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Watsonville City Council
April 28, 2026

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April 28, 2026
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Vol 67 Min-CC042826
63 MINUTES

REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &

SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
April 28, 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. He attended in person.
5:04 p.m.

1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Salcido (left at 7:11 p.m.), Mayor Pro Tempore Clark (arrived at 5:07) and Council Members Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, and Parker were present. Member Quiroz-Carter was absent.

Staff members present were City Manager Vides, City Attorney Zutler, City Clerk Ortiz, Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Green, Police Chief Shab, Fire Chief Schaefer, Administrative Services Director Duran, I.T. Director Gill, Parks & Community Services Director/ Deputy City Manager Calubaquib, Library Director Martinez, Airport Director Williams, Deputy City Manager Manning, Community Development Director Orbach, Assistant Public Works & Utilities Director Fontes, Housing Manager Landaverry, Principal Engineer Theriot, Administrative Analyst Ortiz, Engineering Associate Espinosa, Recreation Supervisor Barrera, Police Officer Bañuelos, and Interpreter Jauregui.

1.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) (If Any) MOTION: It was moved by Member Orozco, seconded by Member Montesino and carried by the following vote to excuse Mayor Pro Tempore Clark and Member Quiroz-Carter’s absences.

AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Clark, Quiroz-Carter

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. INFORMATION ITEMS

3.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS

3.b. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT

4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
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64 4.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Brando Sencion, Slice Project owner, requested the City organize a meeting to allow business owners to provide feedback regarding the impact of newly installed parking meters along Aviation Way and other City-owned lots. He expressed concerns with the pilot parking program.

Becky Steinbruner spoke about the status of the County of Santa Cruz’s battery energy storage system ordinance and the reasons environmental review had not been conducted.

She requested Council continue to provide input to the County regarding the ordinance and expressed concerns with the potential project at 90 Minto Road.

Shawn DeWitt, Beer Mule co-owner, spoke about negative impacts of newly installed parking meters on the businesses along Aviation Way.

4.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Dutra spoke about various events and meetings he attended over the past weeks, including a meeting with the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce regarding collaboration opportunities and local business recognitions.

Member Orozco spoke about various events she attended in the community. She commended the organizations and businesses involved in them.

Mayor Salcido spoke about efforts to highlight local businesses. She thanked the business owners that expressed concerns with new parking meters. She stated the meters were in a testing phase and spoke about the importance of helping businesses thrive.

Member Parker spoke about her participation in the recent Employee Awards Dinner and her visits to local businesses. She highlighted several events and meetings she participated in over the past weeks.

5. PRESENTATIONS

5.a. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL AS AMERICAN MUSLIM

APPRECIATION MONTH

5.b. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES’

YOUTH SOCCER PROGRAM VOLUNTEER COACHES

6. CONSENT AGENDA

PUBLIC INPUT
Becky Steinbruner commended the Council for considering Item 6.d.

Casey Van Den Heuvel, Building and Construction Trades Council Chief Executive Officer, spoke about Item 6.d. and commended staff and Council for their efforts to move the project forward.

Mayor Salcido spoke in support of Item 6.d. and the work done by staff.

Member Dutra spoke in support of Items 6.d., 6.f.., and 6.b.

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65 Member Montesino spoke in support of various items on the Consent Agenda. He congratulated Araseli Campos for her continued service on the Parks and Recreation Commission. He spoke about the need for rebuilding a bridge over a nearby freeway.

Member Orozco expressed support for Items 6.d., 6.e., and 6.f.

Member Parker spoke in support of Items 6.d. and 6.f. She thanked staff for their continued efforts in pursuing funding opportunities for projects.

MOTION: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tempore Clark , seconded by Member Orozco and carried by the following vote to approve the Consent Agenda.

AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Quiroz-Carter

6.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF APRIL 14, 2026

6.b. RESOLUTION NO. 70-26 (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE

APPROVING THE SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND WILLIAM J. CONSTANTINE, AMENDING THE SCOPE OF WORK, ADDING $100,000 TO THE COMPENSATION, FOR A REVISED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $290,000, EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM FROM JUNE 30, 2025 TO JUNE 30, 2027; AND AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER

TO EXECUTE SAME

6.c. RESOLUTION NO. 71-26 (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND ACCO ENGINEERED SYSTEMS, INC., A CORPORATION, DBA GEO H. WILSON FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT

FACILITY (WWTF) BOILER REPLACEMENT AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT,

AMENDING THE SCOPE OF WORK AND INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $49,960 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $468,829; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME; AND APPROVING A

BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR THE SAME AMOUNT FROM THE SEWER

ENTERPRISE FUND BALANCE TO THE APPROPRIATE PROJECT BUDGET ACCOUNT 911-7855-14328

6.d. RESOLUTION NO. 72-26 (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE

AWARDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO GRANITE CONSTRUCTION

COMPANY, A CORPORATION, FOR THE SAFER ACCESS TO PAJARO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND, PROJECT, NO. ST-25-14859, IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,987,200.95, PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 4% CONTINGENCY ($359,488) FOR A TOTAL PROJECT AMOUNT OF $9,346,688.95; AND AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT ($9,346,688.95 WILL BE FUNDED FROM THE

SPECIAL GRANTS FUND)
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66 6.e. RESOLUTION NO. 73-26 (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE

AWARDING CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES CONTRACT TO MNS ENGINEERS, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE SAFER ACCESS TO PAJARO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND, PROJECT NO. ST-25-14859, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,368,714.81; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING

THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME

6.f. RESOLUTION NO. 74-26 (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE

AWARDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO SELDEN & SON, A CORPORATION,

FOR THE RAMSAY PARK NATURE/FAMILY CENTER TENANT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, NO. CB-26-14794, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,448,400 TO BE PAID FROM THE MEASURE R FUND; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO

EXECUTE SAME

6.g. RESOLUTION NO. 75-26 (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE

APPROVING SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE ORDER WITH OTTO ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL CARTS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $550,000 FOR A TERM OF 5 YEARS; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE

PURCHASE ORDER (FUNDED FROM SOLID WASTE FUND)

6.h. RESOLUTION NO. 76-26 (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE

APPOINTING ARASELI CAMPOS TO THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION\

6.i. ORDINANCE NO. 1487-26 (CM)

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AMENDING CHAPTER 14-16 (DISTRICT REGULATIONS) WITHIN TITLE 14 (ZONING)

OF THE WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE TO CONDITIONALLY PERMIT

COMMERCIAL USES ON PARCELS ZONED PUBLIC FACILITIES (PF) AND LOCATED IN THE DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN AREA; AND FINDING THE

ACTION EXEMPT FROM REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3)

7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA – None

8. REPORT TO COUNCIL – No Action Required

8.a. PRESENTATION BY OLDER ADULTS SERVICES SUPERVISOR NUNEZ & COUNTY

OF SANTA CRUZ HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

ARAGON REGARDING THE AGE FRIENDLY ACTION PLAN & AGE WELL SURVEY In answering Mayor Pro Tempore Clark, Older Adults Services Supervisor Nunez spoke about various factors contributing to the increase in older adults in the County and services allowing them to age in place. Santa Cruz Human Services Department Program Manager Aragon spoke about assistance with home modifications that would allow older adults to remain in their homes.

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67 Older Adults Services Supervisor Nunez, in answering Member Parker, spoke about exploring the possibility of rebranding the Senior Center to foster a sense of inclusivity.

She provided details regarding transportation assistance.

Member Parker suggested partnering with local businesses to expand transportation options.

In answering Member Orozco, Older Adults Services Supervisor Nunez spoke about efforts to educate older adults regarding fraud prevention and technical support workshops. Santa Cruz Human Services Department Program Manager Aragon stated the County’s Adult Protective Services Department also provided relevant information.

Mayor Salcido provided suggestions regarding additional outreach efforts to educate older adults regarding fraud prevention.

8.b. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
In answering Member Parker, City Manager Vides spoke about the recent ICSC Monterey conference and attracting more visitors to the Wastewater Treatment Plant including student field trips.

Deputy City Manager/Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about the timeline for completion of the City Plaza Revitalization Project.

In answering Member Dutra, City Manager Vides spoke about continuing to work with Congresswoman Logren’s staff to explore funding opportunities for the Fire Station.

City Manager Vides, in answering Member Dutra, spoke about current vacancies in several commissions and committees. She highlighted vacancies on the Measure Y Committee.

In answering Member Dutra, City Manager Vides spoke about the purpose of the pilot parking meter program. She spoke about efforts to reach out to Airport tenants and business owners prior to the start of the pilot program and early observations.

Member Montesino suggested parking meters installed near the Airport be moved to the downtown area instead.

In response to Member Montesino, City Manager Vides spoke about continued efforts to explore solutions for parking challenges.

City Clerk Ortiz, in answering Member Parker, spoke about vacancies in City commissions and committees. He spoke about challenges with filling vacancies on the Measure Y committee.

In answering Member Orozco, City Manager Vides stated consolidating the Measure Y and Measure R committees was possible.

Member Orozco suggested proactive enforcement of parking regulations throughout the City. She spoke in support of student field trips to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

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68 Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Green spoke about student field trips to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which were paused during the pandemic.

In answering Member Dutra, City Clerk Ortiz stated it was possible for residents to be appointed to more than one commission.

Mayor Salcido left the meeting at 7:11 p.m.

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS

9.a. APPROVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK ANNUAL GRANT ACTION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
1) Staff Report by Housing Manager Landaverry
2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Montesino, Housing Manager Landaverry provided details regarding unused funds available for reappropriation, funds dedicated to planning and administration, and the difference between the Annual Grant Action Plan and the 5- Year Consolidated Plan.

Housing Manager Landaverry, in answering Member Orozco, stated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds could not be used to assist with accessory dwelling unit (ADU) costs for residents, but other funding sources could be explored.

He explained the reasons only $50,000 was allocated to El Pajaro Community Development Corporation for economic development activities.

In answering Member Parker, Housing Manager Landaverry spoke about use of CDBG funds dedicated to code enforcement and public facilities. 3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Dutra, seconded by Member Montesino to approve the resolution listed under Item 9.a.6. below.
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
In response to Member Dutra, Housing Manager Landaverry spoke about working with staff to address Council priorities when utilizing funds.

MOTION: The above motion was carried by the following vote.

AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker
NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Quiroz-Carter, Salcido
6) RESOLUTION NO. 77-26 (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (“CDBG”) ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 AND AUTHORIZING THE Docusign Envelope ID: AA5FC240-278D-80D6-80B4-F3283A396E2E Vol 67 Min-CC042826
69 CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT SAME TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF

HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR APPROVAL, WITH ANY POSSIBLE

ADJUSTMENT TO THE FUNDING LEVELS, AND WITH CLARIFYING AND/OR

NON-SUBSTANTIVE MODIFICATIONS, AS NECESSARY

10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

10.a. ACCEPT CITY OF WATSONVILLE VISION ZERO CORRIDOR STUDY 1) Staff Report by Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Green 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Dutra, Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Green stated funding would be at risk should the Vision Zero Corridor Study not be accepted. She stated projects would be addressed based on Council’s priorities.

City Manager Vides, in response to Member Montesino, stated the vision for the City was best articulated in the General Plan which would be presented to Council at a future meeting. She stated the Vision Zero Corridor Study provided Council with options.

In answering Member Parker, City Manager Vides stated staff’s goal was to present the General Plan to Council in October. She spoke about elements of the Vision Zero Corridor Study that Council would potentially be in support of.

Interim Public Works & Utilities Director Green stated studies conducted regarding Freedom Boulevard included options for lane reduction and for maintaining the same number of lanes while incorporating complete streets elements. She stated future projects would be brought to Council for approval.
3) Public Input – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Orozco, seconded by Member Montesino to approve the resolution listed under Item 10.a.6. below. 5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Dutra stated his desire for Council to have input on future projects along Freedom Boulevard. He stated he did not support lane reduction along Freedom Boulevard.

Mayor Pro Tempore Clark stated he was not in support of reducing lanes along Freedom Boulevard.

MOTION: The above motion was carried by the following vote.

AYES: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker
NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Quiroz-Carter, Salcido
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70 6) RESOLUTION NO. 78-26 (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE

ACCEPTING THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE VISION ZERO CORRIDOR STUDY

11. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None

12. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None

13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
______________________________
Kristal Salcido, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
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