Vol 67 Min-CC051226
71 MINUTES
REGULAR JOINT CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY, &
SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEETING
May 12, 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. Member Dutra participated in the meeting via teleconferencing from: 1209 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
5:34 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Mayor Salcido, and Council Members Dutra (left at 7:50 p.m., returned at 8:47 p.m.), Montesino, Orozco, Parker, and Quiroz-Carter were present. Mayor Pro Tempore Clark 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, Building and Facilities Manager Berry, Older Adult Services Supervisor Nuñez, Executive Assistant Moya, Public Works Administrative Services Manager Gordo, Administravie Analyst Krishna, Solid Waste Division Manager Smith, Parks Superintendent Medina, Principal Engineer Theriot, Wastewater Division Manager Tellez, Assistant Finance Manager Nolasco, Senior Financial Analyst Diaz, Police Officer Bañuelos, Deputy City Clerk Pacheco, and Interpreter Landaverry.
1.a. MOTION TO EXCUSE ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER(S) (If Any)
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. INFORMATION ITEMS
3.a. REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
3.b. MISCELANEOUS DOCUMENTS REPORT
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
4.a. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Fire Chief Schaefer introduced new Fire Battalion Chief Padron.
Docusign Envelope ID: DE8C67BC-31FF-8339-818B-F7F0B774559A Vol 67 Min-CC051226
72 Fire Battalion Chief Padron stated he was ready to engage with the community and be part of the Fire Department team.
Marilu Bonilla, Community Action Board Santa Cruz County Executive Assistant and Administrative Coordinator, spoke about their services and stated May was Community Action Month. She spoke about challenges faced by the community. She invited Council to attend the grand opening of HOPE village.
Becky Steinbruner provided an update regarding New Leaf’s proposed battery energy storage system project at 90 Minto Road. She provided a copy of Vacaville’s battery energy storage system ordinance and requested Council adopt a similar ordinance.
Phoenix Artemisia expressed concerns with the proposed battery energy storage system project and potential impacts on surrounding residents. She requested Council adopt a battery energy storage system ordinance.
Megan Range, PG&E Government Relations Director, introduced herself to Council.
Sergio Daniel Hernandez inquired whether Watsonville wanted to be more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. He requested more parking and that no more high rise buildings be constructed.
Sam, District 3, stated elections were important and encouraged people to vote. He spoke about running elections properly.
4.b. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
Member Orozco wished all mothers a happy Mother’s Day. She spoke about her participation at various events. She thanked former Planning Commissioner Veitch-Olson for her service.
Member Parker spoke about the City Plaza revitalization project. She spoke about resident and Council engagement with various topics.
Member Dutra spoke about the groundbreaking event of the City Plaza revitalization project. He spoke about various road improvement projects.
Mayor Salcido thanked Council for their community engagement efforts. She thanked staff for their efforts in putting together the City Plaza revitalization groundbreaking ceremony.
She spoke about an event she attended earlier at the Airport and other events she would participate in soon.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.a. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY AS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
5.b. MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY 17 – 23, 2026 AS NATIONAL
PUBLIC WORKS WEEK
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Docusign Envelope ID: DE8C67BC-31FF-8339-818B-F7F0B774559A Vol 67 Min-CC051226
73 PUBLIC INPUT – None
Member Orozco expressed support for Items 6.g. and 6.j. She requested Council support for the appointment of Dafnne Breitler to the Planning Commission.
Member Parker thanked staff for their efforts on Item 6.g.
Mayor Salcido expressed support for Item 6.f.
MOTION: It was moved by Member Orozco, seconded by Member Parker and carried by the following vote to approve the Consent Agenda.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Clark
6.a. MOTION APPROVING MINUTES OF APRIL 28, 2026
6.b. RESOLUTION NO. 79-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE FIXING DATE AND TIME AS JUNE 9 AND JUNE 23, 2026, AT 6:30 P.M. FOR A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO GIVE NOTICE THEREOF
6.c. RESOLUTION NO. 80-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NUMBER 9, WITH ROBERT A
BOTHMAN CONSTRUCTION FOR THE RAMSAY PARK RENAISSANCE PROJECT, NO. PK-22-01, ADDING TO THE SCOPE OF WORK, INCREASING THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $958,523.61, FOR A REVISED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $27,907,082.67, EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM TO JUNE 21, 2026,
AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
6.d. RESOLUTION NO. 81-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH PHASE 3
COMMUNICATIONS, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR ON CALL EMERGENCY FIBER OPTIC MAINTENANCE, IN AN AMOUNT OF $22,000, FOR A REVISED TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $112,000, EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM FROM JANUARY 21, 2026, TO APRIL 30, 2027; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
6.e. RESOLUTION NO. 82-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING SECOND CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH HARRIS & ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR THE RAMSAY PARK RENAISSANCE PROJECT, NO. PK-22-01, INCREASING COMPENSATION BY $51,052, FOR A TOTAL REVISED CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $630,661; AND
AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SAME
Docusign Envelope ID: DE8C67BC-31FF-8339-818B-F7F0B774559A Vol 67 Min-CC051226
74 6.f. RESOLUTION NO. 83-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPROVING A FACILITY USE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
WATSONVILLE AND SENIOR NETWORK SERVICES, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR CITY PROPERTY LOCATED AT 114 EAST FIFTH STREET, (WATSONVILLE SENIOR CENTER), FOR THE LEASE OF ADDITIONAL OFFICE SPACE (ROOM 203) TO PROVIDE FREE SERVICES TO SENIOR RESIDENTS AGED 50 AND OLDER COMMENCING ON JUNE 1, 2026, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2027, AND
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME
6.g. RESOLUTION NO. 84-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING PURCHASE OF ELEVEN (11) FLIR TRAFISENSE TRAFFIC SIGNAL DETECTORS FROM CT WEST, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $293,973.61
PLUS ANY ADJUSTMENTS TO THE ACTUAL COST OF FREIGHT AND TAXES WHICH ARE CHARGED AT THE TIME OF SHIPMENT; AND AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE PURCHASE ORDER
INCLUDING ANY EXTENSIONS OR AMENDMENTS THEREOF IN ORDER TO
IMPLEMENT PURCHASE
6.h. RESOLUTION NO. 85-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE APPROVING AN INCREASE IN BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR FY 2025-2026, IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000, FOR FUEL AND LUBRICANTS FOR THE
WATSONVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
6.i. RESOLUTION NO. 86-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A FOUR-YEAR
LEASE AGREEMENT AND ADDENDUM BETWEEN THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE AND SKYDIVE SURFCITY, INC., A CORPORATION, FOR THE USE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 160 AVIATION WAY, SUITE B AND SUITE C,
WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA
6.j. RESOLUTION NO. 87-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
APPOINTING DAFNNE BREITLER TO THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE PLANNING
COMMISSION
7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA – None
8. REPORT TO COUNCIL – No Action Required
8.a. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE REPORT
Member Orozco suggested lighting the Civic Plaza building in red, white, and blue to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Member Dutra congratulated the owners of Shalom Cleaners and Imura’s for being highlighted in the City Manager’s Report. He thanked City Manager Vides for acknowledging the country’s 250th anniversary.
Docusign Envelope ID: DE8C67BC-31FF-8339-818B-F7F0B774559A Vol 67 Min-CC051226
75 Member Parker spoke in support of the plans to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS
9.a. CONSIDERATION OF THE CITYWIDE USER FEE STUDY & ADOPTION OF NEW FEES EFFECTIVE FISCAL YEAR 2026
1) Staff Report by Administrative Services Director Duran Government Consulting Partners, Inc. (GCP) Directors Jeff Wakefield and Ruben Rivas also participated in the presentation and were available for questions. 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Quiroz-Carter, GCP Director Wakefield and GCP Director Rivas spoke about selecting Gilroy as a comparison city when considering implementation of a General Plan update fee.
Administrative Services Director Duran and GCP Director Rivas answered Member Parker’s questions about comparisons to other cities regarding fees, the proposed General Plan update fee, and the technology surcharge fee.
In answering Member Montesino, City Manager Vides spoke about cost of providing services, challenges due to lack of resources, and improving customer service.
City Manager Vides, in answering Member Orozco, stated Council could prioritize use of revenue generated by increased fees. GCP Director Rivas stated the fees were specific to City services requested by residents. Administrative Services Director Duran gave an estimate regarding the expected annual consumer price index (CPI) increases.
Member Dutra stated his support for the fee increases and suggested exploring hiring additional customer service staff for specific departments using revenue generated from the increases. He expressed concerns with the proposed Planning Commission Appeal Fee.
In response to Member Dutra, GCP Director Rivas stated other cities were likely subsidizing costs of appeals.
Community Development Director Orbach, in answering Member Parker and Member Orozco’s questions, spoke about cost recovery with the proposed appeal fee, staff time dedicated to processing appeals and the complexity of appeals.
In answering Member Parker, City Manager Vides spoke about reviewing the fees and developing an appropriation plan in six months. Administrative Services Director Duran stated CPI increases were made each year.
GCP Director Wakefield, in response to Member Dutra, stated Council could establish different rates depending on appeal types.
Docusign Envelope ID: DE8C67BC-31FF-8339-818B-F7F0B774559A Vol 67 Min-CC051226
76 In answering Member Montesino, City Manager Vides stated GCP’s consultants would remain engaged to help analyze effects of fee increases.
GCP Director Wakefield, in answering Mayor Salcido, spoke about the various fees charged to developers aside from the proposed user fees and about effects of not increasing fees.
Member Quiroz-Carter expressed concerns with the proposed amounts for certain fees and suggested implementing a sliding scale. She requested details regarding which fees were removed in a future presentation.
In answering Member Parker, Administrative Services Director Duran spoke about revenue received from yard sale permits.
GCP Director Wakefield, in answering Mayor Salcido, stated he had not seen a division of appeal fees for residential versus commercial requests. GCP Director Rivas stated the City could not charge more than the cost of service. He stated Council could give direction to decrease fees and spoke about reviewing impacts in six months’ time.
In answering Member Parker, GCP Director Rivas and City Manager Vides spoke about other city fees for single family home construction as compared to Watsonville and about possible reasons for the difference in various fees. Administrative Services Director Duran spoke about estimating cost of staff time.
Community Development Director Orbach added that his staff did not bill hourly. He spoke about possible reasons why other cities charged higher fees. 3) Public Comments
Becky Steinbruner expressed concerns with the proposed fee for Planning Commission appeals. She suggested having appeals reviewed by a different board.
She inquired about the General Plan update fee. She stated the Airport was critical for disaster response.
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Orozco, seconded by Member Parker and carried by the following vote to approve the resolution listed under Item 9.a.6. below with a decrease of the appeals fee to Planning Commission to $3,000.
AYES: MEMBERS: Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: Quiroz-Carter
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Clark
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion – None
6) RESOLUTION NO. 88-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
ACCEPTING THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE COMPREHENSIVE USER FEE STUDY REPORT – APRIL 2026, AND ESTABLISHING AND ADOPTING FEES, RATES
AND CHARGES FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT,
AIRPORT, FIRE, FINANCE, POLICE, PUBLIC WORKS, AND CITY CLERK Docusign Envelope ID: DE8C67BC-31FF-8339-818B-F7F0B774559A Vol 67 Min-CC051226
77 10. NEW BUSINESS
10.a. DIRECTING FILING OF THE 2026-27 ANNUAL ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR THE LANDSCAPE & LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS (LLMAD) PK03-02 BAY BREEZE, PK-03-03 VISTA MONTAÑA & PK-94-1 GONZALES STREET ALLEY
1) Staff Report by Parks Superintendent Medina
Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib was also present. 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Montesino, Parks Superintendent Medina spoke about the results of a Proposition 218 ballot to address revenue challenges, which did not pass.
Parks Superintendent Medina, in answering Member Orozco, gave details regarding maintenance responsibilities should the LLMAD be dissolved and a Homeowners Association be formed.
3) Public Input
? male, Vista Montaña homeowner, spoke about CPI increases that did not happen for many years. He stated his disagreement with the 1% fee paid to the City when homes in that development were sold. He spoke against forming a Homeowners Association at Vista Montana.
Caitlin spoke about increases in employee salaries and benefits costs associated with the LLMAD. She expressed concerns regarding affordability and ensuring funds were used properly. She requested transparency and accountability and stated residents did not discuss formation of a Homeowners Association.
Blanca Vazquez, Vista Montaña homeowner, stated residents were requesting maintenance and accountability. She spoke about cleanup efforts by residents and stated they did not want a Homeowners Association.
Martha Vega, former Vista Montaña resident, spoke about the proximity of Salsipuedes Creek and Pajaro River and about the floods that occurred a few years ago. She thanked Mayor Salcido for awarding a proclamation to Pajaro Valley High School and certificates of recognition to students that obtained the State Seal of Civic Engagement.
Council resumed Clarifying & Technical questions following Public Input In answering Member Parker, Parks Superintendent Medina, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib and City Manager Vides spoke about estimated costs of providing maintenance, fees assessed to homeowners, use of assessment funds across various years, and a potential CPI catch up.
Docusign Envelope ID: DE8C67BC-31FF-8339-818B-F7F0B774559A Vol 67 Min-CC051226
78 City Attorney Zutler, in answering Member Parker, stated homeowners could agree to a CPI catch up which could be used to maintain the LLMAD. She stated the City was legally obligated to maintain the LLMAD at the same level as property outside of an LLMAD.
In answering Member Parker, Parks Superintendent Medina and Parks & Community Services Supervisor Calubaquib provided details regarding personnel costs and use of staff paid at various rates to service the LLMAD. Administrative Services Director Duran provided an estimate of the costs of employee benefits.
Parks Superintendent Medina and Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib responded to Member Parker’s additional questions regarding other operating expenses, the full Engineer’s estimate for annual expenditures, a grant secured for tree removal and replacement, and a Public Works & Utilities project to replace sidewalks damaged by trees.
Mayor Salcido stated she was in support of Option 1 presented by staff, which was to maintain the status quo and adopt the annual CPI increase of 3%, while exploring solutions for funding challenges.
In answering Member Parker, Parks Superintendent Medina spoke about the additional assessment that was proposed through a Proposition 218 ballot, and how it differed from a CPI catch up. City Attorney Zutler added that any increase aside from the annual CPI would require the Proposition 218 process to be followed.
Mayor Salcido reopened the Public Input period.
Angel Millhouse asked several questions regarding the LLMAD information provided to residents, use of funds, lack of minutes from meetings with Vista Montaña residents, and what maintenance could be expected from the City.
Council resumed Clarifying & Technical questions following Public Input.
Member Parker suggested creating an advisory committee including Vista Montaña LLMAD residents.
In answering Member Parker, Parks & Community Services Director Calubaquib stated a contract service could be retained to assist with oversight, budget tracking, auditing, and meeting minutes, which would be funded through the LLMAD. He spoke about the current reserve balance and annual assessments.
Parks Superintendent Medina, in response to Member Parker’s comments regarding what a Homeowners Association would entail, stated he had spoken to Vista Montaña residents that were interested in exploring that option. 4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Orozco, seconded by Member Parker to approve the resolutions listed under Item 10.a.6. through 10.a.8. below., with support for the following.
Option 1 for the Vista Montaña LLMAD: Status quo - adopting annual CPI increase of 3% and to continue communication with residents.
Docusign Envelope ID: DE8C67BC-31FF-8339-818B-F7F0B774559A Vol 67 Min-CC051226
79 AYES: MEMBERS: Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Clark., Dutra
5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Orozco stated she was not in support of using General Fund money to meet requests of Vista Montaña LLMAD residents.
MOTION: The above motion was carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra
6) RESOLUTION NO. 89-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE DIRECTING THE FILING OF THE 2026-2027 ANNUAL ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR
THE BAY BREEZE SUBDIVISION LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. PK-03-02 (LLMAD)
7) RESOLUTION NO. 90-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE DIRECTING THE FILING OF THE 2026-2027 ANNUAL ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR THE VISTA MONTAÑA SUBDIVISION LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING
MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. PK-03-03 (LLMAD)
8) RESOLUTION NO. 91-26 (CM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE DIRECTING THE FILING OF THE 2026-2027 ANNUAL ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR
THE GONZALES STREET ALLEYWAY LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING
MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. PK-94-1 (LLMAD)
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES, & APPEALS (Continued)
11.a. ORDINANCE AMENDING MULTIPLE CHAPTERS OF TITLE 14 (ZONING) & TITLE 13 (SUBDIVISIONS & MAPS) RELATED TO IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMS WITHIN THE 6TH CYCLE 2023-2031 HOUSING ELEMENT
1) Staff Report by Community Development Director Orbach 2) City Council Clarifying & Technical Questions
In answering Member Parker, Community Development Director Orbach spoke about regulations regarding housing developments in historic designated districts and landscaping regulations for new developments.
3) Public Comments – None
4) MOTION: It was moved by Member Montesino, seconded by Member Orozco to introduce the ordinance listed under Item 11.a.6. below.
Docusign Envelope ID: DE8C67BC-31FF-8339-818B-F7F0B774559A Vol 67 Min-CC051226
80 5) City Council Deliberation on Motion
Member Dutra expressed concern with the State imposing housing regulations on jurisdictions.
MOTION: The above motion was carried by the following vote.
AYES: MEMBERS: Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido NOES: MEMBERS: Dutra
ABSENT: MEMBERS: Clark
6) By Motion, Introduce for First Reading, by Title Only, Waiving the Full Reading of the Text, an Ordinance Amending Multiple Chapters Within Title 14 (Zoning) & Title 13 (Subdivisions & Maps) of the Watsonville Municipal Code Related to Implementation of Programs Within the 6th Cycle 2023-2031 Housing Element; & Finding the Action Exempt From Review Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it is Not a Project but if a Project, Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(B)(3)
12. EMERGENCY ITEMS ADDED TO AGENDA – None
13. REQUESTS & SCHEDULING FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Member Quiroz-Carter requested exploring adoption of an ordinance prohibiting battery energy storage systems within the City’s jurisdiction.
Member Parker agreed with Member Quiroz-Carter’s request.
Member Orozco requested a letter of support asking the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to continue with the process to adopt a battery energy storage system ordinance and a letter to the State asking them to consider community input and any County ordinance when approving such projects.
Member Parker and Member Quiroz-Carter agreed with Member Orozco’s requests.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
______________________________
Kristal Salcido, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: DE8C67BC-31FF-8339-818B-F7F0B774559A