Vol 67 Min-CC022726 Special Meeting
35 MINUTES
SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
February 27, 2026 Pajaro Dunes
Sandpiper Center
Meadow Room
500 Sandpiper Lane
Watsonville, CA 95076
2:36 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Salcido, Mayor Pro Tempore Clark and Council Members Dutra (arrived at 2:43 p.m.), Montesino (arrived at 2:58 p.m.), Orozco, and Parker were present. Member QuirozCarter was absent.
1.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) (If any)
1.b. MAYOR’S WELCOME MESSAGE
1.c. CITY MANAGER’S REMARKS & AGENDA REVIEW
2. REPORTS TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
2.a. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE (DRAFT OF CHAPTERS 1-3)
The report was given by Assistant Community Development Director Meek.
Member Montesino expressed importance of supporting local businesses to ensure their success. In answering Member Montesino, City Manager Vides and Assistant Community Development Director Meek stated the City was exploring approval of the 2050 General Plan that uses the 2030 General Plan and would seek improvements throughout. Assistant Community Development Director Meek added staff would explore weaknesses that could lead to litigation.
Member Parker expressed interest in exploring attraction of businesses that combined entertainment and goods.
Member Orozco stated the importance of attracting residents to the downtown area and catering to the wants of City residents.
Mayor Pro Tempore Clark stated concerns with businesses failing in Watsonville and offered suggestions on how to promote a positive vision.
City Manager Vides stated the City was planning for creation of options for businesses to explore through the General Plan.
Mayor Salcido stated that the population of Watsonville was diverse and the City should plan for all types of people regardless of their financial situation or household size.
Docusign Envelope ID: E62A1CFF-BF37-4E69-AAE6-0D989C92CDA0 Vol 67 Min-CC022726 Special Meeting
36 Member Dutra expressed concerns with affordable housing being granted to people who come from outside cities, furthering the challenge of lack of housing for residents. City Manager Vides and Assistant Community Development Director Meek stated the City had a policy that would prioritize Watsonville residents on receiving information about affordable housing before it is advertised at a larger level.
In answering Member Dutra, City Manager Vides and Member Orozco stated the City was exploring legislation for allowing additional Type 47 Alcohol Licenses in Watsonville.
Mayor Orozco spoke about City efforts to prioritize housing for local residents.
In answering Member Montesino, Assistant Community Development Director Meek spoke about reasons developers preferred to rent units versus sell them.
Assistant Community Development Director Meek answered questions from Member Orozco regarding risk in annexation of different lands surrounding Watsonville.
Mayor Salcido recessed the meeting at 3:46 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 3:57 p.m.
3. NEW BUSINESS
3.a. UPDATE REGARDING CITY COUNCIL WORKING GOALS FOR FY 26/27 Consultant Laughlin led the Council through a series of exercises to help Council discover traits that would help them work together better
Public Input – None
Consultant Laughlin and City Manager Vides gave their closing remarks.
4. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
______________________________
Kristal Salcido, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: E62A1CFF-BF37-4E69-AAE6-0D989C92CDA0