69-AAE6-0D989C92CDA0 Vol 67 Min-CC022426
26 2. DD’s Discounts Appeal of January 15, 2026 Zoning Administrator Denial [PP2026- 10230]
City Council Resumed at 5:50 p.m.
3. ROLL CALL
Mayor Salcido, Mayor Pro Tempore Clark (in person), and Council Members Dutra (arrived at 5:57 p.m.), Montesino, Orozco, Parker, and Quiroz-Carter were present.
Staff members present were City Manager Vides, City Attorney Zutler, City Clerk Ortiz, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg, Police Chief Shab, Fire Chief Schaefer, Administrative Services Director Duran, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager & Interim Community Development Director Manning, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes, Principal Engineer Lizarraga, Police Officer Bañuelos, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco and Interpreter Landaverry.
3.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) – None
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. INFORMATION ITEMS
5.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
5.b. MISCELANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
6. REPORT OUF OF CLOSED SESSION
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
7.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Michelle McCarty, Brighter Bites staff member, spoke about their programs, their collaboration with local elementary schools, and their partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County.
Dr. Nancy Bilicich, Watsonville Aptos Santa Cruz Adult Education Director, spoke about a safety concern with low visibility of a crosswalk near 294 Green Valley Road. She submitted a petition to Council for installation of a lighted crosswalk.
7.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tempore Clark recognized Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg for her work and wished her luck in her future endeavors.
Member Orozco congratulated Haruyo Sakoda Ishibashi on her upcoming 100th birthday.
She spoke about various events she attended over the past weeks. She invited Council to attend the Annual Cesar Chavez Community Awards hosted by Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services and stated the nomination period for the awards was open.
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27 Member Dutra stated he believed the cross walk referenced by Dr. Bilicich was in County jurisdiction. He spoke about his attendance at Meals on Wheels’ 50th Anniversary event and at the Planet Fitness inauguration. He spoke about the recently concluded Olympics.
Member Parker spoke about participating in a meeting with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren.
She spoke about Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg’s work and congratulated her on her new position.
Member Montesino thanked Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg for her work.
Mayor Salcido thanked Council for attending various events in her stead. She spoke about an upcoming retreat which would provide an opportunity for Council to continue collaborating. She spoke about various events and meetings she attended over the past weeks.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.a. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JANINE LOFTON
8.b. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING PLANNED PARENTHOOD
9. CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT – None
MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Clark , seconded by Member Montesino to approve the Consent Agenda.
Member Montesino congratulated staff on their work on the Memorandum of Understanding listed under Item 9.g.
Member Orozco agreed with Member Montesino and acknowledged SEIU representatives for their work as well.
MOTION: The above motion was carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
9.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 2 & 9, 2025
9.b. MOTION APPROVING OCTOBER 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 2025 INVESTMENT REPORT
9.c. RESOLUTION NO. 33-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH COOPER MACHINERY
SERVICES, LLC, A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, FOR COGENERATION
GENERATOR AND TURBOCHARGER REPAIR SERVICES FOR THE
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28 COGENERATION SYSTEM, ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK, AND INCREASING COMPENSATION, IN AN AMOUNT OF $67,624.72 FOR A REVISED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $293,192.32; AND AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SERVICES AND PURCHASING AGREEMENT (FUNDED FROM 710-530-7324 FUND)
9.d. RESOLUTION NO. 34-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND BEECHER ENGINEERING, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR
CONTINUED ELECTRICAL DESIGN SERVICES ON THE HEADWORKS AND
INFLUENT PUMP STATION PROJECT, ADDING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $159,300 FOR A TOTAL REVISED CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $507,980 AND EXTENDING THE CONTRACT COMPLETION DATE; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
9.e. RESOLUTION NO. 35-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
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. RESOLUTION NO. 36-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
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
AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
9.g. RESOLUTION NO. 37-26 (CM)
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 – None
11. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
11.a. 2025-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
In answering Member Montesino, City Manager Vides provided an update on the Wayfinding Program and spoke about required permits from Caltrans.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Parker, spoke about efforts to reach out to media outlets and inform them about projects and other events occurring in the City.
Deputy City Manager Calubaquib spoke about his participation in the Pajaro Valley leaders’ group and stated he provided updates on various City topics during regular meetings.
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29 In answering Member Parker, City Manager Vides gave an update on the Citywide lighting replacement project. She stated all City owned lights would be replaced and an assessment would be conducted to determine if there were areas in need of additional lighting.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about the various types of new businesses that had been issued licenses.
Member Orozco provided suggestions for informing the community of City events, projects, and additional topics.
In answering Member Orozco, City Manager Vides stated there were plans to redesign the City website.
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
12.a. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 7, CHAPTER 1, OF THE WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE – STREET EXCAVATIONS
1) Staff Report by Principal Engineer Lizarraga
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg was also available for questions. 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Dutra, Principal Engineer Lizarraga spoke about the proposed moratorium structure and the reason streets receiving surface treatments were recommended for a three year moratorium.
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg further explained the reasons for the three year suggestion.
City Manager Vides spoke about potential impacts of being too restrictive with the moratorium.
In response to Member Dutra’s concerns regarding recently repaired streets being excavated, Principal Engineer Lizarraga spoke about restoration standards that would be taken to Council for consideration at a future meeting.
City Manager Vides added that the proposed guidelines were in line with what other jurisdictions had implemented.
In answering Member Orozco, Principal Engineer Lizarraga spoke about the Pavement Condition Index used to determine how much repair and restoration a street required.
He stated contractors were responsible for restoring streets they performed work on and inspections were conducted.
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg spoke about balancing necessary work conducted by utility companies with pavement preservation.
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30 In answering Member Montesino, Principal Engineer Lizarraga spoke about grant funding to perform work on Beach Street.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about restoration standards.
In answering Member Dutra, Principal Engineer Lizarraga stated homeowners would be responsible for costs of performing sewer lateral work on streets included in the moratorium. He spoke about the possibility of sending written communication to homeowners that could be affected.
Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Green, in answering Member Parker, spoke about the estimated additional cost for homeowners selling their property performing sewer lateral work on streets included in the moratorium. She stated it was possible for responsibility to be transferred to the buyer upon agreement by both parties.
In answering Member Parker, Principal Engineer Lizarraga gave details regarding plans to inform the public about streets affected by the moratorium.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Dutra, stated ongoing projects would not be affected by the ordinance.
3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Clark and carried by the following vote to introduce the ordinance listed under Item
12.a.6. below.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
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 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 OF FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 & MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 1) Staff Report by Administrative Services Director Duran 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
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31 In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Clark, Deputy City Manager Calubaquib spoke about a planned project in the Bay Breeze subdivision.
Administrative Services Director Duran, in answering Member Parker, stated Council was not projected to use the entirety of its allocated budget. 3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Clark, seconded by Member Parker to accept the reports listed under Items 12.b.6 through 12.b.8 below and to approve the resolution listed under Item 12.b.9. below.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
In answering Member Montesino, Administrative Services Director Duran stated discussions regarding next fiscal year’s budget would begin in March.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Montesino, stated Council would have an opportunity to provide input prior to finalization of the budget.
MOTION: The above motion was carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
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) RESOLUTION NO. 38-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AMENDING THE 2025-26 BUDGET TO AUTHORIZE $6,389,810 BUDGET
APPROPRIATION INTO VARIOUS FUNDS AND TO AUTHORIZE ONE
ADDITIONAL POSITION
13. NEW BUSINESS
13.a. REVIEW PROJECTS IN PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM YEARS 2-3 1) Staff Report by Principal Engineer Lizarraga
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
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32 In answering Member Montesino, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg spoke about how preventative maintenance allowed more work to be done with less funding.
She spoke about staff efforts to address streets in all City districts.
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg and Principal Engineer Lizarraga, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about the status of various pavement projects, including funding challenges.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Clark, Principal Engineer Lizarraga spoke about a section of Pennsylvania Drive that did not have designated funding and the potential for it to have issues due to poor conditions.
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg, in answering Member Parker, spoke about efforts to obtain funding from the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC.)
In response to Member Orozco’s comments, Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg spoke about collaboration with SCCRTC to secure funding for a project.
Member Orozco requested staff explore equitable funding for maintenance efforts across all districts.
In answering Member Dutra, Principal Engineer Lizarraga spoke about providing notice to homeowners residing on streets scheduled to be worked on to allow them sufficient time in the event they need to have work performed on their property considering the recently introduced excavation moratorium ordinance.
Public Works & Utilities Director Lindberg stated mailers could be sent to affected residents.
3) Public Input – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Member Orozco and carried by the following vote to approve Option 1: Preventative Maintenance – Multiple Streets presented by staff.
AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: None
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
13.b. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT OF CITY CHARTER SECTION 402. TERM OF OFFICE
1) Oral Report by Council Member Montesino
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
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33 In answering Member Parker, City Attorney Zutler spoke about the process for amending the Charter. She stated Council’s discussion during that meeting did not count towards the public hearing or meeting requirements.
Member Parker stated her concerns with Council placing a measure on the ballot to extend term limits and spoke about her involvement with voter-initiated measures that previously amended the Charter. She stated she would support a voter-initiated petition to amend the term of office or any other Charter section.
Member Dutra spoke about recent amendments to the Charter. He stated only three other cities in the Tri-County area had Council term limits.
In answering Member Dutra, City Manager Vides provided background regarding establishing of Council term limits.
Member Dutra stated the reasons he would be open to discussing amending Section 402 of the Charter.
Member Quiroz-Carter stated various concerns with extending Council term limits and referenced a relevant past court case. She spoke about the reason why term limits were in place and the potential lack of opportunity for younger generations to serve on the Council. She expressed agreement with Member Parker’s statement about supporting a voter-initiated petition. She stated she did not hear any mention of how amending term limits would benefit the community.
Member Orozco stated she spoke to many people who opposed extending Council term limits. She spoke about challenges she faced in running for a seat on the local school board at a young age.
Mayor Salcido gave details regarding her service on the City’s redistricting committee and efforts to be equitable. She spoke about a past election in which three Council seats had only one candidate and possible benefits of extending term limits.
Member Dutra spoke about his first experience running for a Council seat. He stated the reasons he would support extending term limits.
Member Montesino spoke about the reasons he first ran for a seat on the Council and why he proposed extending term limits.
In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Clark, City Clerk Ortiz explained the public hearing process, should Council decide to move forward with the Charter amendment. He stated it would be a standalone item on the ballot and gave details regarding the last Charter amendments that were made.
Member Dutra stated there were additional Charter amendments needed and spoke about the subcommittee’s work during the last amendment process.
Member Orozco spoke in support of establishing a Charter review subcommittee.
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34 In answering Mayor Salcido, City Attorney Zutler spoke about the required public hearing process for Charter amendments.
City Attorney Zutler responded affirmatively to Member Dutra’s question regarding the possibility of considering additional Charter amendments if a subcommittee was created.
Member Parker expressed her concerns with Council initiating the Charter amendment process to extend term limits and stated such issues should be brought forward by the public. She spoke about education opportunities to increase interest in serving on Council.
Member Dutra spoke about challenges with public participation on committees and Council. He stated he would support a Charter subcommittee.
Mayor Salcido suggested continuing the item to the March 10th Council meeting and stated she would appoint a Charter Review Subcommittee.
Member Parker volunteered to serve on the Subcommittee. 3) Public Input – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Mayor Salcido, to direct staff to prepare and return to Council with a ballot measure amending Section 402.
Term of Office of the City Charter to allow Council members to serve three consecutive terms.
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
14. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
15. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None
16. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
______________________________
Kristal Salcido, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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