Agenda packet — Watsonville City Council, June 23, 2026 (part 5 of 7)

AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
5 (3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

None
(4) The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report.

This drone is one of four included in a 5-year contract with Axon in the amount of $114,740.70. The contract began in September 2023.

The Drone Team is comprised of one (1) Sergeant and nine (9) officers. The team trained on 3/11/25, 5/13/25, 6/17/25, 8/12/25 and 12/15/25.

The officers combined for 180 hours at $67.50 /hr and 108 hours at $101/hr. $23,058. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y.
59 deployments at $67.50 per average deployment cost of $3,982.50.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

One (1)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

See Section II

4. Section 1 – Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial vehicle a. Axon Air, DJI Mavic 3 Thermal SP Plus
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
6 The drones have been a vital asset to Watsonville PD as they have been deployed during many different situations. The drones have helped increase operational efficiency by reducing the amount of personnel and time it would take to search large areas. Also, the drones have increased both officer and public safety. It was deployed 35 times. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

This drone is one of four included in a 5-year contract with Axon in the amount of $114,740.70. The contract began in September 2023.

The Drone Team is comprised of one (1) Sergeant and nine (9) officers. The team trained on 3/11/25, 5/13/25, 6/17/25, 8/12/25 and 12/15/25.

The officers combined for 180 hours at $67.50 /hr and 108 hours at $101/hr. $23,058. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y.
35 deployments at $67.50 per average deployment cost of $2,362.50.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

One (1)
Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
7 (6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

See Section II

5. Section 1 – Unmanned, remotely piloted, ground vehicle a. Throwbot XT
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Not used
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

None
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

One (1)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
8 None

6. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
a. Department Issued Colt LE6920 Carbine Rifle
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Patrol Rifles put into service with each officer, every patrol shift.

SWAT Training and qualifications on 2/4/25, 6/10/25, 7/15/25, and 12/16/25. Two (2) SWAT Officers attended Basic SWAT School 4/20/25-5/1/25.

New Officer Rifle 16-hour training course. Three (3) officers and one (1) instructor on 4/15/25-4/16/25, 8/11/25-8/12/25 & 11/4/25- 11/5/25
Lateral Officer Rifle 4-hour Qualification course. Two (2) officers and one (1) instructor on 2/3/2, 3/18/25 & 12/5/25.
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

Over 20 years old. Reliability issues. Safety equipment. These rifles have been replaced with the MK111 Mod2 Rifles.
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

Rifles removed from inventory.
(4) The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report.

Nine (9) trainee officers combined for 144 hours at $67.50/hr and three (3) instructors at $101/hr combined for 48 hours. $14,568.

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
9 Twenty-eight (28) officers combined for 40 hours of training at $101/hr = $113,120. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y.
20,000 practice rounds were purchased in 2025 for a total cost of $10,745. Source funds came from Specialized Department Equipment Budget.

Annual inspections of each rifle, approximately 1 hour per rifle, total of 17 hours X $101/ hour = $1,717. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Seventeen (17) – no longer in our inventory.
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None.

7. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
a. Department Issued Primary Weapon Systems (PWS) MK111 Mod2 Rifles (1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Purchased in 2025, but not put into service until 2026. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None.
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

None.

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
10 (4) The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report.
30 new rifles, sound suppressor, electro-optics, weapon mounted lights and switches, back-up iron sights, and slings totaling $90,029.

Source funds CIRA Flexible Spending Funds.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Thirty (30)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None.

8. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
a. Spartan Precision Bolt Action Rifle .308 cal.
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Two (2) officers attending twelve (12) five (5) hour training exercises for a total of sixty (60) hours per officer.
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

None
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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
11 (4) The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report.

Two (2) officers combined for 60 hours of training at $101/hr = $6,060. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y. (5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Four (4)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

9. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
a. Daniel Defense V3 Semi-Auto Rifle .308 cal.
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Two (2) officers attending four (4) one (1) hours training exercises for a total of eight (8) hours per officer.
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

None
(4) The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
12 upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report.

Two (2) officers combined for 16 hours of training at $101/hr = $1,616. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y. (5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

One (1)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

10. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
a. Hornady .308 168gr AMAX TAP 20 250
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Two (2) officers attended twelve (12) training exercises and utilized approximately 120 rounds per training. Approximately, 1,200 rounds were used for training exercises.
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
13 provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report.

Twelve (12) training exercises for five (5) hours x two (2) officers x avg. $101/hr = $11,400. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Approximately 1,440 rounds are currently in inventory.
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

11. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
a. Federal Cartridge .308 Win Tactical Bonded Tip 168 Grain Duty Ammunition (1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

None
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
14 None
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Approximately 300 rounds are currently in inventory.
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

12. Section 11 – Firearm or firearm accessory that is designated to launch explosive projectiles a. Remington 870, pump action shotgun
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Eight (8) officers received three (3) hours of training during one training exercise.
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
15 Three (3) officers for three (3) hour x avg. $101/hr = $909. Five (5) officers for three (3) hour x avg. $67.50/hr = $1012.50. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Two (2)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

13. Section 11 – Firearm or firearm accessory that is designated to launch explosive projectiles a. Combined Systems Technology Launching Cup
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Eight (8) officers received three (3) hours of training. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
16 Three (3) officers for three (3) hours x avg. $101/hr = $909. Five (5) officers for three (3) hours x avg. $67.50/hr = $1012.5. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Two (2)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

14. Section 12 – Noise-flash diversionary devices and explosive breaching tools a. BP2 NFDD (Non-Firing Distraction Device) Straight Delivery Pole with Clamp Head Delivery
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

None
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
17 None
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

One (1)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

15. Section 12 – Noise-flash diversionary devices and explosive breaching tools a. Combat Tactical Systems (CTS), 7290M Mini Flash-Bang distraction device (1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Nineteen (19) NFDD were used for training in 2025. Three (3) were successfully deployed in two separate SWAT operations. The NFDDs were collected and properly documented in a police report. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

Training for Fifty (50) officers x Eight (8) hours x avg. $67.50/hr = $27,000. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y.

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
18 (5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Seventy-eight (78)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None.

16. Section 12 – Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray
a. Combined Tactical Systems Baffled Riot CS Smoke
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Eight (8) officers received five (5) hours of training during one training exercise.
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

Training exercise was five (5) hours x five (5) officers x avg. $67.50/hr = $1,687.50. Training exercise with additional three (3) Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
19 officers x five (5) hours x avg. $101/hr = $1,515. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Forty (40)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None.

17. Section 12 – Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service issued handheld pepper spray
a. Defense Technology Stinger CS Rubber Ball Grenade
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

None
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

None
Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
20 (5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

None
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

18. Section 14 – Projectile Launch Platform and Munition a. Defense Technology 40MM Tactical Single Shot Launcher (1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.
50 Officers (including instructors) attended 4-hour Department trainings on 11/12/25 or 11/19/25. Each Officer fired one (1) live round each.

Training for eleven (11) lateral and police officers' trainees on 2/6/25, 3/19/25, 4/25/25, 8/18/25 and 12/2/25. Each Officer fired two (2) live rounds each.

SWAT Training for seven (7) Officers firing two (2) or three (3) rounds each from the 6-shot multi launcher on 11/18/25. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
21 provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report.

Department training for 50 officers (including instructors) for four (4) hour training at $67.50/hr, totaling $13,500. Source funds from General Fund.

New officer training for four (4) hours x seven (7) officers at $67.50/hr = $2,970 and one (1) instructor at $101/hr for twenty (20) hours ($2,020) totaling $9,990. Source funds come from the General Fund.

SWAT Training eight (8) officers for five (5) hours at $101/hr = $4,040. Source funds from General fund.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Twenty-six (26)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

19. Sections 14 – Projectile Launch Platform and Munition a. Defense Technology, Exact Impact 40 MM Standard Range Sponge Round (1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

A total of forty-seven (47) rounds were fired on 11/12/25 and 11/19/25 during training exercises.

A total of fourteen (14) rounds were fired during new officer training, on 2/6/25, 3/19/25, 4/25/25, 8/18/25 and 12/2/25.

A total of twenty (20) rounds were fired on the 11/18/25 at SWAT Training.

Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
22 (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

Eighty-nine (89) rounds were used in 2025 for training at a cost of approx. $34 per round, total cost $3,026. Source funds come from Specialized Department Equipment budget.

Ninety-five (95) new duty rounds were purchase to replace rounds going out of manufacturer warranty. The old rounds were used in the above described trainings. Twenty (20) additional reusable training round nose cones were also purchased for the above-mentioned trainings. The total cost for the above munitions was $3,380.20. (5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

One hundred seventy-four (174) Exact Impact 40mm munitions (6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

Department training scheduled for 2027. As part of the training each officer will fire three (3) practice reloadable rounds and one (1) or two (2) live round. To replace the rounds used as part of this training, approximately sixty (60) new duty rounds at $34 each = $2,040 and one (1) fifty (50) round reloadable practice ammo kit at $325 will need to be purchased to replace ammo used during the 2027 training courses. Due Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
23 to production and delivery lead time these rounds need to be purchased in 2026.

20. Sections 12 / 14 – Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray. Projectile Launch Platforms
a. Ferret 40 MM is filled with CS powder chemical agent (1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Eight (8) officers received five (5) hours of training during one training exercise.
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

Three (3) officers for five (5) hours x avg. $101/hr = $1505. Five (5) officers for five (5) hours x avg. $67.50/hr = $1687.50. Source funds come from General Fund and Measure Y.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Nine (9) OC
Zero (0) CS
Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
24 (6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.
30 CS Ferret rounds

21. Section 12 – Noise-flash diversionary devices and explosive breaching tools a. Vulcan II munitions police manufactured by Kaiser Precision LLC (1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Vulcan II Munitions Pole is a telescoping, hardened aluminum tool designed to safely deliver chemical agent canisters and/or noise flash diversion devices in structures or vehicles. The Vulcan II can deploy from a safe distance and has break points at the end specifically designed for breaking windows.
(2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

Vulcan II Munitions Pole cost approximately $3,100.00 to acquire.

Five (5) officers for one (1) hour @ an average of $67.50 per hour = $337.50. Four (4) officers for one (1) @ an average of $101 =$404.

Sources come from general fund and Measure Y.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

Attachment 1

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
25 One (1)
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

22. Section 14- Projectile launch platforms and their associated munitions: specialty impact munition (SIM) weapons.
a. PepperBall TAC-SA PRO launcher
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Purchased in 2025, but not put into service until 2026. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

Two (2)
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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
26 (6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

None

23. Sections 12 - Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray.
a. PepperBall INERT rounds
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Purchased in 2025, but not put into service until 2026. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

About Six-hundred (600) rounds
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
27 About three-thousand (3,000) rounds

24. Sections 12 - Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray.
a. PepperBall Live Maxx rounds
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use.

Purchased in 2025, but not put into service until 2026. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment.

None.
(3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

None.
(4) The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report.
$662 per 90ct. General Fund.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment.

One hundred seventy-five (175) rounds
(6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.

One hundred eighty (180) rounds
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AB 481 Military Equipment Annual Report
28 Section II: Qualifying Equipment to be procured by the Watsonville Police Department

1. Section 1 – Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial vehicle - Drones and Drones as First Responder (DFR)
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Chapter 13

MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
Sections:
4-13.01 Name of chapter.
4-13.02 Definitions.
4-13.03 Military equipment use policy requirement.
4-13.04 Use in exigent circumstances.
4-13.05 Reports on the use of military equipment.
4-13.01 Name of chapter.

This chapter shall be known as the military equipment use ordinance. (§ 1, Ord. 1434-22 (CM), eff. July 14, 2022)
4-13.02 Definitions.
(a) “Military equipment” includes all of the following (per California Government Code Section 7070):
(1) Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles. (2) Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles or armored personnel carriers. However, police versions of standard consumer vehicles are specifically excluded from this chapter. (3) High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), commonly referred to as Humvees, two and one-half (2 1/2) ton trucks, five (5) ton trucks, or wheeled vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attached. However, unarmored all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorized dirt bikes are specifically excluded from this chapter.
(4) Tracked armored vehicles that provide ballistic protection to their occupants and utilize a tracked system instead of wheels for forward motion.
(5) Command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate the operational control and direction of public safety units.
(6) Weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind. (7) Battering rams, slugs, and breaching apparatuses that are explosive in nature. However, items designed to remove a lock, such as bolt cutters, or a handheld ram designed to be operated by one (1) person, are specifically excluded from this chapter.

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(8) Firearms of 0.50 caliber or greater. However, standard issue shotguns are specifically excluded from this chapter.
(9) Ammunition of 0.50 caliber or greater. However, standard issue shotgun ammunition is specifically excluded from this chapter.
(10) Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than 0.50 caliber, including assault weapons as defined in Sections 30510 and 30515 of the Penal Code, with the exception of standard issue service weapons and ammunition of less than 0.50 caliber that are issued to officers, agents, or employees of a law enforcement agency or a State agency. (11) Any firearm or firearm accessory that is designed to launch explosive projectiles. (12) “Flashbang” grenades and explosive breaching tools, “tear gas,” and “pepper balls,” excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray. (13) Taser Shockwave, microwave weapons, water cannons, and the long range acoustic device (LRAD).
(14) The following projectile launch platforms and their associated munitions: forty (40) mm projectile launchers, “bean bag,” rubber bullet, and specialty impact munition (SIM) weapons. (15) Any other equipment as determined by a governing body or a State agency to require additional oversight.
(16) Notwithstanding subsections (a)(1) through (15) of this section, “military equipment” does not include general equipment not designated as prohibited or controlled by the Federal Defense Logistics Agency.
(b) “City” shall mean any department, agency, bureau, and/or subordinate division of the City of Watsonville.
(c) “Police Department” shall mean any division, section, bureau, employee, volunteer and/or contractor of the Watsonville Police Department.
(d) “City Council” shall mean the governing body that is the Watsonville City Council. (e) “Military equipment use policy” shall mean a publicly released, written document that includes, at a minimum, all of the following:

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(1) A description of each type of military equipment, the quantity sought, its capabilities, expected lifespan, and product descriptions from the manufacturer of the military equipment. (2) The purposes and authorized uses for which the law enforcement agency or the State agency proposes to use each type of military equipment.
(3) The fiscal impact of each type of military equipment, including the initial costs of obtaining the equipment and estimated annual costs of maintaining the equipment. (4) The legal and procedural rules that govern each authorized use. (5) The training, including any course required by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, that must be completed before any officer, agent, or employee of the law enforcement agency or the State agency is allowed to use each specific type of military equipment to ensure the full protection of the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties and full adherence to the military equipment use policy.
(6) The mechanisms to ensure compliance with the military equipment use policy, including which independent persons or entities have oversight authority, and, if applicable, what legally enforceable sanctions are put in place for violations of the policy. (7) For a law enforcement agency, the procedures by which members of the public may register complaints or concerns or submit questions about the use of each specific type of military equipment, and how the law enforcement agency will ensure that each complaint, concern, or question receives a response in a timely manner.
(f) “Exigent circumstances” shall mean a law enforcement agency’s good faith belief that an emergency involving the danger of, or imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to any person is occurring, has occurred, or is about to occur.
(g) “State agency” shall mean the law enforcement division of every State office, officer, department, division, bureau, board, and commission or other State body or agency, except those agencies provided for in Article IV (except Section 20 thereof) or Article VI of the California Constitution. (h) “Type” shall mean each item that shares the same manufacturer model number. (§ 1, Ord. 1434-22 (CM), eff. July 14, 2022)
4-13.03 Military equipment use policy requirement.

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(a) The Watsonville Police Department shall obtain approval of the City Council, by a resolution adopting a military equipment use policy (MEUP) at a regular meeting of the City Council held pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code) prior to engaging in any of the following:
(1) Requesting military equipment made available pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Section 2576a. (2) Seeking funds for military equipment, including, but not limited to, applying for a grant, soliciting or accepting private, local, State, or Federal funds, in-kind donations, or other donations or transfers.
(3) Acquiring military equipment either permanently or temporarily, including by borrowing or leasing.
(4) Collaborating with another law enforcement agency in the deployment or other use of military equipment within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Watsonville. (5) Using any new or existing military equipment for a purpose, in a manner, or by a person not previously approved by the governing body pursuant to this chapter. (6) Soliciting or responding to a proposal for, or entering into an agreement with, any other person or entity to seek funds for, apply to receive, acquire, use, or collaborate in the use of, military equipment.
(7) Acquiring military equipment through any means not provided by this section. (b) No later than May 1, 2022, if seeking to continue the use of any military equipment that was acquired prior to January 1, 2022, the Watsonville Police Department shall commence a City Council approval process in accordance with this section. If the City Council does not approve the continuing use of military equipment, including by adoption pursuant to a military equipment use policy submitted pursuant to this Code, within one hundred eighty (180) days of submission of the proposed military equipment use policy to City Council, the Watsonville Police Department shall cease its use of the military equipment until it receives the approval of City Council in accordance with this Code. (c) In seeking the approval of City Council, the Watsonville Police Department shall submit a proposed military equipment use policy to the City Council and make those documents available on the Police Department’s internet website at least thirty (30) days prior to any public hearing concerning the military equipment at issue.

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(d) The City Council shall only approve a military equipment use policy pursuant to this chapter if it determines all of the following:
(1) The military equipment is necessary because there is no reasonable alternative that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety. (2) The proposed military equipment use policy will safeguard the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties.
(3) If purchasing the equipment, the equipment is reasonably cost effective compared to available alternatives that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety. (4) Prior military equipment use complied with the military equipment use policy that was in effect at the time, or if prior uses did not comply with the accompanying military equipment use policy, corrective action has been taken to remedy nonconforming uses and ensure future compliance. (e) In order to facilitate public participation, any proposed or final military equipment use policy shall be made publicly available on the internet website of the Police Department for as long as the military equipment is available for use.
(f) The City Council shall review this chapter at least annually and vote on whether to renew it at a regular meeting held pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 commencing with Section 54950 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the California Government Code). (§ 1, Ord. 1434-22 (CM), eff. July 14, 2022)
4-13.04 Use in exigent circumstances.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the Police Department may acquire, borrow and/or use military equipment in exigent circumstances without following the requirements of this Code. (b) If the Police Department acquires, borrows, and/or uses military equipment in exigent circumstances, in accordance with this section, it must take all of the following actions:
(1) Provide written notice of that acquisition or use to the City Council within thirty (30) days following the commencement of such exigent circumstance, unless such information is confidential or privileged under local, State or Federal law.
(2) If it is anticipated that the use will continue beyond the exigent circumstance, submit a proposed amended military equipment use policy to the City Council within ninety (90) days Attachment 2

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following the borrowing, acquisition and/or use, and receive approval, as applicable, from the City Council.
(3) Include the military equipment in the Police Department’s next annual military equipment report.
(§ 1, Ord. 1434-22 (CM), eff. July 14, 2022)
4-13.05 Reports on the use of military equipment.
(a) The Police Department shall submit to City Council an annual military equipment report for each type of military equipment approved by the City Council within one (1) year of approval, and annually thereafter for as long as the military equipment is available for use. (b) The Police Department shall also make each annual military equipment report required by this section publicly available on its internet website for as long as the military equipment is available for use. (c) The annual military equipment report shall, at a minimum, include the following information for the immediately preceding calendar year for each type of military equipment:
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment. (3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy and any actions taken in response.
(4) The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report.
(5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment. (6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment. (d) Within thirty (30) days of submitting and publicly releasing an annual military equipment report pursuant to this section, the Police Department shall hold at least one (1) well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting, at which the general public may discuss and ask questions Attachment 2

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regarding the annual military equipment report and the law enforcement agency’s funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment.
(e) The City Council shall determine, based on the annual military equipment report submitted pursuant to this section, whether each type of military equipment identified in that report has complied with the standards for approval set forth in this Code and the military equipment use policy. If the City Council determines that a type of military equipment identified in that annual military equipment report has not complied with the standards for approval, the City Council shall either disapprove a renewal of the authorization for that type of military equipment or require modifications to the military equipment use policy in a manner that will resolve the lack of compliance. (§ 1, Ord. 1434-22 (CM), eff. July 14, 2022)
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Policy
708
Watsonville Police Department
Watsonville PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/05/20, All Rights Reserved.

Published with permission by Watsonville Police Department Military Equipment - 1
Military Equipment
708.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the approval, acquisition, and reporting requirements of military equipment (California Government Code §§ 7070, 7071 & 7072). This is further required by Watsonville City Municipal Code Chapter 4-13.

The Watsonville Police Department (WPD) does not possess any tactical equipment that it has obtained from the military and has not acquired any equipment through military surplus programs such as the 1033 Program. Notwithstanding the foregoing, California Government Code § 7071(b) requires that law enforcement agencies submit a proposed Military Equipment Use Policy to their governing board for approval.

California Government Code § 7070 provides a list of equipment types that are considered to be "military equipment" for purposes of this policy requirement, and this Military Equipment Use Policy includes information for any such equipment types that are possessed by the WPD, or reasonably likely to be deployed in Watsonville by other law enforcement partners. 708.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include (Government Code § 7070):

Governing body – The elected or appointed body that oversees the Department.

Military equipment – Includes but is not limited to the following:
• Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles. • Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles or armored personnel carriers. • High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), two-and-one-half-ton trucks, five-ton trucks, or wheeled vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attached. • Tracked armored vehicles that provide ballistic protection to their occupants. • Command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate the operational control and direction of public safety units. • Weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind. • Battering rams, slugs, and breaching apparatuses that are explosive in nature. This does not include a handheld, one-person ram.
• Firearms and ammunition of_.50 caliber or greater, excluding standard-issue shotguns and standard-issue shotgun ammunition.
• Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than_.50 caliber, including firearms and accessories identified as assault weapons in Penal Code § 30510 and Penal Code § 30515, with the exception of standard-issue firearms.
• Any firearm or firearm accessory that is designed to launch explosive projectiles. • Noise-flash diversionary devices and explosive breaching tools. Attachment 3

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Watsonville Police Department
Watsonville PD Policy Manual
Military Equipment
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/05/20, All Rights Reserved.

Published with permission by Watsonville Police Department Military Equipment - 2
• Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray.
• Area denial electroshock devices, microwave weapons, water cannons, long-range acoustic devices (LRADs), acoustic hailing devices, and sound cannons. • Kinetic energy weapons and munitions.
• Any other equipment as determined by a governing body or a state agency to require additional oversight.
708.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Watsonville Police Department that members of this department comply with the provisions of Government Code § 7071 with respect to military equipment. 708.3 MILITARY EQUIPMENT COORDINATOR
The Chief of Police designates the Professional Standards Division Captain to act as the military equipment coordinator. The responsibilities of the military equipment coordinator include but are not limited to:
(a) Acting as liaison to the governing body for matters related to the requirements of this policy.
(b) Identifying department equipment that qualifies as military equipment in the current possession of the Department, or the equipment the Department intends to acquire that requires approval by the governing body.
(c) Conducting an inventory of all military equipment at least annually. (d) Collaborating with any allied agency that may use military equipment within the jurisdiction of Watsonville Police Department (Government Code § 7071). (e) Preparing for, scheduling, and coordinating the annual community engagement meeting to include:

1. Publicizing the details of the meeting.

2. Preparing for public questions regarding the department's funding, acquisition, and use of equipment.
(f) Preparing the annual military equipment report for submission to the Chief of Police and ensuring that the report is made available on the department website (Government Code § 7072).
(g) Coordinating the process for a person to register a complaint, concern, or question about the use of a type of military equipment. The Department will respond promptly.

A complaint, concern, or question related to Military Equipment utilization by the Watsonville Police Department can be made:

1. Via email to: [email protected]

2. Via phone call to: (831) 768-3399
Attachment 3

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Watsonville Police Department
Watsonville PD Policy Manual
Military Equipment
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/05/20, All Rights Reserved.

Published with permission by Watsonville Police Department Military Equipment - 3

3. Via mail sent to: Watsonville Police Department; Attn: Military Equipment Coordinator; 215 Union Street: Watsonville, CA 95076
708.4 APPROVAL

1. The Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall obtain approval from the governing body by way of an ordinance adopting the military equipment policy. As part of the approval process, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee shall ensure the proposed military equipment policy is submitted to the governing body and is available on the department website at least 30 days prior to any public hearing concerning the military equipment at issue (Government Code § 7071).

The military equipment policy must be approved by the governing body prior to engaging in any of the following (Government Code § 7071):
(a) Requesting military equipment made available pursuant to 10 USC § 2576a. (b) Seeking funds for military equipment, including but not limited to applying for a grant, soliciting or accepting private, local, state, or federal funds, in-kind donations, or other donations or transfers.
(c) Acquiring military equipment either permanently or temporarily, including by borrowing or leasing.
(d) Collaborating with another law enforcement agency in the deployment or other use of military equipment within the jurisdiction of this department. (e) Using any new or existing military equipment for a purpose, in a manner, or by a person not previously approved by the governing body.
(f) Soliciting or responding to a proposal for, or entering into an agreement with, any other person or entity to seek funds for, apply to receive, acquire, use, or collaborate in the use of military equipment.
(g) Acquiring military equipment through any means not provided above.

2. The military equipment use policy, and any amendments thereto, shall be approved by the governing body in accordance with Chapter 12.8 of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, if the governing body determines all of the following (Government Code § 7071(d)(1)):
(a) The military equipment is necessary because there is no reasonable alternative that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety. (b) The proposed military equipment use policy will safeguard the public's welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties.
(c) If purchasing the equipment, the equipment is reasonably cost effective compared to available alternatives that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety. (d) Prior military equipment use complied with the military equipment use policy that was in effect at the time, or if prior uses did not comply with the accompanying military equipment use policy, corrective action has been taken to remedy nonconforming uses and ensure future compliance. Attachment 3

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Watsonville Police Department
Watsonville PD Policy Manual
Military Equipment
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/05/20, All Rights Reserved.

Published with permission by Watsonville Police Department Military Equipment - 4

3. The military equipment use policy shall be reviewed and approved by the governing body at least annually through the adoption of a resolution. In the absence of such review and approval, the military equipment use policy shall expire one (1) year from the last approval date.

4. As part of the annual review, or from time to time as may be needed, the military equipment use policy may be amended through the adoption of a resolution by the governing body. 708.5 COORDINATION WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS
Military equipment used by any member of this Department shall be approved for use and in accordance with this Departmental policy. Military equipment used by other jurisdictions that are providing mutual aid to this Department, or otherwise engaged in a law enforcement operation in this jurisdiction, shall comply with their respective military equipment use policies in rendering mutual aid.
708.6 ANNUAL REPORT
Upon approval of a military equipment policy, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee should submit a military equipment report to the governing body for each type of military equipment approved within one year of approval, and annually thereafter for as long as the military equipment is available for use (Government Code § 7072).

The Chief of Police or the authorized designee should also make each annual military equipment report publicly available on the department website for as long as the military equipment is available for use. The report shall include all information required by Government Code § 7072 for the preceding calendar year for each type of military equipment in department inventory. 708.7 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Within 30 days of submitting and publicly releasing the annual report, the Department shall hold at least one well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting, at which the Department should discuss the report and respond to public questions regarding the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment.
708.8 MILITARY EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
The attached list is divided into two sections.

Section I - lists qualifying equipment that is owned and/or utilized by the Watsonville Police Department
Section II - lists qualifying equipment that the Watsonville Police Department will be procuring, with anticipated dates of procurement
See attachment: 2025 Military Equipment Inventory - 05202026.pdf Attachment 3

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Watsonville PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/05/20, All Rights Reserved.

Published with permission by Watsonville Police Department Attachments - 5
Attachments
Attachment 3

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Attachment
Watsonville PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/05/20, All Rights Reserved.

Published with permission by Watsonville Police Department 2025 Military Equipment Inventory -
05202026.pdf - 6
2025 Military Equipment Inventory - 05202026.pdf
2025 Military Equipment Inventory - 05202026.pdf
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Military Equipment Inventory Attachment
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Section I – Lists qualifying equipment that is owned and/or utilized by the Watsonville Police Department.

1. Section 1 – Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial vehicle Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Axon Air, DJI Avata Pro-View Combo (Drone).

This drone is one of four included in a 5-year contract with Axon in the amount of $114,740.70. Quantity: 1
The DJI Avata is a compact and lightweight drone, built to maneuver in tight spaces, mainly indoors.

Purpose:

To quickly gain situational awareness during high-risk operations, search and rescue missions, scene/evidence identification, and calls for service.

Authorized Use:

This device may be used in numerous situations such as public safety emergencies, natural disaster response and management, tactical operations and responding to calls for service.

Expected Lifespan:
5 years.

Fiscal Impact:

The only fiscal impact would be advanced officer/pilot training. The drones are covered under warranty for repairs and/or replacement.

Training:

All pilots must complete the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 training and certification. Pilots must demonstrate the ability to operate it safely and effectively.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

It is the policy of this agency to utilize drones only for official law enforcement purposes, and in a manner that respects the privacy of our community, pursuant to State and Federal law.

2. Section 1 – Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial vehicle Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Axon Air, Skydio 2+ Enterprise (Drone).

This drone is one of four included in a 5-year contract with Axon in the amount of $114,740.70. Quantity: 1
The Skydio 2+ Enterprise is a compact drone paired with obstacle avoidance.

Additionally, it is equipped with 3D Scan for accident and scene reconstruction.

Attachment 3

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Military Equipment Inventory Attachment
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Purpose:

To quickly gain situational awareness during high-risk operations, search and rescue missions, scene/evidence identification, and calls for service.

Authorized Use:

This device may be used in numerous situations, such as public safety emergencies, natural disaster response and management, tactical operations, and responding to calls for service.

Expected Lifespan:
5 years.

Fiscal Impact:

The only fiscal impact would be advanced officer/pilot training. The drones are covered under warranty for repairs and/or replacement.

Training:

All pilots must complete the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 training and certification. Pilots must demonstrate the ability to operate it safely and effectively.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

It is the policy of this agency to utilize drones only for official law enforcement purposes, and in a manner that respects the privacy of our community, pursuant to State and Federal law.

3. Section 1 – Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial vehicle Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Axon Air, DJI Matrice 30T SP Plus (Drone).

This drone is one of four included in a 5-year contract with Axon in the amount of $114,740.70. Quantity: 1
The DJI Matrice 30T SP Plus offers an enhanced size, airframe and propulsion system that allows it to operate more efficiently at a further distance, and in harsh weather conditions.

Purpose:

To quickly gain situational awareness during high-risk operations, search and rescue missions, scene/evidence identification, and calls for service.

Authorized Use:

This device may be used in numerous situations, such as public safety emergencies, natural disaster response and management, tactical operations, and responding to calls for service.

Expected Lifespan:
5 years.

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Military Equipment Inventory Attachment
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Fiscal Impact:

The only fiscal impact would be advanced officer/pilot training. The drones are covered under warranty for repairs and/or replacement.

Training:

All pilots must complete the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 training and certification. Pilots must demonstrate the ability to operate it safely and effectively.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

It is the policy of this agency to utilize drones only for official law enforcement purposes, and in a manner that respects the privacy of our community, pursuant to State and Federal law.

4. Section 1 – Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial vehicle Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Axon Air, DJI Mavic 3 Thermal SP Plus (Drone).

This drone is one of four included in a 5-year contract with Axon in the amount of $114,740.70. Quantity: 1
The DJI Mavic 3 SP Plus is a streamlined, compact, and lightweight drone that can be deployed at a moment’s notice, making it the primary option for responding to active calls for service. It comes equipped with thermal imaging.

Purpose:

To quickly gain situational awareness during high-risk operations, search and rescue missions, scene/evidence identification, and calls for service.

Authorized Use:

This device may be used in numerous situations, such as public safety emergencies, natural disaster response and management, tactical operations, and responding to calls for service.

Expected Lifespan:
5 years.

Fiscal Impact:

The only fiscal impact would be advanced officer/pilot training. The drones are covered under warranty for repairs and/or replacement.

Training:

All pilots must complete the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 training and certification. Pilots must demonstrate the ability to operate it safely and effectively.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

It is the policy of this agency to utilize drones only for official law enforcement purposes, and in a manner that respects the privacy of our community, pursuant to State and Federal law.

Attachment 3

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Military Equipment Inventory Attachment
_____________________________________________________________________________________

5. Section 1 – Unmanned, remotely piloted, ground vehicle Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Throwbot XT
Cost: $15,000. Quantity: 1
The 1.2-Lb Micro-Robot provides both video and audio reconnaissance capabilities. The Throwbot XT is a throwable, mobile micro-robot that provides both audio and video reconnaissance of dangerous environments.

Purpose:

To quickly gain situational awareness during high-risk operations. To help locate armed subjects, confirm the presence of hostages or innocent civilians, and reveal the layout of rooms.

Authorized Use:

This device may be used when a subject is barricaded or hiding, when hostages are present, or when it would be unsafe for an officer to enter a structure to obtain tactical information.

Expected Lifespan:
10-15 years.

Fiscal Impact:

The only fiscal impact would be replacement or repair cost. WPD has had this device since 2017 and have no related costs.

Training:

All operators must complete user training. Operators must demonstrate the ability to operate it safely and effectively.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

It is the policy of this agency to utilize the Throwbot XL only for official law enforcement purposes, and in a manner that respects the privacy of our community, pursuant to State and Federal law.

6. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

The Department Issued primary weapon system MK11 Mod2 rifle.

Cost: $3,200 each. Quantity: 30
This semi-automatic rifle is chambered in .223 Wylde, features a long stroke gas-piston operating system, with adjustable stock, Aimpoint Duty RDS (Red dot sight) electrooptic, Magpul Back-up Iron Sights (BUIS), Surefire Scout rail mounted flashlight and activation pressure pad, a 11.85” barrel, HuxWRX sound suppressor, and adjustable two-point sling.

Attachment 3

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Military Equipment Inventory Attachment
_____________________________________________________________________________________ These rifles are standard issue service weapons for our officers and therefore exempted from this Military Equipment Use Policy per California Government Code §7070(c)(10).

They have been included in this document in the interest of transparency and will be removed from the 2026 annual report.

Purpose:

Situations where the officer reasonably anticipates an armed encounter. When an officer is faced with a situation that may require the delivery of accurate and effective fire at long range.

Authorized Use:

Officers may deploy the patrol rifle in any circumstance where the officer can articulate a reasonable expectation that the rifle may be needed. Examples of some general guidelines for deploying the patrol rifle may include, but are not limited to:
• Situations where an officer reasonably expects the need to meet or exceed a suspect's firepower.
• When an officer reasonably believes that there may be a need to deliver fire on a barricaded suspect or a suspect with a hostage.
• When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor. • When authorized or requested by a supervisor.
• When needed to euthanize an animal.

Expected Lifespan:
10 years
Fiscal Impact:

Yearly maintenance and repair cost averages $2,000.

Training:

Officers must complete a CA POST certified 16-hour patrol rifle course and semi-annual department firearms training and qualifications as required by law and policy. WPD provides a 20-hour CA POST certified training.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

WPD Policy 300, 432

7. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Spartan Precision Bolt Action Rifle .308 cal.

Cost: $5,550.00 each. Quantity: 4
The rifle is a bolt-action .308 caliber rifle used by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Purpose:

To be used as precision weapons to address a threat with more precision and/or greater distances than a handgun, if present and feasible.

Attachment 3

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Military Equipment Inventory Attachment
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Authorized Use:

Expected Lifespan:
15 years
Fiscal Impact:

Annual maintenance cost of approximately $100 per rifle.

Training:

Prior to using a rifle, officers must be certified by POST instructors in the operation of the rifle by attending a 40-hour training course. Additionally, all members that operate this rifle are required to pass a range qualification four times each year.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

Use is established under WPD’s Policy 300. It is the policy of this agency to utilize rifles only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force.

8. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Daniel Defense V3 Semi-Auto Rifle .308 cal.

Cost: $0 each (retained for Department use from Evidence Unit). Quantity: 1 The rifle is a semi-automatic .308 caliber rifle used by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Purpose:

To be used as precision weapons to address a threat with more precision and/or greater distances than a handgun, if present and feasible.

Authorized Use:

Attachment 3

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Military Equipment Inventory Attachment
_____________________________________________________________________________________ • When an officer reasonably believes that a suspect may be wearing body armor. • When authorized or requested by a supervisor.

Expected Lifespan:
15 years
Fiscal Impact:

Annual maintenance cost of approximately $100 per rifle.

Training:

Legal and Procedural Rules:

9. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Hornady 308 168gr AMAX TAP 20 250.

Cost: $33.49 x box of 20. Quantity: 1440
The 168 gr. A-MAX® bullet is a traditional match grade bullet with the performance advantages of a polymer tip. This bullet demonstrates an increase in penetration and retained weight over the 155 gr. A-MAX® bullet. Standard barrier performance is exemplary and this load demonstrates controlled and impressive soft tissue expansion without over penetration. The Hornady® 168 gr. A-MAX® TAP Precision® offers industry leading all-around performance for law enforcement precision marksmen providing the ability to stop a threat.

Purpose:

To be used with precision weapons to address a threat with more precision and/or greater distances than a handgun, if present and feasible.

Authorized Use:

Expected Lifespan:

No expiration.

Fiscal Impact:

No annual maintenance cost. Replacement cost for training is about $640 each year.

Training:

Attachment 3

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Military Equipment Inventory Attachment
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Officers must complete a CA POST certified 16-hour patrol rifle course and semi-annual department firearms training and qualifications as required by law and policy. WPD provides a 20-hour POST certified training.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

10. Section 10 – Specialized Firearms and Ammunition
Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Federal Cartridge .308 Win Tactical Bonded Tip 168 Grain Duty Ammunition.

Cost: $65.99 x box of 20. Quantity: 300
Federal Cartridge .308 Win Tactical Bonded Tip 168 Grain Duty Ammunition is made exclusively for law enforcement and achieves accuracy and terminal performance unmatched by any other ammunition. Designed to defeat the toughest barriers with minimal deflection, Tactical Bonded Tip ammo has quickly become the choice for some of the most intense conditions.

Purpose:

To be used with precision weapons to address a threat with more precision and/or greater distances than a handgun, if present and feasible Authorized Use:

No expiration.

Fiscal Impact:

No annual maintenance cost. Replacement cost for training is about $280 each year.

Training:

Legal and Procedural Rules:

11. Section 11 – Firearm or firearm accessory that is designated to launch explosive projectiles Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Attachment 3

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Military Equipment Inventory Attachment
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Remington 870, pump action shotgun.

Cost: $454. Quantity: 2
This shotgun deploys a frangible 12-gauge round. The Remington Model 870 Pump Shotgun is a reliable 12-gauge with double-action bars for smooth pump operation. A steel-lined/grooved fore-end provides a stronger grip, while the Flexitab feeding system provides positive and easier cycling.

Purpose:

These are used to quickly dislodge hinges from doors / frames during critical incidents in order to gain entry and provide tactical advantage
Authorized Use:

Circumstances justifying the use of the breaching shotgun may include, but not be limited to:
• Barricaded subject and/or hostage situations
• High-risk warrant services
• Situations wherein the Incident Commander or on-scene Supervisor deems their use necessary to safely resolve the incident.

Expected Lifespan:
25 years
Fiscal Impact:

No yearly maintenance is required. Replacement cost would be the only fiscal impact.

Training:

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members receive 8-hours of training from certified trainers. Yearly training and qualifications.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

Use is established under WPD’s Policy. It is the policy of this agency to utilize these devices only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force, including the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

12. Section 11 – Firearm or firearm accessory that is designated to launch explosive projectiles Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Combined Systems Technology Launching cup.

Cost $180 per cup. Quantity: 2
Designed for 5200 series grenades. Cups can be attached to any 12-gauge shotgun and the munition launched with our model 2600 launching cartridge.

Purpose:

To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable
Authorized Use:

Attachment 3

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Military Equipment Inventory Attachment
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Tear gas may be used for crowd control, crowd dispersal or against barricaded suspects based on the circumstances. Only the Incident Commander may authorize the delivery and use of tear gas, and only after evaluating all conditions known at the time and determining that such force reasonably appears justified and necessary.

Expected Lifespan:
5 Years
Fiscal Impact:

Annual replacement cost varies based on usage for training and critical incidents. On average about $360 each year.

Training:

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members receive 8-hours of training from certified trainers. Yearly training and qualifications.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

Use is established under WPD’s Policy. It is the policy of this agency to utilize chemical agents only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force. WPD Policy 308.

13. Section 12 – Noise-flash diversionary devices and explosive breaching tools Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

BP2 NFDD (Non-Firing Distraction Device) Straight Delivery Pole with Clamp Head Delivery.

Cost: $1050. Quantity: 1
Purpose
The Pole allows a diversionary device to be mounted to it allowing department members to breach door handles from a relatively safe distance.

Authorized Use:

Circumstances justifying the use of BP2 NFDD may include, but not be limited to:
• Barricaded subject and/or hostage situations
• High-risk warrant services
• Situations wherein the Incident Commander or on-scene Supervisor deems their use necessary to safely resolve the incident.

Expected Lifespan:
25+ years.

Fiscal Impact:

No fiscal impact is anticipated.

Training:

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members receive 8-hours of training from certified trainers. Yearly training and qualifications.

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_____________________________________________________________________________________ Legal and Procedural Rules:

14. Section 12 – Noise-flash diversionary devices and explosive breaching tools Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Combat Tactical Systems (CTS) 7290M mini flash-bang, non-reloadable DD.

Cost: $61.80 each, Quantity: 78
A Noise Flash Diversionary Device (NFDD) is a device that creates a bright flash and loud sound to temporarily divert the attention of subjects in the immediate area.

Purpose:

NFDD are used to distract and temporarily incapacitate dangerous suspects by overwhelming their senses of vision and hearing. The distraction allows officers to seize a moment of opportunity to take control of high-risk situations. They produce atmospheric overpressure and brilliant white light and, as a result, can cause short-term (6 - 8 seconds) physiological/psychological sensory deprivation to give officers a tactical advantage.

Authorized Use:

Circumstances justifying the use of flash/sound diversionary devices may include, but not be limited to:
• Barricaded subject and/or hostage situations
• High-risk warrant services
• Discouraging dangerous animals from attacking
• Riotous situations
• Circumstances wherein distraction of violent and/or emotionally disturbed persons and/or those under the influence of alcohol/drugs is believed necessary to facilitate apprehension/custody
• Situations wherein the Incident Commander or on-scene Supervisor deems their use necessary to safely resolve the incident.

Expected Lifespan:
5 years
Fiscal Impact:

Annual replacement cost varies based on usage for training and critical incidents. On average about $1000 each year.

Training:

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members receive 8-hours of training from certified trainers. Yearly training and qualifications.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

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_____________________________________________________________________________________ Use is established under WPD’s Policy. It is the policy of this agency to utilize these devices only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force. WPD Policy 415.

15. Section 12 - Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray.

Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Combined Tactical Systems Buffeted Riot CS Smoke (Model #5230B).

Cost: $47.50 each. Quantity: 40
The Combined Systems Technology Baffled Riot CS Smoke is a pyrotechnic grenade designed for indoor/outdoor use delivering a maximum amount of irritant smoke throughout multiple rooms with minimal risk of fire. It can be hand thrown or launched.

CS (2-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile) is an irritating agent and lachrymator (irritates the eyes and causes tears to flow).

Purpose:

To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable.

Authorized Use:

Tear gas may be used for crowd control, crowd dispersal or against barricaded suspects based on the circumstances. Only the Incident Commander may authorize the delivery and use of tear gas, and only after evaluating all conditions known at the time and determining that such force reasonably appears justified and necessary.

Expected Lifespan:
5 years
Fiscal Impact:

Annual replacement cost varies based on usage for training and critical incidents. On average about $1000 each year
Training:

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members receive 8-hours of training from certified trainers. Yearly training and qualifications.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

16. Section 12 - Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray.

Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Defense Technology Stinger CS Rubber Ball Grenade.

Cost: $47.20. Quantity: 0
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_____________________________________________________________________________________ Maximum effect device that delivers 4 stimuli for psychological and physiological effects; rubber pellets, light, sound, and CS. CS (2-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile) is an irritating agent and lachrymator (irritates the eyes and causes tears to flow).

Purpose:

To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable. Situations for use of the less lethal weapon systems may include, but are not limited to: Self-destructive, dangerous and/or combative individuals, riot/crowd control and civil unrest incidents, and department training exercises.

Authorized Use:

Only SWAT members who have received training by certified instructors in the use of chemical agents are authorized to use them. Tear gas may be used for crowd control, crowd dispersal or against barricaded suspects based on the circumstances. Only the Incident Commander may authorize the delivery and use of tear gas, and only after evaluating all conditions known at the time and determining that such force reasonably appears justified and necessary.

Expected Lifespan:
5 years
Fiscal Impact:

Annual replacement cost varies based on usage for training and critical incidents.

Training:

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members receive 8-hours of training from certified trainers. Yearly training and qualifications.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

Use is established under WPD Policy. It is the policy of this agency to utilize chemical agents only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force. WPD Policy 300, 415.

17. Section 14 – Projectile Launch Platforms
Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Defense Technology 40MM Tactical Single Shot Launcher.

Cost: $920.65 each. Quantity: 26
The 40MM launchers are a single shot break-open frame launcher with a fixed stock.

These launchers are used to launch soft foam projectiles and chemical agent projectiles to resolve critical incidents involving barricaded persons.

Purpose:

The launcher is used to launch soft foam projectiles or chemical agent projectiles during high-risk incidents to resolve the conflict with less lethal measures. The soft foam projectiles can be further used to port windows after chemical agents have been deployed. To reduce the potential for violent confrontations. Projectiles, when used Attachment 3

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_____________________________________________________________________________________ properly, are less likely to result in death or serious physical injury and can be used in an attempt to de-escalate a potentially deadly situation.

Authorized Use:

Circumstances appropriate for deployment include, but are not limited to, situations in which:
• The suspect is armed with a weapon and the tactical circumstances allow for the safe application of approved munitions.
• The suspect has made credible threats to harm him/herself or others. • The suspect is engaged in riotous behavior or is throwing rocks, bottles or other dangerous projectiles at people and/or officers.
• There is probable cause to believe that the suspect has already committed a crime of violence and is refusing to comply with lawful orders.

Expected Lifespan:
25 years
Fiscal Impact:

No annual maintenance. Fiscal impact would be for additional devices or replacement.

Training:

Patrol officers utilizing the 40mm launcher are required to attend a 4-hour certified training course.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

Use is established under WPD Policy. It is the policy of this agency to utilize 40mm launchers only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force. WPD Policy 308.

18. Section 14 – Projectile Launch Platform and Munition Description, quantity, capabilities and purchase cost:

Defense Technology, Exact Impact 40 MM Standard Range Sponge Round.

Cost: $32 each. Quantity: 174
This is a point-of-aim, point-of-impact direct-fire round. This lightweight, high-speed projectile consisting of a plastic body and sponge nose that is spin stabilized via the incorporated rifling collar and the 40 mm launcher’s rifled barrel. The round utilizes smokeless powder as the propellant, and therefore, have velocities that are extremely consistent.

Purpose:

The launcher is used to launch soft foam projectiles during high-risk incidents to resolve the conflict with less lethal measures. The soft foam projectiles can be further used to port windows after chemical agents have been deployed. To reduce the potential for violent confrontations. Projectiles, when used properly, are less likely to result in death or serious physical injury and can be used in an attempt to de-escalate a potentially deadly situation.

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_____________________________________________________________________________________ Authorized Use:

Expected Lifespan:
5 years
Fiscal Impact:

Annual replacement cost varies based on usage for training and critical incidents.

Training:

Patrol officers utilizing the 40mm launcher are required to attend a 4-hour certified training course.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

19. Sections 12/14 - Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray. Projectile Launch Platforms.

Description, quantity, capabilities and purchase cost:

The Ferret 40mm is filled with a CS powder chemical agent.

Cost: $19.66 each Quantity: 9
The frangible projectile that is spin stabilized utilizing barrel rifling. It is non-burning and designed to penetrate barriers. Primarily used to dislodge barricaded subjects.

Purpose:

To limit the escalation of conflict where employment of lethal force is prohibited or undesirable.

Authorized Use:

The Ferret round may be used against barricaded suspects based on the circumstances.

Only the Incident Commander may authorize the delivery and use of Ferret rounds, and only after evaluating all conditions known at the time and determining that such force reasonably appears justified and necessary.

Expected Lifespan:
5 years
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_____________________________________________________________________________________ Fiscal Impact:

Annual replacement cost varies based on usage for training and critical incidents. On average about $500 each year.

Training:

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members receive 8-hours of training from certified trainers. Yearly training and qualifications.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

20. Section 12 – Noise-flash diversionary devices and explosive breaching tools Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

Vulcan II munitions pole manufactured by Kaiser Precision LLC.

Cost: $3100. Quantity: 1
Vulcan II Munitions Pole is a telescoping, hardened aluminum tool designed to safely deliver chemical agent canisters and/or noise flash diversion devices in structures or vehicles. The Vulcan II can deploy from a safe distance and has break points at the end specifically designed for breaking windows
Purpose
The pole allows a diversionary device or other munitions to be inserted allowing department members to introduce NFDD’s or other munitions from a relatively safe distance.

Authorized Use:

Circumstances justifying the use of Vulcan II munitions pole may include, but not be limited to:
• Barricaded subject and/or hostage situations
• High-risk warrant services
• Situations wherein the Incident Commander or on-scene Supervisor deems their use necessary to safely resolve the incident.

Expected Lifespan:
25+ years.

Fiscal Impact:

Annual replacement cost varies based on usage for training and critical incidents. None anticipated.

Training:

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members receive training yearly.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

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21. Section 14 – Projectile Launch Platform and Munition Description, quantity, capabilities and purchase cost:

Pepper Ball TAC-SA Pro launcher.

Cost: $1,116 each. Quantity: 2
The TAC-SA PRO, is a semi-automatic projectile launcher that is tailored for high-intensity situations such as daily patrol, crowd management, and riot-control scenarios. It is powered by high pressure air, has a capacity of 160 rounds and a range of 5-100 feet.

Purpose:

Designed to provide officers with a non-lethal solution to de-escalate conflict and resolve situations with the least amount of force. The launcher is powered by carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen, or compressed air, enabling effective projectile deployment without being classified as a firearm.

Authorized Use:

Expected Lifespan:
5 years
Fiscal Impact:

About $500 per year.

Training:

Officers utilizing the PepperBall launcher are required to attend an 8-hour certified training course.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

Use is established under WPD Policy. It is the policy of this agency to utilize PepperBall launchers only for official law enforcement purposes, and pursuant to State and Federal law regarding the use of force. WPD Policy 308.

22. Section 12 – Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard service-issued handheld pepper spray.

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_____________________________________________________________________________________ Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

PepperBall INERT rounds
Cost: $328 per 375ct. Quantity: 600
Purpose
These small round projectiles are used during training ONLY. They contain a harmless, scented powder.

Authorized Use:

Circumstances appropriate for deployment include, but are not limited to, situations in which:
• During department training ONLY.

Expected Lifespan:
3 years from opening or 5 years from date of purchase.

Fiscal Impact:

Annual replacement cost varies based on usage for training. On average about $1000 each year.

Training:

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members receive 8-hours of training from certified trainers. Yearly training and qualifications.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

23. Section 12 – Munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard service-issued handheld pepper spray.

Description, quantity, capabilities, and purchase cost:

PepperBall Live Maxx rounds
Cost: $662 per 90 ct. Quantity: 180
Purpose
These small round projectiles containing 2.5g of payload with 5% MAXSAICIN PAVA powder. They may be used during high-risk incidents to attempt to resolve the conflict with non-deadly measures. To reduce the potential for violent confrontations.

Projectiles, when used properly, can be used in an attempt to de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation from distance.

Authorized Use:

Circumstances appropriate for deployment include, but are not limited to, situations in which:

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_____________________________________________________________________________________ • The suspect is armed with a weapon and the tactical circumstances allow for the safe application of approved munitions.
• The suspect has made credible threats to harm him/herself or others. • The suspect is engaged in riotous behavior or is throwing rocks, bottles or other dangerous projectiles at people and/or officers.
• There is probable cause to believe that the suspect has already committed a crime of violence and is refusing to comply with lawful orders.

Expected Lifespan:
3 years from opening or 5 years from date of purchase.

Fiscal Impact:

Annual replacement cost varies based on usage for training and critical incidents. On average about $500 each year.

Training:

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) members receive 8-hours of training from certified trainers. Yearly training and qualifications.

Legal and Procedural Rules:

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_____________________________________________________________________________________ Section II: Qualifying Equipment to be procured by the Watsonville Police Department

1. Section 1 – Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial vehicle • Drones and/or Drone as First Responder (DFR)
Attachment 3

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3/30/22, 2:35 PM Bill Text - AB-481 Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB481 1/5 SHARE THIS: Date Published: 10/01/2021 09:00 PM
AB-481 Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use. (2021-20 Assembly Bill No. 481
CHAPTER 406
An act to add Chapter 12.8 (commencing with Section 7070) to Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, relating to military equipment.
[ Approved by Governor September 30, 2021. Filed with Secretary of State September 30, 2021. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 481, Chiu. Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use.

Existing law designates the Department of General Services as the agency for the State of California responsible for distribution of federal surplus personal property, excepting food commodities, and requires the department to, among other things, do all things necessary to the execution of its powers and duties as the state agency for the distribution of federal personal surplus property, excepting food commodities, in accordance with specified federal law. Existing law, the Federal Surplus Property Acquisition Law of 1945, authorizes a local agency, as defined, to acquire surplus federal property without regard to any law which requires posting of notices or advertising for bids, inviting or receiving bids, or delivery of purchases before payment, or which prevents the local agency from bidding on federal surplus property. Existing federal law authorizes the Department of Defense to transfer surplus personal property, including arms and ammunition, to federal or state agencies for use in law enforcement activities, subject to specified conditions, at no cost to the acquiring agency.

This bill would require a law enforcement agency, defined to include specified entities, to obtain approval of the applicable governing body, by adoption of a military equipment use policy, as specified, by ordinance at a regular meeting held pursuant to specified open meeting laws, prior to taking certain actions relating to the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment, as defined. The bill would also require similar approval for the continued use of military equipment acquired prior to January 1, 2022. The bill would allow the governing body to approve the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment within its jurisdiction only if it determines that the military equipment meets specified standards. The bill would require the governing body to annually review the ordinance and to either disapprove a renewal of the authorization for a type, as defined, of military equipment or amend the military equipment use policy if it determines, based on an annual military equipment report prepared by the law enforcement agency, as provided, that the military equipment does not comply with the above-described standards for approval. The bill would specify these provisions do not preclude a county or local municipality from implementing additional requirements and standards related to the purchase, use, and reporting of military equipment by local law enforcement agencies.

This bill would also require a state agency, as defined, to create a military equipment use policy before engaging in certain activities, publish the policy on the agency’s internet website, and provide a copy of the policy to the Governor or the Governor’s designee, as specified. The bill would also require a state agency that seeks to continue use of military equipment acquired prior to January 1, 2022, to create a military equipment use policy.

This bill would also include findings that the changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities.

By adding to the duties of local officials with respect to the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires local agencies, for the purpose of ensuring public access to the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and agencies, to comply with a statutory enactment that amends or enacts laws relating to Home Bill Information California Law Publications Other Resources My Subscriptions My Favorites Attachment 4

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3/30/22, 2:35 PM Bill Text - AB-481 Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB481 2/5 public records or open meetings and contains findings demonstrating that the enactment furthers the constitutional requirements relating to this purpose.

This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Vote: majority Appropriation: no Fiscal Committee: yes Local Program: yes THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) The acquisition of military equipment and its deployment in our communities adversely impacts the public’s safety and welfare, including increased risk of civilian deaths, significant risks to civil rights, civil liberties, and physical and psychological well-being, and incurment of significant financial costs. Military equipment is more frequently deployed in low-income Black and Brown communities, meaning the risks and impacts of police militarization are experienced most acutely in marginalized communities.
(b) The public has a right to know about any funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment by state or local government officials, as well as a right to participate in any government agency’s decision to fund, acquire, or use such equipment. (c) Decisions regarding whether and how military equipment is funded, acquired, or used should give strong consideration to the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties, and should be based on meaningful public input. (d) Legally enforceable safeguards, including transparency, oversight, and accountability measures, must be in place to protect the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties before military equipment is funded, acquired, or used. (e) The lack of a public forum to discuss the acquisition of military equipment jeopardizes the relationship police have with the community, which can be undermined when law enforcement is seen as an occupying force rather than a public safety service.

SEC. 2. Chapter 12.8 (commencing with Section 7070) is added to Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, to read:

CHAPTER 12.8. Funding, Acquisition, and Use of Military Equipment 7070. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Governing body” means the elected body that oversees a law enforcement agency or, if there is no elected body that directly oversees the law enforcement agency, the appointed body that oversees a law enforcement agency. In the case of a law enforcement agency of a county, including a sheriff’s department or a district attorney’s office, “governing body” means the board of supervisors of the county.
(b) “Law enforcement agency” means any of the following:
(1) A police department, including the police department of a transit agency, school district, or any campus of the University of California, the California State University, or California Community Colleges. (2) A sheriff’s department.
(3) A district attorney’s office.
(4) A county probation department.
(c) “Military equipment” means the following:
(1) Unmanned, remotely piloted, powered aerial or ground vehicles. (2) Mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles or armored personnel carriers. However, police versions of standard consumer vehicles are specifically excluded from this subdivision. (3) High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), commonly referred to as Humvees, two and one-half-ton trucks, five-ton trucks, or wheeled vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attached. However, unarmored all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorized dirt bikes are specifically excluded from this subdivision. (4) Tracked armored vehicles that provide ballistic protection to their occupants and utilize a tracked system instead of wheels for forward motion.
(5) Command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate the operational control and direction of public safety units.
(6) Weaponized aircraft, vessels, or vehicles of any kind. Attachment 4

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3/30/22, 2:35 PM Bill Text - AB-481 Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB481 3/5 (7) Battering rams, slugs, and breaching apparatuses that are explosive in nature. However, items designed to remove a lock, such as bolt cutters, or a handheld ram designed to be operated by one person, are specifically excluded from this subdivision. (8) Firearms of .50 caliber or greater. However, standard issue shotguns are specifically excluded from this subdivision. (9) Ammunition of .50 caliber or greater. However, standard issue shotgun ammunition is specifically excluded from this subdivision.
(10) Specialized firearms and ammunition of less than .50 caliber, including assault weapons as defined in Sections 30510 and 30515 of the Penal Code, with the exception of standard issue service weapons and ammunition of less than .50 caliber that are issued to officers, agents, or employees of a law enforcement agency or a state agency. (11) Any firearm or firearm accessory that is designed to launch explosive projectiles. (12) “Flashbang” grenades and explosive breaching tools, “tear gas,” and “pepper balls,” excluding standard, service-issued handheld pepper spray.
(13) Taser Shockwave, microwave weapons, water cannons, and the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD). (14) The following projectile launch platforms and their associated munitions: 40mm projectile launchers, “bean bag,” rubber bullet, and specialty impact munition (SIM) weapons.
(15) Any other equipment as determined by a governing body or a state agency to require additional oversight. (16) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) through (15), “military equipment” does not include general equipment not designated as prohibited or controlled by the federal Defense Logistics Agency. (d) “Military equipment use policy” means a publicly released, written document governing the use of military equipment by a law enforcement agency or a state agency that addresses, at a minimum, all of the following:
(1) A description of each type of military equipment, the quantity sought, its capabilities, expected lifespan, and product descriptions from the manufacturer of the military equipment. (2) The purposes and authorized uses for which the law enforcement agency or the state agency proposes to use each type of military equipment.
(3) The fiscal impact of each type of military equipment, including the initial costs of obtaining the equipment and estimated annual costs of maintaining the equipment.
(4) The legal and procedural rules that govern each authorized use. (5) The training, including any course required by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, that must be completed before any officer, agent, or employee of the law enforcement agency or the state agency is allowed to use each specific type of military equipment to ensure the full protection of the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties and full adherence to the military equipment use policy.
(6) The mechanisms to ensure compliance with the military equipment use policy, including which independent persons or entities have oversight authority, and, if applicable, what legally enforceable sanctions are put in place for violations of the policy.
(7) For a law enforcement agency, the procedures by which members of the public may register complaints or concerns or submit questions about the use of each specific type of military equipment, and how the law enforcement agency will ensure that each complaint, concern, or question receives a response in a timely manner. (e) “State agency” means the law enforcement division of every state office, officer, department, division, bureau, board, and commission or other state body or agency, except those agencies provided for in Article IV (except Section 20 thereof) or Article VI of the California Constitution.
(f) “Type” means each item that shares the same manufacturer model number. 7071. (a) (1) A law enforcement agency shall obtain approval of the governing body, by an ordinance adopting a military equipment use policy at a regular meeting of the governing body held pursuant to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2) or the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5), as applicable, prior to engaging in any of the following:
(A) Requesting military equipment made available pursuant to Section 2576a of Title 10 of the United States Code. (B) Seeking funds for military equipment, including, but not limited to, applying for a grant, soliciting or accepting private, local, state, or federal funds, in-kind donations, or other donations or transfers. (C) Acquiring military equipment either permanently or temporarily, including by borrowing or leasing. (D) Collaborating with another law enforcement agency in the deployment or other use of military equipment within the territorial jurisdiction of the governing body. Attachment 4

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3/30/22, 2:35 PM Bill Text - AB-481 Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB481 4/5 (E) Using any new or existing military equipment for a purpose, in a manner, or by a person not previously approved by the governing body pursuant to this chapter.
(F) Soliciting or responding to a proposal for, or entering into an agreement with, any other person or entity to seek funds for, apply to receive, acquire, use, or collaborate in the use of, military equipment. (G) Acquiring military equipment through any means not provided by this paragraph. (2) No later than May 1, 2022, a law enforcement agency seeking to continue the use of any military equipment that was acquired prior to January 1, 2022, shall commence a governing body approval process in accordance with this section. If the governing body does not approve the continuing use of military equipment, including by adoption pursuant to this subdivision of a military equipment use policy submitted pursuant to subdivision (b), within 180 days of submission of the proposed military equipment use policy to the governing body, the law enforcement agency shall cease its use of the military equipment until it receives the approval of the governing body in accordance with this section. (b) In seeking the approval of the governing body pursuant to subdivision (a), a law enforcement agency shall submit a proposed military equipment use policy to the governing body and make those documents available on the law enforcement agency’s internet website at least 30 days prior to any public hearing concerning the military equipment at issue. (c) The governing body shall consider a proposed military equipment use policy as an agenda item for an open session of a regular meeting and provide for public comment in accordance with the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2) or the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5), as applicable. (d) (1) The governing body shall only approve a military equipment use policy pursuant to this chapter if it determines all of the following:
(A) The military equipment is necessary because there is no reasonable alternative that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety.
(B) The proposed military equipment use policy will safeguard the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties. (C) If purchasing the equipment, the equipment is reasonably cost effective compared to available alternatives that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety.
(D) Prior military equipment use complied with the military equipment use policy that was in effect at the time, or if prior uses did not comply with the accompanying military equipment use policy, corrective action has been taken to remedy nonconforming uses and ensure future compliance.
(2) In order to facilitate public participation, any proposed or final military equipment use policy shall be made publicly available on the internet website of the relevant law enforcement agency for as long as the military equipment is available for use. (e) (1) The governing body shall review any ordinance that it has adopted pursuant to this section approving the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment at least annually and, subject to paragraph (2), vote on whether to renew the ordinance at a regular meeting held pursuant to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2) or the Ralph M. Brown Act (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5), as applicable.
(2) The governing body shall determine, based on the annual military equipment report submitted pursuant to Section 7072, whether each type of military equipment identified in that report has complied with the standards for approval set forth in subdivision (d). If the governing body determines that a type of military equipment identified in that annual military equipment report has not complied with the standards for approval set forth in subdivision (d), the governing body shall either disapprove a renewal of the authorization for that type of military equipment or require modifications to the military equipment use policy in a manner that will resolve the lack of compliance.
(f) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, if a city contracts with another entity for law enforcement services, the city shall have the authority to adopt a military equipment use policy based on local community needs. 7072. (a) A law enforcement agency that receives approval for a military equipment use policy pursuant to Section 7071 shall submit to the governing body an annual military equipment report for each type of military equipment approved by the governing body within one year of approval, and annually thereafter for as long as the military equipment is available for use.

The law enforcement agency shall also make each annual military equipment report required by this section publicly available on its internet website for as long as the military equipment is available for use. The annual military equipment report shall, at a minimum, include the following information for the immediately preceding calendar year for each type of military equipment:
(1) A summary of how the military equipment was used and the purpose of its use. (2) A summary of any complaints or concerns received concerning the military equipment. (3) The results of any internal audits, any information about violations of the military equipment use policy, and any actions taken in response.

Attachment 4

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3/30/22, 2:35 PM Bill Text - AB-481 Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB481 5/5 (4) The total annual cost for each type of military equipment, including acquisition, personnel, training, transportation, maintenance, storage, upgrade, and other ongoing costs, and from what source funds will be provided for the military equipment in the calendar year following submission of the annual military equipment report. (5) The quantity possessed for each type of military equipment. (6) If the law enforcement agency intends to acquire additional military equipment in the next year, the quantity sought for each type of military equipment.
(b) Within 30 days of submitting and publicly releasing an annual military equipment report pursuant to this section, the law enforcement agency shall hold at least one well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting, at which the general public may discuss and ask questions regarding the annual military equipment report and the law enforcement agency’s funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment. 7073. (a) A state agency shall create a military equipment use policy prior to engaging in any of the following:
(1) Requesting military equipment made available pursuant to Section 2576a of Title 10 of the United States Code. (2) Seeking funds for military equipment, including, but not limited to, applying for a grant, soliciting or accepting private, local, state, or federal funds, in-kind donations, or other donations or transfers. (3) Acquiring military equipment either permanently or temporarily, including by borrowing or leasing. (4) Collaborating with a law enforcement agency or another state agency in the deployment or other use of military equipment within the territorial jurisdiction of the governing body. (5) Using any new or existing military equipment for a purpose, in a manner, or by a person not previously approved by the governing body pursuant to this chapter.
(6) Soliciting or responding to a proposal for, or entering into an agreement with, any other person or entity to seek funds for, or to apply to receive, acquire, use, or collaborate in the use of, military equipment. (7) Acquiring military equipment through any means not provided by this subdivision. (b) No later than May 1, 2022, a state agency seeking to continue the use of any military equipment that was acquired prior to January 1, 2022, shall create a military equipment use policy. (c) A state agency that is required to create a military equipment use policy pursuant to this section shall do both of the following within 180 days of completing the policy:
(1) Publish the military equipment use policy on the agency’s internet website. (2) Provide a copy of the military equipment use policy to the Governor or the Governor’s designee. 7074. The Legislature finds and declares that ensuring adequate oversight of the acquisition and use of military equipment is a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution. Therefore, this chapter applies to all cities, including charter cities and shall supersede any inconsistent provisions in the charter of any city, county, or city and county. 7075. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a county or local municipality from implementing additional requirements and standards related to the purchase, use, and reporting of military equipment by local law enforcement agencies.

SEC. 3. The Legislature finds and declares that Section 1 of this act, which adds Chapter 12.8 (commencing with Section 7070) to Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, furthers, within the meaning of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the purposes of that constitutional section as it relates to the right of public access to the meetings of local public bodies or the writings of local public officials and local agencies. Pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution, the Legislature makes the following findings:

Requiring local agencies to hold public meetings prior to the acquisition of military equipment further exposes that activity to public scrutiny and enhances public access to information concerning the conduct of the people’s business.

SEC. 4. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district under this act would result from a legislative mandate that is within the scope of paragraph (7) of subdivision (b) of Section 3 of Article I of the California Constitution.

Attachment 4

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Reso No. ______(CM)
Meeting Date: 060926 SWZ ______ TV ______ WPD ______
1 RESOLUTION NO. (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

WATSONVILLE, RENEWAL OF THE MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE

POLICY AND CITY ORDINANCE AND APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL

MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT
WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2022, Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481) (Government Code sections 7071 et. seq.) sets forth a process by which law enforcement agencies are to obtain approval and annual renewal from their governing bodies of a City ordinance and military equipment use policy; and
WHEREAS, the Watsonville Police Department currently has military equipment (of which term is defined in Government Code section 7070(c)) in its inventory; and WHEREAS, the Watsonville Police Department works closely with other local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies within Santa Cruz County on police related matters, including safeguarding the public’s welfare and safety, working on regional task forces, conducting training exercises, and providing mutual aid and responding to emergencies; and
WHEREAS, in exigent circumstances, there is sometimes the need to deploy military equipment from or lend military equipment to outside entities to promote the safety and security of community members; and
WHEREAS, the continued collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in the deployment or other use of military equipment within the City is necessary to safeguard the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights and civil liberties and there is no reasonable alternative that can achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety, and WHEREAS, Watsonville Police Department - Policy 708 sets forth a military equipment use policy that is consistent with the Police Department’s current practices, has been posted on the Department’s website since April, 2022, complies with all the

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Reso No. ______(CM)
Meeting Date: 060926
2 requirements of AB 481, will ensure ongoing regulation and compliance with the law going forward and will provide a means of community engagement and transparency regarding use of military equipment by the Department; and
WHEREAS, a public notice has been provided and a well-publicized and conveniently located community engagement meeting held, in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to renew the City of Watsonville’s Ordinance 4-13 and the Watsonville Police Department’s Military Equipment Use Policy - Policy 708, and approve its annual Military Equipment Report in compliance with AB 481.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:

1. This action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), in that adopting a Resolution adopting a military equipment use policy does not meet CEQA's definition of a “project,” because the action does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and because the action constitutes organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment and if a “project,” is exempt under the “common sense” exception (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this action may have a significant effect on the environment.

2. That the City Council does hereby renews the City of Watsonville’s Ordinance 4-13 and the Watsonville Police Department’s Military Equipment Use Policy - Policy 708, and approves the Watsonville Police Department’s annual Military Equipment

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Reso No. ______(CM)
Meeting Date: 060926
3 Report in compliance with AB 481, in the form attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
**************************************

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From: pamela sexton
To: City Council; cityclerk
Subject: Agenda item 9.k Please remove from consent agenda to address important questions.

Date: Monday, June 8, 2026 5:49:49 PM
Attachments: AB481 Report letter 6_8_26 (3).pdf
Dear Watsonville City Council Representatives,
I am writing about the June 9, 2026 City Council Meeting Agenda Item 9k: Watsonville Police Department’s 2025 AB481 Report. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend in person.

1. Please remove this agenda item from the consent agenda for the proper oversight discussion.

The 2021 passing into law of AB481 was a welcome and extremely positive step toward greater transparency, accountability and oversight related to the acquisition and holding of military-grade weapons in our community. Under this law, our City Council Representatives - YOU - are the oversight committee and it is thus your responsibility to ensure that any equipment a) is necessary, without a reasonable alternative to achieve the same objective of officer and civilian safety; b) will safeguard the public’s welfare, safety, civil rights, and civil liberties; and c) is reasonably cost effective compared to comparable alternatives. Please do not rubber stamp pass this without the careful consideration it needs.

2. Insist on the removal of the Defense Technology Stinger CS Rubber Ball Grenade (Section 12 - Munitions containing tear gas or OC).

These grenades are indiscriminate. Amnesty International, Physicians for Human Rights and the UN Special Rappateur on Torture have all called for banning their use by law enforcement. At the May 11 Community Engagement meeting, Captain Fulgoni confirmed that WPD does not currently have these military-grade grenades and they do not plan to purchase them in the coming year. During the May 11 meeting, Captain Fulgoni informed us that, even if WPD currently has no stock for an item, it is included on the list so that the item could be purchased during the coming year if a decision was made to do so. This makes no sense, and would be like City Council giving a blank check to purchase particular items on the list. State law (AB 481) says: "The public has a right to know about any funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment by state or local government officials, as well as a right to participate in any government agency’s decision to fund, acquire, or use such equipment." This is also part of Watsonville PD's own policy (sec 708.4). It is public funds that pay for items on the list, and AB 481 requires specific information about fiscal impact and numbers to be purchased.

Grenades and Flashbangs can cause serious harm in the community, particularly when done in a neighborhood setting or in a public rally setting. Our community is small and all gatherings have been peaceful; there is evidence that these military-grade weapons make our community, particularly vulnerable people, less safe.

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Ask questions about drone acquisition and use, included under state law AB 481 Sec 7070(c)(1).
a.

WPD currently has contracts with Axon which has collaborated with ICE in other places. How can you guarantee that is not happening here?
b.

What is the data policy? How long can data be kept, and who can it be shared with? c.

What is the real cost? Most agencies take 2 (or even 3) officers to send up a drone, and at least one of them has to have a drone pilot certification. Every minute of drone time is at least two minutes of sworn officer time that isn't being used on anything else. Drones are an enormous yet invisible cost in personnel time, and personnel time is a huge part of the police budget, which is a huge part of the city budget. Watsonville community members deserve to know what services they are divesting from to invest into police drones.

4. Ensure that WPD continue to list military grade rifles in their inventory, as AB 481 requires.

Captain Fulgoni informed us at the community engagement meeting that this would be the last year they would include Department issued Colt LE6920 Carbine Rifles in the annual AB 481 report. We asked why and he said it takes a lot of time to document and report on and this particular item isn't required by the law. I have investigated this and believe this to be absolutely false. Assault weapons must be reported on under AB481. Santa Cruz City PD was not including them, but now does after being pushed by the community to follow the law.

On this issue of rifles: When were the PWS MK111 Mod2 rifles listed in the report approved? I don't see them mentioned in the previous year's report. AB 481 requires their acquisition to be approved via this annual process. If that didn’t happen, the City and WPD are out of compliance with state law.

5. Ask that the public be given at least a week to read the public report before the community engagement meeting, with notification shared directly with local newspaper and online journal outlets and other interested parties.

State law requires that each year, within 30 days of publicly releasing the AB481 report, WPD must hold a well publicized AB481 community meeting at which the community can ask questions. That meeting happened on May 11, 2026, but I found no evidence that this meeting was well publicized, shared with local papers, or accessible to Spanish speakers. The City of Watsonville has email lists for various topics where interested community members receive reminders of upcoming meetings or the issuance of reports. Please ask for the meeting to be published in local newspapers, both paper and online. I learned about the meeting because I called WPD, and the others in attendance learned about it from an alert I put out. The AB481 report was released only three days (during a holiday weekend) before the community engagement meeting. Please ask that there be at least a week

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given between the report release and the community engagement meeting.

I write with the common interest of preventing harm and building true safety. Limited public funds need to support healthy, sustainable, equitable programs that have been proven to meet the real needs of our community, NOT militarized policing.

Sincerely,
Pam Sexton
831-254-0451
--
When we dream alone, it is only a dream, but when we dream together, it is the beginning of reality.

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1 Reso No. ______ (CM)
Meeting Date: 060926 SWZ ______ TV ______ CC ______
RESOLUTION NO. (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

WATSONVILLE AUTHORIZING THE DISPLAY OF THE PORTUGUESE
FLAG AT THE WATSONVILLE CIVIC PLAZA FROM JUNE 24 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026, IN COMMEMORATION OF PORTUGUESE HERITAGE
MONTH
WHEREAS, Portuguese Heritage Month is a time to celebrate culture, traditions, and history of Portugal and its diaspora; and
WHEREAS, the City of Watsonville established a Sister City Partnership with Velas, Sáo Jorge Island, Azore Islands, Portugal in 2021; and WHEREAS, Council Member Dutra has requested that the Portuguese Flag be displayed at the Civic Plaza pursuant to the City’s Flag Policy from June 10 to June 19, 2026.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:

1. Adopting a resolution authorizing display of flags does not meet CEQA's definition of a “project,” because the action does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.

2. That the Council hereby authorizes the display of the Flag of Portugal at the Watsonville Civic Plaza from June 24 through 30, 2026, in accordance with the Council Policy for Outdoor Display of Commemorative Flags and follow United States Flag etiquette.

3. That the Pride Flag being displayed during the month of June, as required by Resolution No. 36-21 (CM), be temporarily relocated under the California Flag to allow the Portuguese Flag to be flown as required by Federal Law. ***********************************

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1 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
TO: CITY COUNCIL
WRITTEN BY: WATER DIVISION MANAGER KAYSER
RECOMMENDED BY: INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES DIRECTOR GREEN APPROVED BY: TAMARA VIDES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE CEQA IS/MND FOR THE POTENTIAL GRANT-FUNDED

CRESTWOOD HEIGHTS WATER ASSOCIATION WATER SYSTEM

CONSOLIDATION PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommend the Council approve the California Environmental Quality Act Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (CEQA IS/MND) for the potential grant-funded Crestwood Heights Water Association (CHWA) water system consolidation project.

BACKGROUND:

Crestwood Heights, an incorporated community, is currently on a small community water system located just northeast of the City in unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California. The water system delivers water through 45 service connections and serves an approximate population of 147 residents. The community is vulnerable to water insecurity in the occurrence of failure of their primary well. The water system has difficulty meeting peak usage demand due to limited available storage. The water system also experiences frequent maintenance issues that require mainline shutoff, thereby resulting in periodic service termination throughout the community.

Crestwood Heights Water Association (CHWA) approached the City several years ago to see if we would consider accepting them into the City’s water service system if the consolidation given their proximity to the City’s existing system limits. After further investigation, the City and CHWA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which the parties agreed to the following conditions to consolidation: 1) That the CHWA system would be completely upgraded with new water lines and service connections that meet City standards; 2) That the consolidation include the installation of a looped connection from the City’s existing water system south of Lakeview Road to the Crestwood Heights

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2 community where there is sufficient capacity available without impacting service to existing City customers; 3) That the City would apply as the lead agency for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) consolidation grant and the proposed consolidation would only proceed if the project received full grant funding; and 4) That the City is under no obligation to complete the consolidation if any of the terms of the MOU are not fulfilled.

At the September 12, 2023 Council Meeting, Council adopted Resolution 184-23 (CM) authorizing City Manager to execute the MOU with CHWA as well as Resolution 183-23 (CM) authorizing City Manager to apply for financial assistance from DWSRF for the potential consolidation of CHWA into the City of Watsonville’s water distribution system. In order to submit the DWSRF consolidation construction application, the City prepared an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration. Council must adopt the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the consolidation project to proceed.

DISCUSSION:

The proposed project would consolidate the CHWA water system with the City’s water system. The proposed project would replace the current CHWA distribution infrastructure and install individual meters on each service connection to meet City standards. If grant funding is received and after consolidation is completed, the CHWA would be dissolved of its status as a mutual water company. The proposed project also involves preparing a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (“DWSRF”) application to assist in funding construction of the project.

The City prepared an Initial Study (IS) and Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed CHWA water system consolidation project, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The IS concludes that the Project would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment if the mitigation measures identified in the MND are adopted and made conditions of approval of the Project. The IS and proposed MND were made available for a 30-day review period. The City provided response to all comments received; responses are included in the updated IS and MND.

After studying a wide variety of potential impacts, the impacts associated with the Project can easily be mitigated by standard construction practices, as identified in the IS/MND. These impacts are summarized below:

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3 Upon approval by the Council, staff will file a Notice of Determination (NOD) with the State Clearinghouse and the CEQA process will be considered complete so that the City can submit the DWSRF consolidation grant application. If the grant application is denied, the consolidation will not proceed.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION:

There is no substantial evidence in the record that the project, as mitigated, will have a significant effect on the environment. As discussed and demonstrated in the IS/MND, mitigation measures have been identified that, when implemented, will avoid or reduce all of the project’s potential impacts to less-thansignificant levels. The custodian of the documents and other materials which constitute the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based is the Public Works and Utilities Department of the City of Watsonville, 250 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076.

STRATEGIC PLAN:

Approval of the IS/MND supports the following Strategic Plan priority:

Infrastructure & Environment
FINANCIAL IMPACT:

There are no financial impacts associated with approval of the CEQA IS/MND.

ALTERNATIVE ACTION:

The Council can choose not to accept the CEQA IS/MND which would result in the City being unable to fulfill the DWSRF application submission component of the MOU with CHWA. This is not recommended as the potential consolidation project grant would fund an extension of the existing water main up Lakeview Road which is necessary for CHWA to connect, but would also provide added reliability of water service to the City’s existing customers in the vicinity.

ATTACHMENTS AND/OR REFERENCES (IF ANY):

None.

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Reso No. ______ (CM)
Meeting Date: 062326 SWZ ______ TV ______ PWU ______
1 RESOLUTION NO. __________ (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE

APPROVING THE INITIAL STUDY WITH MITIGATED NEGATIVE

DECLARATION FOR THE CRESTWOOD HEIGHTS WATER ASSOCIATION

WATER SYSTEM POTENTIAL GRANT-FUNDED CONSOLIDATION

PROJECT, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL

QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
WHEREAS, the Crestwood Heights Water Association (CHWA) and the City of Watsonville (City) are considering consolidating CHWA into the City’s water service system; and
WHEREAS, the City would be the lead agency on such consolidation and, accordingly, engaged Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc., to assist with the preparation of the Initial Study with Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) regarding the potential consolidation (the “Project”) in compliance with CEQA; and WHEREAS, the IS/MND was circulated starting on April 21, 2026, and concluded on May 21, 2026, for a 30-day period in compliance with the requirements of CEQA; and WHEREAS, any comments received on the IS/MND during the public review period were reviewed and addressed in the final draft of the study identified. Any changes reflected in the response to comments amount to minor modifications which merely clarify, amplify, and make insignificant modifications to the IS/MND and as such there is no requirement to recirculate the IS/MND for additional public review and comment; and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered all evidence received, both oral and documentary, and the matter was submitted for decision.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:

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Reso No. ______ (CM)
Meeting Date: 062326 2
The City Council does hereby adopt the following findings in support of the IS/MND for the Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project in compliance with the requirements of CEQA:

1. There is no substantial evidence in the record that the project, as mitigated, will have a significant effect on the environment. As discussed and demonstrated in the IS/MND, mitigation measures have been identified that, when implemented, will avoid or reduce all of the project’s potential impacts to less-than-significant levels. The custodian of the documents and other materials which constitute the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based is the Public Works and Utilities Department of the City of Watsonville, 250 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076.

2. The IS/MND has been provided or public review consistent with the requirements of CEQA.

3. The IS/MND reflects the City of Watsonville’s independent judgement and analysis of the Project, the potential impacts of the Project, and mitigation measures for any impacts.

4. City Council hereby certifies that the IS/MND was prepared, processed, and noticed in compliance with all CEQA provisions and Guidelines. The IS/MND was presented to the City Council, and the City Council has reviewed and considered the information contained therein, and received public testimony provided at the Council meeting, prior to any action on the Project. The Council accordingly adopts the final IS/MND, approves the named project, and conditions that approval on compliance with all of the measures in the IS/MND.

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Reso No. ______ (CM)
Meeting Date: 062326 3

5. City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager or his delegee to file a Notice of Determination (NOD).
********************************

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Final
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
for the
Crestwood Heights Water Association Water
System Consolidation Project
SCH# 2026040994
Prepared for:

City of Watsonville
250 Main Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
Denise Duffy & Associates
947 Cass Street, Suite 5
Monterey, CA 93940
Prepared by:

June 2026

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents.........................................................................................................................i CHAPTER 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background ................................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Public Participation ..................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 2. Response to Comments.................................................................................. 3

2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 3

2.2 List of Comment Letters.............................................................................................. 3

2.3 Response to Comments ............................................................................................. 3 Letter A: Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of San Juan Bautista................................................... 4 Letter B: California Department of Fish and Wildlife (“CDFW”)............................................ 8 Letter C: Monterey Bay Air Resources District (“MBARD”).................................................12 CHAPTER 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND .......................................................................15 Attachment A – Public Comment Letters
Final Environmental Checklist/IS i June 2026
Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

Attachment B – Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

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Final Environmental Checklist/IS ii June 2026
Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

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CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background
This document, together with the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (“Draft IS/MND”), constitutes the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (“Final IS/MND”) for the Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project (“project” or “proposed project”). The City of Watsonville (“City”) is the lead agency for the proposed project.

The Final IS/MND consists of an introduction, a list of comment letters received during the 30-day public review period, responses to comments, and revisions to the Draft IS/MND, if deemed applicable.

1.2 Public Participation
The Draft IS/MND was prepared to inform the public of the potential environmental effects of the project and identify possible ways to minimize project-related impacts. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines Section 15073(a), the City circulated the Draft IS/MND for a 30-day review period during which comments could be submitted. In accordance with CEQA, the Final IS/MND is included in the official public record for the Initial Study. On April 21, 2026, the City distributed the Draft IS/MND to responsible and trustee agencies, interested groups, and individuals starting the public review period. The City also filed a Notice of Availability/Notice of Intent (“NOA/NOI”) to adopt an IS/MND with the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (“State Clearinghouse”), posted copies of the NOA/NOI on and offsite in the vicinity of the project site (as required per CEQA Guidelines Section 15072(b)), and filed the NOA/NOI with the Santa Cruz County Clerk. In accordance with Section 15073(a) and 15105(b) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the public review period ended on May 21, 2026.

Attachment A to this Final IS/MND contains copies of all written comments received on the Draft IS/MND.

Based on the analysis conducted in this IS/MND (including any comments received), there is no substantial evidence that the proposed project would have a significant environmental impact.

Substantial evidence includes facts, reasonable assumptions predicated upon facts, and expert opinion supported by facts. Argument, speculation, and unsubstantiated opinion or narrative do not constitute substantial evidence (CEQA Section 21080(e); State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(f)(5)). The proposed project features and measures identified in the Final IS/MND will be required as conditions of approval for the proposed project, and would avoid or reduce all impacts to a less than significant level.

A City Council meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2026, to consider the adoption of the Final IS/MND and approval of the proposed project.

This Final IS/MND is organized as follows:
▪ Chapter 1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the IS/MND and public review process, including organization of this document.
▪ Chapter 2. Response to Comments: This chapter presents the comments received during the public review period and responses to comments. ▪ Chapter 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND: This chapter presents revisions to the IS/MND based on comments received during the public review period.

Final Environmental Checklist/IS 1 June 2026
Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

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Final Environmental Checklist/IS 2 June 2026
Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

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CHAPTER 2. RESPONSE TO COMMENTS

2.1 Introduction
This chapter includes comments received from members of the public and public agencies during the circulation of the Draft IS/MND. This section contains all information available to date in the public record related to comments received on the Draft IS/MND.

2.2 List of Comment Letters
The following is a list of comment letters/email comments received on the Draft IS/MND and the dates the City received these letters:

Comment Letters
A. Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of San Juan Bautista.......................................................4/22/2026 B. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (“CDFW”)................................................5/15/2026 C. Monterey Bay Air Resources District (“MBARD”)........................................................5/8/2026

2.3 Response to Comments
This chapter presents each letter received on the Draft IS/MND, as identified in Section 2.2 above. Each comment is numbered and summarized to capture its overall intent and to omit material not relevant to the environmental analysis in the Draft IS/MND. Responses to comments follow each numbered comment. Attachment A contains the original comment letters with the full text of each comment received.

If comments received on the Draft IS/MND raise environmental issues that required additions or deletions to the text, tables, or figures in the Draft IS/MND, this Final IS/MND provides a brief description of the change. Chapter 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND, presents the full revised text.

The comments received on the Draft IS/MND did not result in a "substantial revision" of the IS/MND, as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15073.5. New information added to the IS/MND merely clarifies, amplifies, or makes insignificant modifications to the Draft IS/MND. No new significant impacts were identified since the commencement of the public review period that would require mitigation measures or project revisions to be added to reduce the effects to less than significant.

While CEQA does not require responses to comments on a proposed IS/MND (Pub. Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.), the City is providing this Response to Comments document to demonstrate the City’s careful consideration of the comments in compliance with CEQA. These responses provide the City’s good faith, reasoned analysis on the major environmental issues raised in the comments.

Final Environmental Checklist/IS 3 June 2026
Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

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Letter A: Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of San Juan Bautista
Comment A-1: The commenter provides introductory information, including contact details for the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of San Juan Bautista should the City have any questions on the comments provided or wish to further consult with the Tribe. Attachments to the email provide a series of recommendations for protection of Tribal cultural resources during construction, as well as information on the Tribe’s monitoring and cultural sensitivity training services.

Response A-1: The City appreciates and acknowledges these introductory remarks and the materials provided. Responses to specific Tribal cultural resource comments are provided below (please see the responses to Comment A-2 through Comment A-7).

As described in Section 9 Subsection 5. Cultural Resources and Subsection 18. Tribal Cultural Resources of the IS/MND pages 45 and 78, the City conducted Tribal consultation under AB 52 obligation during preparation of the Cultural Report and prior to circulation of the Draft IS/MND. In April 2024, the City sent AB 52 letters via certified mail to the list of eligible Tribes provided by the Native American Heritage Commission (“NAHC”), including the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of San Juan Bautista. The City did not receive requests for consultation during this period, as identified in the Draft IS/MND. The City also provided notice of its intent to adopt an IS/MND to the Tribes listed on the NAHC list of contacts, including the identified representative of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of Mission San Juan Bautista on April 21, 2026. The City also contacted the representative via email to confirm that the IS/MND comment letter was received and responses to the comment letter are provided in this Final IS/MND.

The City appreciates the Tribe’s specific recommendations for protection of Tribal cultural resources attached to the comment letter and has added language to Mitigation Measure CR-1 in the Draft IS/MND to address these comments, as further detailed below and in this Final IS/MND. The revisions in this Final IS/MND to Mitigation Measure CR-1 do not raise a new potentially significant impact or change the level of significance of an impact item as previously identified in the Draft IS/MND. The text revisions will further promote protection of cultural resources, and support the conclusions in the Draft IS/MND of a less than significant impact to Cultural Resources with mitigation. Please see Chapter 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND. Page 46, Section 9 Subsection 5. Cultural Resources. for specific text changes.

Comment A-2: The commenter requests that the City retain the services of an Ohlone Native American representative and/or archeological consultant from the Qualified List of Archaeological Consultants to provide cultural sensitivity and archaeological awareness training to construction workers. The purpose of the training would be to aid construction workers in identifying and protecting potential cultural and Tribal cultural resources.

Response A-2: The City acknowledges this comment and has revised Mitigation Measure CR-1 from the Draft IS/MND to address the Tribe’s recommendation. As background, Albion Environmental, Inc. (“Albion”) prepared a Cultural Resources Report for the proposed project.

The report concluded that the project site contains no known significant archaeological deposits and noted the site is sensitive for pre‑contact (pre‑colonial) archaeological resources.

The City completed AB 52 Tribal consultation and sent certified letters to Tribes identified by Albion and the NAHC, including the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of San Juan Bautista; no responses for consultation requests were received. Based on the Cultural Resources Report and the AB 52 consultation, the City determined that Mitigation Measure CR‑1 and Mitigation Measure CR‑2, as originally drafted, would reduce potential impacts to cultural and Tribal cultural resources to less than significant.

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In response to the commenter’s request, the City has added specific language to Mitigation Measure CR‑1 requiring cultural sensitivity and archaeological awareness training for construction personnel. That added language provides for the City to retain an archaeological consultant from the Qualified List of Archaeological Consultants and an Ohlone Tribal representative, and addresses the request for training to assist in the identification and protection of potential cultural and Tribal cultural resources during ground‑disturbing activities.

Specifically, updated mitigation text includes the preparation of a Cultural Resources Monitoring and Discovery Plan (“CRMDP”) addressing pre-construction outreach and training for construction workers, monitoring triggers and coverage, discovery and stop work procedures, treatment priorities (preservation in place or treatment if not feasible), human remains protocols, consultation requirements with Tribes, documentation and reporting, curation, and cost responsibility.

Please see Chapter 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND. Page 46, Section 9 Subsection 5.

Cultural Resources, for the specific text changes to this mitigation. For purposes of CEQA Guidelines section 15073.5, the comment and the revisions described above do not introduce a new potentially significant impact nor change the level of significance of any impact identified in the Draft IS/MND; therefore, the revisions do not constitute a “substantial revision.” Comment A-3: The commenter requests that the contractor and project sponsor halt construction if workers discover a Tribal cultural resource. The commenter asks that work be stopped until such time as a cultural monitor or a qualified archaeologist can assess and determine appropriate measures for preservation of the discovered resource.

Response A-3: The commenter’s request to halt construction if workers discover a Tribal cultural resource is consistent with the provisions of Mitigation Measure CR-1 (please see page 46 of the Draft IS/MND). Mitigation Measure CR-1 requires that construction work stop within 50 meters (approximately 160 feet) of a discovered archeological or Tribal cultural resource until a qualified archeologist can evaluate and provide appropriate treatment measures for the discovery. In response to the commenter’s request under Comment A-2 above, the City added text to Mitigation Measure CR‑1 to provide additional direction in the event of a potential discovery regarding coordination and assessment. With the required CRMDP, the City has an appropriate and accepted CEQA mitigation and implementation document that establishes procedures and coordination to address any archaeological or Tribal cultural resources encountered during the project. The revisions do not raise a new potentially significant impact or change the level of significance of an impact item as previously identified in the Draft IS/MND. Please see Chapter 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND. Page 46, Section 9 Subsection 5. Cultural Resources. for the specific text changes.

Comment A-4: The commenter requests that the project sponsor coordinate with an archeological consultant and Ohlone Native American representative if construction activities unearth a Tribal cultural resource. The commenter also states that they would like the proposed project to incorporate provisions for the qualified archaeologist to prepare a Resource Preservation Plan in coordination with an Ohlone Native American representative if the qualified archaeologist determines that preservation-in-place of a discovered resource is feasible.

Response A-4: Please see above responses and Mitigation Measure CR-1 which further detail requirements including work stoppage and an archeological consultant and Ohlone Native American representative to coordinate if construction activities unearth a Tribal cultural resource. Mitigation Measure CR-1 and Mitigation Measure CR-2 are sufficient to reduce potentially significant impacts regarding the discovery of previously unknown archeological resources, human remains, or Tribal cultural resources to a less than significant level. The qualified archaeologist and Ohlone Tribal representative would determine specific treatment Final Environmental Checklist/IS 5 June 2026
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measures on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the discovery. This process may include a plan for preservation if feasible. Upon discovery of resources, measures may include, but are not limited to: 1) planning construction to avoid the resource (PRC Section 21083.2(a)(1)); 2) deeding the resource into a permanent conservation easement (PRC Section 21083.2(a)(2)); 3) capping or covering the resource with soil prior to construction (PRC Section 21083.2(a)(3)); 4) planning parks, green spaces, or other open space to incorporate the resource (PRC Section 21083.2(a)(4)), and 5) excavation of the resource; restricted to contexts that would otherwise be damaged or destroyed by a project (PRC Section 21083.2(d)). Please see Chapter 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND. Page 46, Section 9 Subsection 5. Cultural Resources. for the specific changes to the text.

Comment A-5: The commenter requests that the proposed project incorporate provisions to sufficiently assess and treat a discovered Tribal cultural resource when the qualified archaeologist and Ohlone Native American representative determine that preservation-in-place is infeasible.

Specifically, the commenter requests that a qualified archeologist and Ohlone Native American representative recommend appropriate archaeological treatment to preserve the data and values of the discovered resource, including implementation of an archaeological interpretive, monitoring, and testing program.

Response A-5: Please refer to the response to Comment A-4 above. Mitigation Measure CR-1 and Mitigation Measure CR-2 as originally written would be sufficient to reduce potentially significant impact regarding discovery of previously unknown archeological resources, human remains, and Tribal cultural resources to a less than significant level.

Mitigation Measure CR-1 was amended to require a qualified Ohlone Tribal representative be present during ground-disturbing construction activities and that the Ohlone Tribal representative coordinate with the qualified archaeologist on the appropriate treatment measures for potential discoveries. Specifically, this measure requires a qualified archaeologist to prepare the CRMDP in consultation with the Ohlone Tribal representative. In response to the request to implement an archaeological interpretive, monitoring, and testing program, the qualified archaeologist and Ohlone Tribal representative would determine specific treatment measures on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the discovery. Please see Chapter 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND. Page 46, Section 9 Subsection 5. Cultural Resources. for the specific revisions to the text.

Comment A-6: The commenter requests that the contractor and project sponsor stop work if construction activities unearth human remains. The commenter requests that the contractor and project sponsor act in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code 5097.98 for treatment of discovered human remains.

Response A-6: The comment is acknowledged. The recommendation to halt construction if workers discover human remains is consistent with the provisions of Mitigation Measure CR2 (please see page 46 of the Draft IS/MND). Mitigation Measure CR-2 requires that construction work stop within 50 meters (approximately 160 feet) of the discovery of human remains. This measure requires that the contractor and project sponsor evaluate, manage, and treat the discovered remains in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code 5097.98. Specifically, the contractor and project sponsor must contact the County Coroner upon discovery of human remains, and the contractor and project sponsor shall notify the NAHC if the County Coroner determines the remains are of Native American origin. As such, no changes to the analysis or conclusion in the Draft IS/MND are required because of this comment.

Comment A-7: The commenter requests the proposed project incorporate a provision to prepare and implement a Cultural Resources Public Interpretation Plan if preservation-in-place for a Final Environmental Checklist/IS 6 June 2026
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discovered Tribal cultural resource is determined to be insufficient or infeasible. The commenter further requests the plan be developed working with the Tribal representative to identify and fulfill the requirements, which may include participation in preparation and review of deliverables (e.g., plans, interpretive materials, artwork).

Response A-7: This request is acknowledged. Please refer to the response to Comment A4 and Comment A-5 above. Mitigation Measure CR-1 as revised requires a qualified archaeologist and the Ohlone Tribal representative be present during ground-disturbing construction activities and coordinate to determine the appropriate treatment measures for potential discoveries. The qualified archaeologist and Ohlone Tribal representative would determine specific treatment measures on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the discovery. In the event of a significant find, this would include providing additional treatment recommendations, which, though not specifically identified, could potentially include preparation of an interpretive program. Mitigation Measure CR-1 and Mitigation Measure CR-2 appropriately address the potential impact and treatment upon discovery of previously unknown archeological or Tribal cultural resources and are sufficiently protective to reduce the potential impact to a less than significant level. Please see Chapter 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND. Page 46, Section 9 Subsection 5. Cultural Resources. for the specific revisions to the text.

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Letter B: California Department of Fish and Wildlife (“CDFW”) Comment B-1: The commenter notes that CDFW received the NOI for the Draft IS/MND and appreciates the opportunity to provide comments and recommendations for the proposed project.

Response B-1: The City acknowledges these introductory remarks for the record. This comment does not raise a substantive environmental issue regarding the adequacy of the environmental analysis; therefore, no further response is required.

Comment B-2: The commenter identifies CDFW’s role as a trustee agency for fish and wildlife resources in the state under CEQA, and reiterates CDFW’s jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat. The commenter also states that CDFW is charged to provide biological expertise during environmental review efforts.

Response B-2: The City acknowledges CDFW’s role as a trustee agency and charge to provide biological review and expertise.

Comment B-3: The commenter identifies CDFW’s regulatory authority as provided by the Fish and Game Code as a responsible agency under CEQA, and notes an example, whereby the proposed project may require CDFW approval for a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement.

Similarly, the commenter states that the project proponent may need to seek take authorization to the extent implementation of the proposed project requires take authorization for any species covered by the California Endangered Species Act.

Response B-3: The City acknowledges CDFW’s jurisdiction over fish and wildlife resources pursuant to the Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq. and Section 2050 et seq. This comment provides background information about CDFW’s role as a responsible agency, the various fish and wildlife resources under the agency’s purview, and various applicable regulations (e.g., California Fish and Game Code, California Endangered Species Act). These introductory remarks are acknowledged for the record and will be provided to the decision makers for consideration. Please also see the responses to Comment B-5 and Comment B11 below related to the proposed project and potential need to seek a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement. The City will follow all requirements pursuant to the Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq. and Section 2050 et seq.

Based on the Biological Resources Report, the IS/MND did not identify potential impacts to special-status species that would require the project to seek take authorization from CDFW under the California Endangered Species Act. Please also see the responses to Comment B-4 and Comment B-6 below for a more detailed response.

Comment B-4: The commenter provides guidance and notes requirements to obtain a California Endangered Species Act permit if the proposed activities have the potential to result in take of protected plants or animal species. The commenter also states that issuance of a California Endangered Species Act permit is subject to CEQA documentation.

Response B-4: The City acknowledges the guidance provided in this comment for the record.

A Biological Resources Report was prepared for the proposed project that evaluated the potential impacts on special-status species including those covered under the California Endangered Species Act. The Biological Resources Report did not identify potential impacts to special-status species that would require the project to apply for and receive a California Endangered Species Act permit. However, the City is committed to compliance with the requirements and specific guidance provided in this comment should a take permit be required. Please see the responses to Comment B-3 above and Comment B-6 below.

Comment B-5: The commenter summarizes CDFW’s authority over projects that would result in impacts to waterways and riparian and wetland habitat and identifies CDFW requirements for a Final Environmental Checklist/IS 8 June 2026
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Lake and Streambed Alteration Notification for any project activities that would substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow; change or use material from the bed, channel, or bank including associated riparian or wetland resources; or deposit or dispose of material where it may pass into a river, lake, or stream. Work within ephemeral streams, washes, watercourses with a subsurface flow, and floodplains are also generally subject to notification requirements. The commenter notes that CDFW may not execute a final Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement until it has complied with CEQA in reviewing potential environmental impacts as a responsible agency.

Response B-5: The City acknowledges CDFW’s regulatory authority over waterways and associated habitats as delineated in Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq. As identified in the IS/MND, construction activities for the proposed project would occur in proximity to the Salsipuedes Creek and associated riparian habitat, as described in the Draft IS/MND (please see Draft IS/MND pages 37 through 43). The proposed project has been planned and designed to avoid impacts necessitating a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement.

However, the City is committed to compliance with the requirements and specific guidance provided in this comment and others in the CDFW letter should a Lake and Streamed Alteration Agreement be necessary. The statement that CDFW may not execute a final Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement until it has complied with CEQA as a responsible agency is acknowledged. As noted above, and in project plans, the IS/MND assumes the proposed project is located outside CDFW’s jurisdictional authority and thus the would not require a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement. Please also see the responses to Comment B-3 above and Comment B-11 below. No changes to the analysis or conclusion in the Draft IS/MND are required because of this comment.

Comment B-6: The commenter summarizes CDFW’s authority over projects that would result in potential impacts to protected avian species, their eggs, and their nests. The commenter also states that project’s that may have potential impacts on protected avian species, their eggs, and their nests must also comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Response B-6: The City acknowledges CDFW’s statutory authority over projects that would have potential impacts to protected avian species. The City understands that project activities must comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Pages 41 and 42 of the Draft IS/MND discuss the proposed project’s potential impacts on protected avian species, their eggs, and their nests. The proposed project would implement Mitigation Measure BIO-1 to avoid or minimize impacts to nesting raptors and other avian species. Mitigation Measure BIO-1 would require pre-construction bird surveys prior to use of heavy equipment or removal of vegetation that would occur during the breeding season (February 1 to August 31). Additionally, this measure requires the project to implement avoidance buffers if pre-construction bird surveys identify protected avian species. Please also see the response to Comment B-3 above. No changes to the analysis or conclusion in the Draft IS/MND are required because of this comment.

Comment B-7: The commenter summarizes the objective of the proposed project as provided in the Draft IS/MND and related public noticing documents (i.e., NOA/NOI, NOC, and Summary Form).

Response B-7: The City acknowledges this comment for the record. This comment does not raise a substantive environmental issue regarding the adequacy of the environmental analysis; therefore, no further response is required.

Comment B-8: The commenter summarizes the location of the proposed project as provided in the Draft IS/MND and related public noticing documents (i.e., NOA/NOI and NOC).

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Response B-8: The City acknowledges this comment for the record. This comment does not raise a substantive environmental issue regarding the adequacy of the environmental analysis; therefore, no further response is required.

Comment B-9: The commenter summarizes the construction timeframe of the proposed project as provided in the Draft IS/MND.

Response B-9: The City acknowledges this comment for the record. This comment does not raise a substantive environmental issue regarding the adequacy of the environmental analysis; therefore, no further response is required.

Comment B-10: The commenter provides an introductory statement for CDFW’s recommendations. The commenter states that the subsequent recommendations are intended to assist the City in adequately identifying and mitigating potentially significant impacts on fish and wildlife resources.

Response B-10: This statement introduces CDFW’s comments and recommendations for the proposed project. Specific comments are summarized below, and responses provided in subsequent responses. Please see the responses to CDFW recommendations under Responses B-11 through B-14, below.

Comment B-11: The commenter states that the Draft IS/MND identifies impacts to approximately

0.17 acres of riparian habitat adjacent to Salsipuedes Creek and notes that the Draft IS/MND indicates trenching activities would occur within existing roadways and developed areas. The commenter opines that construction adjacent to riparian habitat and creek corridors may result in potential impacts to waterways and riparian and wetland habitat. As such, the commenter recommends the proposed project notify CDFW for a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement prior to construction for all activities affecting riparian habitat or where work has the potential to impact stream resources.

Response B-11: The City acknowledges this comment for the record. While it is not anticipated that a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement is required for this project, the project will comply with this recommendation to notify CDFW for a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement prior to construction for all activities affecting riparian habitat or where work has the potential to impact stream resources. As the commenter notes, all construction activities would occur within the existing roadways and developed areas of the Project site.

No construction would occur within the creek bed, along the banks of the creek, or within existing riparian or wetland habitat. The Draft IS/MND acknowledges that the proximity of construction activities to Salsipuedes Creek and associated riparian habitat would have potential impacts through accidental release of construction debris or hazardous materials used for construction (Page 41, Draft IS/MND). The project would implement Mitigation Measures BIO-2a, BIO-2b, and BIO-2c to avoid potential impacts to Salsipuedes Creek and riparian habitat. Specifically, Mitigation Measure BIO-2a requires that project activities avoid riparian habitat, and stipulates as a secondary minimization measure that a restoration plan be prepared and implemented if the project is unable to avoid impacts to riparian habitat.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2b requires a qualified biologist conduct an Employee Education Program including a review of project boundaries, sensitive habitats, and specific mitigation measures to be incorporated during construction. Furthermore, Mitigation Measure BIO-2c requires the qualified biologist to oversee installation of exclusionary fencing placed around the Salsipuedes Creek and riparian areas prior to construction. The qualified biologist would monitor the exclusionary fencing weekly to ensure fencing remains intact.

Moreover, the proposed project would implement Mitigation Measures BIO-2d, BIO-2e, BIO2f, and BIO-2g requiring specific procedures for the storage and handling of construction Final Environmental Checklist/IS 10 June 2026
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equipment, debris, and potentially hazardous materials during construction to prevent accidental release into the adjacent Salsipuedes Creek and the associated riparian habitat.

Since these measures are designed to avoid impacts to the Salsipuedes Creek and riparian habitat, the proposed project appears to be outside of CDFW’s jurisdiction for a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement. However, the comment is noted; the City will notify CDFW prior to construction if approval of a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement is required.

Please also see the responses to Comment B-3 and Comment B-5 above.

Comment B-12: The commenter requests that the City report any data on special-status species and natural communities gathered during biological surveys to the California Natural Diversity Database (“CNDDB”).

Response B-12: The City acknowledges this comment for the record. The Biological Report conducted by DD&A Natural Resources Division is included in the Draft IS/MND. The report describes the existing biological resources and references the CNDDB as Appendix B of the Biological Report. CDFW’s request to report any data on special-status species and natural communities gathered during biological surveys to the CNDDB is noted.

Comment B-13: The commenter summarizes the requirement for the proposed project to pay the CDFW environmental document filing fees due to the proposed project’s identified potential impacts on fish and wildlife species. The commenter states that payment of the environmental document filing fee is required before the proposed project may be considered operative, vested, and final.

Response B-13: These administrative remarks are acknowledged for the record. The City intends to pay the required filing fees when recording the Notice of Determination.

Comment B-14: The commenter expresses appreciation for the opportunity to comment on the Draft IS/MND and provides contact information should the City have questions for CDFW.

Response B-14: These closing remarks are acknowledged for the record, and further response is not warranted.

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Letter C: Monterey Bay Air Resources District (“MBARD”) Comment C-1: The commenter notes that MBARD reviewed the Draft IS/MND and appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed project.

Response C-1: These introductory remarks are acknowledged for the record, and further response is not warranted.

Comment C-2: The commenter states that Table 1 of the Draft IS/MND indicates that the North Central Coast Air Basin (“NCCAB”) is in non-attainment for ozone. The commenter notes that the NCCAB is currently in attainment for both the one (1)-hour and eight (8)-hour state and federal ozone standards.

Response C-2: The text of the Draft IS/MND is revised to note that the NCCAB is in attainment with state ozone standards. The revisions do not raise a new potentially significant impact or change the level of significance of an impact item as previously identified in the Draft IS/MND. Please see Chapter 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND, Page 34, Section 9 Subsection 3. Air Quality. for the specific revisions to the text.

Comment C-3: The commenter identifies that the Draft IS/MND includes language indicating the existence of approximately 3,000 linear feet of asbestos cement water mains. The commenter requests that the City state in the IS/MND whether construction activities would disturb existing asbestos cement water mains. The commenter makes clear that any proposed removal, replacement, disposal, or similar activities that would disturb the asbestos cement water mains must utilize certified and trained workers. Also, depending upon the removal method, MBARD project notifications and asbestos surveys may be required for the disturbance and/or disposal of regulated asbestos containing materials (“RACM”).

Response C-3: The comment regarding clarifying the potential for removal or disturbance of the asbestos cement water mains is acknowledged. Page 25 of the Draft IS/MND states that “existing water mains would be abandoned in place or removed as necessary to facilitate construction of the new water main.” The existing asbestos cement water mains are located underground, and do not currently present a hazard to the public; however, disturbance or removal of the asbestos cement water mains during construction of the proposed project would have the potential to expose nearby receptors to asbestos. All construction activities must comply with the provisions set forth in the National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (“NESHAP”) for asbestos and MBARD Rule 424. The Draft IS/MND has been revised in this Final IS/MND to make clear that the proposed project would comply with NESHAP for asbestos and MBARD Rule 424. Please see Chapter 3. Revisions to the Draft IS/MND, Page 60, Section 9 Subsection 9. Hazards and Hazardous Materials. for the specific revisions to the text.

Comment C-4: The commenter requests that the proposed project incorporate power generators that comply with MBARD Rule 201, if applicable. The commenter summarizes MBARD Rule 201, which states that any stationary piston-type internal combustion engine greater than or equal to 50 brake horsepower requires a permit from MBARD.

Response C-4: The specific construction equipment such as generator types are not known at the time of writing. However, all construction equipment will comply with local, state, and federal policies for regulation of air quality emissions. As such, the proposed project will be required to apply for a Permit to Operate prior to construction activities involving use of power generators with stationary piston-type internal combustion engine greater than or equal to 50 brake horsepower. The Draft IS/MND has been revised in this Final IS/MND to make clear that the proposed project will comply with MBARD Rule 201. Please see Chapter 3.

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Revisions to the Draft IS/MND, Page 35, Section 9 Subsection 3. Air Quality .for the specific revisions to the text.

Comment C-5: The commenter expresses appreciation for the opportunity to comment on the Draft IS/MND and provides contact information should the City have questions for MBARD.

Response C-5: These closing remarks are acknowledged for the record, and further response is not warranted.

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CHAPTER 3. REVISIONS TO THE DRAFT IS/MND
The City has modified the text of the Draft IS/MND (April 2026) as noted below. Each revision below identifies page numbers of the affected text. This Final IS/MND presents the original text first and the revised text second. This Final IS/MND shows the revised text with either strike through formatting for deletions or underlined formatting for additions.

Revisions described below do not introduce a new potentially significant impact nor change the level of significance of any impact identified in the Draft IS/MND; therefore, the revisions do not constitute a substantial revision for purposes of CEQA Guidelines section 15073.5.

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Explanation: The City has revised Table 1. North Central Coast Air Basin Attainment Status, to show that the NCCAB is currently in attainment with California’s ozone standards.

Original Text:

Table 1.

North Central Coast Air Basin Attainment Status
Pollutant State Designation National Designation
Ozone (O3) Nonattainment-Transitional Attainment
Inhalable Particulates (PM10) Nonattainment Attainment
Fine Particulates (PM2.5) Attainment Attainment
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Unclassified (Santa Cruz County) Attainment Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Attainment Attainment
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Attainment Attainment
Lead Attainment Attainment
Source: MBARD 2012-2015 Air Quality Management Plan, https://www.mbard.org/air-quality-plans Revised Text:

Table 1.

North Central Coast Air Basin Attainment Status
Pollutant State Designation National Designation
Ozone (O3) Nonattainment-Transitional Attainment Attainment Inhalable Particulates (PM10) Nonattainment Attainment
Fine Particulates (PM2.5) Attainment Attainment
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Unclassified (Santa Cruz County) Attainment Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Attainment Attainment
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Attainment Attainment
Lead Attainment Attainment
Source: MBARD 2012-2015 Air Quality Management Plan, https://www.mbard.org/air-quality-plans; CARB 2024 Amendments to Area Designations for State Ambient Air Quality Standards, https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/rulemaking/2024/2024-state-area-designations-regulation

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Explanation: The City has revised the following excerpt from the Draft IS/MND to refer to MBARD Rule 201.

Original Text: Construction of the project would emit relatively small amounts of the pollutants included in Table 2 above. The project would not exceed any short-term construction threshold as recommended by MBARD. The project would implement vehicle speed reduction and dust control measures, as required for all projects involved in earthmoving activities regardless of the significance of the fugitive dust impacts, therefore resulting in a less than significant impact.

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Revised Text: Construction of the project would emit relatively small amounts of the pollutants included in Table 2 above. The project would not exceed any short-term construction threshold as recommended by MBARD. Additionally, while the precise type of construction equipment is not yet known at the time of writing, use of stationary source, piston-type internal combustion engines during construction would require the City to apply for and receive a Permit to Operate from MBARD in compliance with Rule 201. Furthermore, the project would implement vehicle speed reduction and dust control measures, as required for all projects involved in earthmoving activities regardless of the significance of the fugitive dust impacts, therefore resulting in a less than significant impact.

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Explanation: The City has revised the Draft IS/MND to remove the following statement. The proposed project does not include implementation of “Mitigation Measure AQ-1” and does not require any mitigation measures for potential air quality impacts since all potential impacts would be less than significant.

Original Text: Although construction-related air quality impacts would be less-than-significant, implementing Mitigation Measure AQ-1 would further reduce air pollutant emissions below the significance level.

Revised Text: Although construction-related air quality impacts would be less-than-significant, implementing Mitigation Measure AQ-1 would further reduce air pollutant emissions below the significance level.

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Explanation: The City has revised Mitigation Measure CR-1 to include the requirement that an Ohlone Tribal representative be on-site during ground-disturbing construction activities, and that Ohlone Tribal representative evaluate the significance of a potential archaeological or Tribal cultural resource and provide recommendations in coordination with a qualified archaeologist and County of Santa Cruz. The original text of Mitigation Measure CR-1 is sufficient to reduce potentially significant impacts with regards to archaeological and Tribal cultural resources to a less than significant level, and the following revisions do not raise a new potentially significant impact or change the level of significance of an impact item as previously identified in the Draft IS/MND.

Original Text:

CR-1 If archaeological resources are unexpectedly discovered during construction, work shall be halted within 50 meters (±160 feet) of the find until it can be evaluated by a qualified professional archaeologist. If the find is determined to be significant, appropriate mitigation measures shall be formulated and implemented, with the concurrence of the County of Santa Cruz.

Revised Text:

CR-1 If archaeological resources are unexpectedly discovered during construction, all grounddisturbing work shall be halted within 50 meters (±160 feet) of the find until the find it can be evaluated by a qualified professional archaeologist. If the find is determined to be significant, appropriate mitigation measures shall be formulated and implemented, in consultation with a qualified archaeologist, Ohlone Tribal representative, the City of Watsonville, and with the concurrence of the County of Santa Cruz. ▪ Prior to project related ground disturbance, the City shall retain the services of a qualified archaeologist and an Ohlone Tribal representative or monitor. The qualified archaeologist shall prepare a Cultural Resources Monitoring and Final Environmental Checklist/IS 16 June 2026
Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

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Discovery Plan (“CRMDP”). The qualified archaeologist, in consultation with the Ohlone Tribal representative or monitor, shall also provide cultural-sensitivity and archaeological-awareness training as part of a Worker Educational Awareness Program (“WEAP”) to all construction personnel involved in ground-disturbing activities.
o The CRMDP shall be prepared and approved by the City prior to grounddisturbing activities and shall include: pre-construction cultural resources sensitivity training requirements; monitoring protocols and schedules; communication procedures for potential discoveries; consultation procedures to ensure timely coordination with the identified Ohlone Tribal representative, including notification timelines and response expectations; documentation and reporting requirements including monthly monitoring reports during construction; treatment and preservation protocols; and procedures for handling human remains consistent with state law. o The WEAP training shall explain: (1) the purpose of archaeological and Tribal resource monitoring; (2) regulatory protections for archaeological and Tribal resources and human remains; (3) basic identification of archaeological and Tribal resources; and (4) the discovery notification and response protocol, including contact information for project staff, the City, and the Sheriff-Coroner. The qualified archaeologist shall maintain a record of training attendance and provide copies of attendance records and presentation materials to the City of Watsonville Public Works & Utilities Department and to the Ohlone Tribal representative; these records shall be retained in the project file.
o An archaeological monitoring program shall be implemented during ground-disturbing activities in accordance with the CRMDP. The assigned archaeologist and Ohlone Tribal representative shall remain on-site to oversee ground-disturbing activities until such time as the qualified archaeologist and Ohlone Tribal representative determine monitoring may be reduced or discontinued consistent with the CRMDP. Monitoring may only be reduced or discontinued if it is determined that the possibility of encountering intact archaeological deposits in the area is low and monitoring is no longer necessary, and a written determination by the qualified archaeologist and the Ohlone Tribal representative is approved by the City and placed in the project record; or until ground-disturbing activities are completed.

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Explanation: The City has revised the following excerpt from the Draft IS/MND to refer to NESHAP for asbestos and MBARD Rule 424.

Original Text: In addition, standard best management practices, such as stopping work and notifying the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Division if soil contamination is suspected or encountered during construction activities (e.g., unusual soil discoloration or strong odor) until appropriate health and safety procedures have been determined and employed, would be implemented to reduce potential impacts to less than significant.

Revised Text: In addition, standard best management practices, such as stopping work and notifying the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Division if soil contamination is suspected or encountered during construction activities (e.g., unusual soil discoloration or strong odor) until appropriate health and safety procedures have been determined and employed, would be implemented to reduce potential impacts to less than significant. Furthermore, the proposed Final Environmental Checklist/IS 17 June 2026
Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

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project must adhere to the requirements set forth in the National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (“NESHAP”) for asbestos and MBARD Rule 424 for any construction activities that would demolish, remove, dispose of, or otherwise disturb the existing asbestos cement water mains. Specifically, the proposed project would be required to notify MBARD of proposed renovation or demolition work involving asbestos, submit to a third-party site survey by a California Certified Asbestos Consultant prior to construction, and train or retain certified construction staff prior for removal of asbestos-containing materials (MBARD, 2026).

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Explanation: Additional details on the mailing dates and results for AB 52 consultation are included below.

Original Text: The City contacted the local Tribes for AB 52 consultation through certified mail and received no comments or responses. A local Tribe of which the certified mail was undeliverable was further contacted through email and telephone and received no comment or response.

Revised Text: The City contacted the local Tribes for AB 52 consultation through certified mail on March 19, 2024, and received no comments or responses or requests for consultation during the 30-day period. A local Tribe of which the certified mail was undeliverable was further contacted through email and telephone and received no comment or response.

Page 78 ends

Explanation: As identified above under Section 9 Subsection 5. Cultural Resources, the City has added text to Mitigation Measure CR-1 to retain an Ohlone Tribal representative to work with a qualified professional archaeologist to conduct cultural sensitivity and archaeological awareness training prior to construction and implement a CRMDP to further protect potential cultural and Tribal cultural resources found during construction activities (please see the revision to page 46 of the IS/MND above). The following revised text from page 78 of the IS/MND references this amendment to this mitigation measure. The additional revisions are responsive to a request from the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of San Juan Bautista; however, the following revisions do not raise a new potentially significant impact or change the level of significance of an impact item as previously identified in the Draft IS/MND.

Original Text:

Please see Section 5. Cultural Resources of this IS/MND for additional discussion.

Mitigation Measure(s) incorporated into the project:

CR-1 The full text of this mitigation measure is included in Section 5. Cultural Resources.

Revised Text:

Please see Section 5. Cultural Resources of this IS/MND for additional discussion.

Mitigation Measure(s) incorporated into the project:

CR-1 The full text of this mitigation measure as amended in the Final IS/MND is included in Section 5. Cultural Resources.

Page 83 ends

Explanation: The City has revised the Draft IS/MND to include and has agreed to implement Mitigation Measure CR-1 requiring the City to retain an Ohlone Tribal representative and a qualified professional archaeologist to conduct cultural sensitivity and archaeological awareness training prior to construction and develop and implement a CRMDP (please see the revision to Final Environmental Checklist/IS 18 June 2026
Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

Page 936 of 1393 ends

page 46 of the IS/MND above). The City revised the following text from page 83 of the IS/MND to reference this modification to the mitigation measure. This revision is responsive to a request from the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of San Juan Bautista; however, the following revisions do not raise a new potentially significant impact or change the level of significance of an impact item as previously identified in the Draft IS/MND.

Original Text: As discussed in Section 5. Cultural Resources and Section 18. Tribal Cultural Resources, the proposed project would not eliminate important examples of California history or prehistory with implementation of the Mitigation Measures CR-1 and CR-2. Mitigation measures are identified to protect cultural resources requiring work to stop and any finds evaluated should unanticipated archaeological resources be discovered during construction. Therefore, the project would not eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory with implementation of mitigation measures identified in this document. This is a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated.

Revised Text: As discussed in Section 5. Cultural Resources and Section 18. Tribal Cultural Resources, the proposed project would not eliminate important examples of California history or prehistory with implementation of the Mitigation Measures CR-1, as amended in the Final IS/MND, and CR-2. Mitigation measures are identified to protect cultural resources requiring retention of an Ohlone Tribal representative and qualified profession archaeologist, implementation of a cultural sensitivity and archaeological awareness training, implementation of a CRMDP, and a requirement to stop work and conduct appropriate subsequent evaluations work to stop and any finds evaluated should unanticipated archaeological resources be discovered during construction. Therefore, the project would not eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory with implementation of mitigation measures identified in this document. This is a less than significant impact with mitigation incorporated.

Page 85 ends

Explanation: The new citation for Table 1. North Central Coast Air Basin Attainment Status, has been added to the references section.

Original Text: N/A.

Revised Text:

California Air Resources Board (“CARB”). 2024. 2024 Amendments to Area Designations for State Ambient Air Quality Standards. Available at:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/rulemaking/2024/2024-state-area-designations-regulation

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Explanation: The new citation for the information pertaining to the NESHAP for asbestos and MBARD Rule 424 has been added to the references section.

Original Text: N/A.

Revised Text:

Monterey Bay Air Resources District (“MBARD”). 2026. Asbestos Renovation & Demolition.

Available at: https://www.mbard.org/asbestos-renovation-demolition Final Environmental Checklist/IS 19 June 2026
Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

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ATTACHMENT A

PUBLIC COMMENT LETTERS

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Outlook
Re: Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project From: Amah Mutsun Tribal <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 11:34 AM
To: Beau Kayser <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Hello and Good Afternoon Beau,
Thank you for the i
to discuss consultation, please give us a call at 916-730-9468 or email us at [email protected].

Thank you,
nformation on the proposed project, and please see the attached documents with our recommendations. If you have any questions about the attached documents, or would like to set up a meeting A-1 Comment Letter A
Lorelei Alli

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Provisions to Address Discovery of a Tribal Cultural Resource During Construction Tribal Cultural Resources Sensitivity Training. The project sponsor, in consultation with any Cultural Resources Team if one is available, shall retain the services of an Ohlone Native American representative and/or archeological consultant from theQualified List of Archaeological Consultants to provide cultural sensitivity and archeological awareness training to all work crews who will be involved in ground disturbing activities at the project site. The training shall inform all project contractors, subcontractors and work crew members to be on the alert for evidence of the presence of potential tribal cultural resource(s), of how to identify the evidence of such a resource(s), and of stop work, resource protection, and notification requirements in the event of suspected discovery of a tribal cultural resource by construction crew members.

Stop Work and Notification Upon Discovery. Should any indication of a tribal cultural resource be encountered during any soils-disturbing activity of the project, the project Head Foreperson and/or project sponsor shall immediately notify tribe and shall immediately suspend any soils-disturbing activities in the vicinity of the discovery until the Cultural Monitor and a qualified archeological consultant from the Qualified Archeological Consultants List have assessed the find and the respective parties have determined whether and what additional measures should be undertaken.

Preservation in Place. In the event of the discovery of a tribal cultural resource, the cultural resource team (if one is present on job), the project sponsor, the archeological consultant, and the Ohlone representative shall consult to determine whether preservation in place would be feasible and effective in preserving the values represented by the resource. The archeological consultant, in consultation with theOhlone representative, shall documentthe find to current professional standards. The tribe may also require that the project sponsor immediately implement a site security program if the resource is at risk from vandalism, looting, or other damaging actions.

If it is determined that preservation-in-place of the tribal cultural resource would be both feasible and effective, the archeological consultant shall prepare a Resource Preservation Plan (RPP) in consultation with the Ohlone representative, for review, which shall be implemented by the project sponsor during construction.

If it is determined that preservation in place would not be feasible or effective, then archeological assessment and treatment shall be implemented and in consultation with the Ohlone representative, as detailed below.

Archeological Treatment. If it is determined, in consultation with the Ohlone representative and the project sponsor, determines that preservation-in-place of the tribal cultural resources is not a sufficient or feasible option to preserve the values represented by the resource, then the archeological consultant, in consultation with the Ohlone representative, shall conduct archeological assessment to determine A-3
A-2
A-4
A-5

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the significance of the find and determine whether it retains sufficient integrity to warrant additional treatment. If the tribal cultural resource is determined to be a significant archeological resource, the archeological consultant, in consultation with the Ohlone representative, shall recommend appropriate archeological treatment to preserve the data and values of the tribal cultural resource, which may include archeological data recovery. Data recovery shall be implemented in consultation with the Ohlone representative and shall include appropriate analyses and reporting. If an archeological interpretive, monitoring, and/or testing program is required, it shall be consistent with Standard guidelines for such programs and shall be implemented immediately.

Human Remains and Funerary Objects. The treatment of any human remains, and funerary objects discovered during any soils disturbing activity shall comply with applicable State laws, including Section 7050.5 of the Health and Safety Code and Public Resources Code 5097.98. If human remains or suspected human remains are encountered during construction, the contractor and project sponsor shall ensure that ground-disturbing work within 50 feet of the remains is halted immediately and shall arrange for the protection in place of the remains until appropriate treatment and disposition have been agreed upon and implemented in accordance with this section. The project sponsor shall immediately notify the Medical Examiner of the County in which the job resides and the Tribe of the find. In the event of the Medical Examiner’s determination that the human remains are Native American in origin, the Medical Examiner will notify the California State Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) within 24 hours and all provisions of Public Resources Code 5097.98 will be followed.

Interpretive Program. If it is determined, in consultation with Ohlone representative and the project sponsor, determines that preservation-in-place of the tribal cultural resource is not a sufficient or feasible option, the project sponsor, in consultation with local Native American representatives, shall prepare a Cultural Resources Public Interpretation Plan (CRPIP) to guide the interpretive program. The CRPIP shall be submitted for review and approval prior to implementation of the program. The interpretive program may but is not limited to artist installations, preferably by local Native American artists, oral histories with local Native Americans, cultural displays, educational panels, or other interpretive elements agreed upon by the sponsor, and Ohlone Native American representatives, and shall include an on-site acknowledgement that the project is built on traditional Ohlone land. The plan shall identify, as appropriate, proposed locations for installations or displays, the proposed content and materials of those displays or installation, the producers or artists of the displays or installation, and a long-term maintenance program. Upon approval of the CRPIP and prior to project occupancy, the interpretive program shall be implemented by the project sponsor. The project sponsor shall work with the tribal representative to identify the scope of work by the tribal representative to fulfill the requirements of this mitigation measure, which may include participation in preparation and review of deliverables (e.g., plans, interpretive materials, artwork). Tribal representatives shall be compensated for their work as identified in the agreed upon scope of work.

A-6
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r I
Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of San Juan Bautista
&
AMTB
2451 Tyrolean Way, Sacramento CA 95821
Our rates for 2026 are
$200.00 per hour.
4 hours minimum
Cancellations not 48 hours (about 2 days) prior will be charged as a 4-hour minimum. There is a round trip mileage charge if canceled after they have traveled to site.

Anything over 8 hours a day is charged as time and a half.

Weekends are charged at time and a half.

Holidays are charged at double the time.

For fiscal year (FY) 2026, standard per diem rate of $425. ($333. lodging, $92 M&IE).

M&IE Breakdown FY 2026
M&IE Breakfast/ Lunch Incidental Dinner First & Last Day of Travel Total Breakfast Expenses $92.00 $23.00 $26.00 $38.00 $5.00 $69.00
Continental
Beginning 2026, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car round trip (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: $.70 cents per mile driven for business use or what the current federal standard is at the time.

Our Payment terms are 5 days from date on invoice.

Our Monitors are Members of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of Mission San Juan Bautista.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the A.M.T.B. Inc. at the below contact information.

Sincerely,
Irenne Zwierlein
2451 Tyrolean Way, Sacramento CA
95821
[email protected]
(916)730-9468

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____..., AC:C>RD<lt, ,........___...,
I

CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE

DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
03/06/2026

THIS CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED AS A M ATTER OF INFORMATION ONLY AND CONFERS NO RIGHTS UPON THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. THIS CERTIFICATE DOES N OT AFFIRMATIVELY OR NEGATIVELY AMEND, EXTEND OR ALTER THE COVERAGE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES BELOW. T HIS CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE ISSUING INSURER(S), AUTHORIZED REPR ESENTATIVE OR PRODUCER, AND THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER.

IMPORTANT: If the certificate holder is a n ADDITIONAL INSURED, the policy(ies) must be endorsed. If SUBROGATIONIS WAIVED, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, certain policies may require an endorsement. A statement on this certificate does not confer rights to the certificate holder in lieu of such endorsement(s).

PRODUCER

AUTO DATA PROCESSING INS AGCYINC
76250717
71 HANOVER ROAD
FLORHAM PARK NJ 07932
CONTACT NAME:

PHONE (800) 524-7024
(A/C, No, Ext):

FAX (800) 524-4013
(A/C, No):

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

INSURER(S) AFFORDING COVERAGE NAIC#
INSURER A : Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company 30104

INSURED

AMTB LLC
2451 TYROLEAN WAY
SACRAMENTO CA 95821-4809
INSURER B : Hartford Casualty Insurance Company 29424
INSURER C :

INSURER D :

INSURER E :

INSURER F :

COVERAGES CERTIFICATE NUMBER: REVISION NUMBER:

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE POLICIES OF INSURANCE LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE INSURED NAMED ABOVE FOR THE POLICY PERIOD INDICATED.NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REQUIREMENT, TERM OR CONDITION OF ANY CONTRACT OR OTHER DOCUMENT WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THIS

CERTIFICATE MAY BE ISSUED OR MAY PERTAIN, THE INSURANCE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS, EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH POLICIES. LIMITS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY PAID CLAIMS.

INSR ADDL SUBR POLICY EFF POLICY EXP TYPE OF INSURANCE POLICY NUMBER LIMITS LTR INSR WVD (MM/DD/YYYY) (MM/DD/Y YYY)

COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY EACH OCCURRENCE '---
$1,000,000
□ CLAIMS-MADE
□ X DAMAGE TO RENTED OCCUR $1,000,000 PREMISES (Ea occurrence) X General Liability MED EXP (Any one person) $10,000
A 76 SBU BX9D7K 01/14/2026 01/14/2027 PERSONAL & ADV INJURY $1,000,000 GEN'L AGGREGATE LIMIT APPLIES PER: GENERAL AGGREGATE $2,000,000 ~
X □ PRO- POLICY □ LOC PRODUCTS - COMP/OP AGG $2,000,000 JECT OTHER:

COMBINED SINGLE LIMIT AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY $1,000,000 (Ea accident) '---

ANY AUTO
'--- ALL OWNED - BODILY INJURY (Per person)
SCHEDULED A BODILY INJURY (Per accident)
'--- AUTOS AUTOS 76 SBU BX9D7K 01/14/2026 01/14/2027
HIRED ~ NON-OWNED PROPERTY DAMAGE X AUTOS X '--- ~
AUTOS (Per accident)

OCCUR EACH OCCURRENCE '--- UMBRELLA LIAB

EXCESS LIAB CLAIMS- AGGREGATE MADE

DED I I RETENTION
H
$
WORKERS COMPENSATION X I PER I I OTHAND EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY STATUTE ER ANY Y/N E.L. EACH ACCIDENT $1,000,000
B PROPRIETOR/PARTNER/EXECUTIVE C N/ A 76 WEG BR0UU9 03/04/2026 03/04/2027 OFFICER/MEMBER EXCLUDED? E.L. DISEASE -EA EMPLOYEE $1,000,000 (Mandatory in NH)
If yes, describe under E.L. DISEASE - POLICY LIMIT $1,000,000 DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS below DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS / LOCATIONS / VEHICLES (ACORD 101, Additional Remarks Schedule, may be attached if more space is required) Those usual to the Insured's Operations.

CERTIFICATE HOLDER CANCELLATION
For Informational Purposes
2451 TYROLEAN WAY
SACRAMENTO CA 95821-4809

SHOULD ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE CANCELLED

BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE THEREOF, NOTICE WILL BE DELIVERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY PROVISIONS.

ACORD 25 (2016/03) The ACORD name and logo are registered marks of ACORD

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Docusign Envelope ID: 9A537FF4-5A29-4A2F-A3AF-B8A0855B2462 CDFW is California's
Project may be subject to CDFW's
proposed may result in "take" as defined by State law of any species protected under the J
Conserving California's Wildlife Since 1870
STATE OF CALIFORNIA GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MEGHAN HERTEL, Director Bay Delta Region
2825 Cordelia Road, Suite 100
Fairfield, CA 94534
wildlife.ca.gov
May 15, 2026
Danielle Green, Interim Director of Public Works & Utilities City of Watsonville
250 Main Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
[email protected]
Subject: Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, SCH No. 2026040994, Santa Cruz County
Dear Danielle Green:

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) received a Notice of Intent to Adopt an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) from the City of Watsonville for the Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project (Project) pursuant the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines.1 Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments and recommendations regarding those activities involved in the Project that may affect California Fish and Wildlife. Likewise, we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments regarding those aspects of the Project that CDFW, by law, may be required to carry out or approve through the exercise of its own regulatory authority under the Fish and Game Code.

CDFW ROLE
Trustee Agency for fish and wildlife resources and holds those resources in trust by statute for all the people of the State. (Fish & G. Code, §§ 711.7, subd. (a) & 1802; Pub. Resources Code, § 21070; CEQA Guidelines § 15386, subd. (a).) CDFW, in its trustee capacity, has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species. (Id., § 1802.) Similarly, for purposes of CEQA, CDFW is charged by law to provide, as available, biological expertise during public agency environmental review efforts, focusing specifically on projects and related activities that have the potential to adversely affect fish and wildlife resources.

CDFW is also submitting comments as a Responsible Agency under CEQA. (Pub. Resources Code, § 21069; CEQA Guidelines, § 15381.) CDFW expects that it may need to exercise regulatory authority as provided by the Fish and Game Code. As proposed, for example, the Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA) regulatory authority. (Fish & G. Code, § 1600 et seq.) Likewise, to the extent implementation of the Project as California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish & G. Code, § 2050 et seq.), the project proponent may seek related take authorization as provided by the Fish and Game Code.

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
California Endangered Species Act
Please be advised that a CESA Permit must be obtained if the Project has the potential to result in "take" of plants or animals listed under CESA. either during construction or over the life of the Project. Issuance of a CESA Permit is subject to CEQA documentation; the CEQA B-2
B-1
B-3
B-4
Comment Letter B
found in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, commencing with section 15000. 1 CEQA is codified in the California Public Resources Code in section 21000 et seq. The "CEQA Guidelines" are

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Docusign Envelope ID: 9A537FF4-5A29-4A2F-A3AF-B8A0855B2462 1 I
I
adequately identifying and/or mitigating the Project's significant, or potentially significant, Danielle Green, Interim Director of Public Works & Utilities City of Watsonville
May 15, 2026

Page 2 ends

document must specify impacts, mitigation measures, and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program. If the Project will impact CESA listed species, early consultation is encouraged, as significant modification to the Project and mitigation measures may be required in order to obtain a CESA Permit.

Lake and Streambed Alteration
CDFW requires an LSA Notification, pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 1600 et seq., for any Project activities that will substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow; change or use material from the bed, channel, or bank including associated riparian or wetland resources; or deposit or dispose of material where it may pass into a river, lake, or stream. Work within ephemeral streams, washes, watercourses with a subsurface flow, and floodplains are generally subject to notification requirements. CDFW, as a Responsible Agency under CEQA, would consider the CEQA document for the Project. CDFW may not execute a final LSA Agreement until it has complied with CEQA (Pub. Resources Code § 21000 et seq.) as the Responsible Agency.

Raptors and Other Nesting Birds
CDFW has authority over actions that may result in the disturbance or destruction of active nest sites or the unauthorized take of birds. Fish and Game Code sections protecting birds, their eggs, and nests include §§ 3503 (regarding unlawful take, possession or needless destruction of the nests or eggs of any bird), 3503.5 (regarding the take, possession or destruction of any birds-of-prey or their nests or eggs), and 3513 (regarding unlawful take of any migratory nongame bird). Migratory birds are also protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Proponent: City of Watsonville
Objective: The objective of the Project is to provide the community of Crestwood Heights with safe and reliable drinking water. The Project involves consolidation of the Crestwood Heights Water Association water system with the City of Watsonville municipal water system.

Improvements include installation of new water mains, service laterals, and meters for approximately 45 residences, system interties, and removal of existing water system infrastructure. In total, the proposed project would include 7,000 linear feet (1.33 miles) of new pipelines. The proposed project would install water mains within the right-of-way of Lakeview Road, Cambridge Drive, Kingston Drive, Oxford Drive, Strafford Drive, and Crestwood Drive. The proposed project also involves preparing a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund application to assist in funding construction of the proposed project.

Location: The Project is located outside of the eastern boundary of the City of Watsonville.

The Project components are primarily within the Lakeview Road right-of-way, with some components located in the Crestwood Heights community of unincorporated Santa Cruz County. Regional access to the Project site is provided from State Route 129/Riverside Road and College Road.

Timeframe: Construction is expected to begin as early as 2027 and is to occur over the course of approximately 10 months.

COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CDFW offers the comments and recommendations below to assist City of Watsonville in B-5
B-6
B-7
B-8
B-9
B-10
direct and indirect impacts on fish and wildlife (biological) resources. Editorial comments or other suggestions may also be included to improve the document.

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Danielle Green, Interim Director of Public Works & Utilities City of Watsonville
May 15, 2026

Page 3 ends

I. Environmental Setting and Related Impact Shortcoming COMMENT 1: Potential Impacts to Riparian Habitat
Issue: The IS/MND identifies impacts to 0.17 acre of riparian habitat adjacent to Salsipuedes Creek. The IS/MND also indicates trenching would occur within existing roadways and developed areas. Construction adjacent to riparian habitat and creek corridors may result in direct or indirect impacts to the bed, bank, channel, or associated riparian habitat through vegetation disturbance, erosion/sediment runoff, staging, dewatering, or other ground-disturbing activities.

Recommendation: CDFW recommends the Project notify CDFW for a LSA Agreement prior to construction, for work affecting riparian habitat and where work activities could impact stream resources. A complete LSA Notification should include detailed information describing the extent of project activities occurring within or adjacent to riparian and aquatic resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
B-11
B-12
B-13
B-14
CEQA requires that information developed in environmental impact reports and negative declarations be incorporated into a database which may be used to make subsequent or supplemental environmental determinations. (Pub. Resources Code, § 21003, subd. (e).) Accordingly, please report any special-status species and natural communities detected during Project surveys to the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). The CNDDB field survey form can be filled out and submitted online at the following link:
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data. The types of information reported to CNDDB can be found at the following link: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Plantsand-Animals.

ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT FILING FEES
The Project, as proposed, would have an impact on fish and/or wildlife, and assessment of environmental document filing fees is necessary. Fees are payable upon filing of the Notice of Determination by the Lead Agency and serve to help defray the cost of environmental review by CDFW. Payment of the environmental document filing fee is required in order for the underlying project approval to be operative, vested, and final. (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 753.5; Fish & G. Code, § 711.4; Pub. Resources Code, § 21089.)

CONCLUSION
CDFW appreciates the opportunity to comment on the IS/MND to assist City of Watsonville in identifying and mitigating Project impacts on biological resources.

Questions regarding this letter or further coordination should be directed to Alexis Harrison, Environmental Scientist, at (707) 815-2779 or [email protected]; or Wes Stokes, Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory), at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Docusign Envelope ID: 9A537FF4-5A29-4A2F-A3AF-BBA0855B2462 Erin Chappell
Regional Manager
Bay Delta Region
ec: Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, State Clearinghouse (SCH No. 2026040994) Craig Weightman, CDFW Bay Delta Region - [email protected]

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Monterey Bay Air
Resources District
Serving Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties 24580 Silver Cloud Court Monterey, CA 93940
PHONE: (831) 647-9411 • FAX: (831) 647-8501
May 8, 2026
City of Watsonville
Attn: Danielle Green, Interim Director of Public Works & Utilities 250 Main St.

Watsonville, CA 95076
Submitted via email: [email protected]
Re: IS/MND Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Dear Ms. Green,
Thank you for providing the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) with the opportunity to comment on the Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project. MBARD has reviewed the Initial Study and has the following comments:

Attainment Status
Table 1 of the Initial Study indicates the North Central Coast Air Basin (NCCAB) is in NonattainmentTransitional for Ozone (O3). The NCCAB is currently in attainment for both the 1-hour State and 8-hour State and Federal ozone standards. Please visit the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) State and Federal Area Designations webpage for more details- State and Federal Area Designations | California Air Resources Board.

Asbestos Cement (AC) and Other Asbestos Containing Infrastructure Materials The Initial Study states the project includes “approximately 3,000 linear feet of 4-inch diameter asbestos cement (“AC”) water mains to convey water to the residents.” If AC or other asbestos-containing infrastructure materials are removed, replaced, or otherwise disturbed or disposed of during the course of the project, proper handling, containment, and disposal procedures must be utilized by certified and trained workers. Please identify in the IS/MND document whether the existing AC will be disturbed as part of the consolidation project.

Dependent on the AC/other asbestos material removal method, MBARD project notifications and asbestos surveys may be required for the disturbance and/or disposal of regulated asbestos containing materials (RACM). Please contact Supervising Air Quality Inspector Bronwyn Nielson (831-647-9411, [email protected]) if there are any questions about the regulatory requirements for AC.

Engine Permitting
Please ensure power generators to be used for the construction and operation of the project comply with MBARD Rule 201, if applicable. Per Rule 201, any stationary piston-type internal combustion engine of greater than or equal to 50 brake horsepower (bhp) requires a permit. Please contact MBARD’s Comment Letter C
C-1
C-2
C-3
C-4
Engineering Division at (831) 647-9411 if there are any questions regarding the permitting process.

Richard A. Stedman, Air Pollution Control Officer

Page 949 of 1393 ends

'f J ~
MBARD appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project. Please let me know if you have any questions. I may be reached at (831) 718-8030 or [email protected].

Regards,
C-5
Edward Ballaron
Air Quality Planner II
cc: Richard A. Stedman, Air Pollution Control Officer
David Frisbey, Planning and Air Monitoring Manager
Shawn Boyle, Planning and Air Monitoring Supervisor
Richard A. Stedman, Air Pollution Control Officer

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ATTACHMENT B
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

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Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 1 June 2026 Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

CRESTWOOD HEIGHTS WATER ASSOCIATION WATER

SYSTEM CONSOLIDATION PROJECT

MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”) is a CEQA required component of the Mitigated Negative Declaration (“MND”) process for the Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15074).

Specifically, CEQA requires that lead agencies adopting MNDs take affirmative steps to determine that a project implements the approved mitigation measures subsequent to project approval (CEQA Guidelines Section 15074(d)).

As part of the CEQA environmental review procedures, Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 requires a public agency to adopt a monitoring and reporting program to ensure efficacy and enforceability of any mitigation measures applied to a proposed project. The lead agency must adopt an MMRP for mitigation measures incorporated into the project or proposed as conditions of approval. The MMRP must be designed to ensure compliance during project implementation.

As stated in Public Resources Code Section 21081.6(a)(1):
“The public agency shall adopt a reporting or monitoring program for the changes made to the project or conditions of project approval, adopted in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment. The reporting or monitoring program shall be designed to ensure compliance during project implementation. For those changes which have been required or incorporated into the project at the request of a responsible agency or a public agency having jurisdiction by law over natural resources affected by the project, that agency shall, if so requested by the lead agency or a responsible agency, prepare and submit a proposed reporting or monitoring program.”
The final MMRP matrix is provided on the following pages. The table lists each of the mitigation measures proposed in the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and specifies the agency responsible for implementation of the mitigation measure and the time period for the mitigation measure.

I, the undersigned, on behalf of the City of Watsonville, hereby agree to implement mitigation measures described below which have been developed in conjunction with the preparation of an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project.

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Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 2 June 2026 Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

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Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 3 June 2026 Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

Environmental
Impact
Mitigation Measures Implementing
Party
Timing Verifying
Party
Biological
Resources:

Nesting Raptors
Mitigation Measure BIO-1: To avoid/minimize impacts to nesting raptors and other avian species the following measures shall be adhered:
a. If removal of trees/vegetation, grading activity, or other use of heavy equipment begins outside of the February 1 to August 31 breeding season, there will be no need to conduct a preconstruction survey for active nests. b. If removal of trees/vegetation, grading activity, or other use of heavy equipment is to commence between February 1 and August 31, a survey for active bird nests shall be conducted by a qualified biologist within two (2) weeks prior to the start of such activity. The survey area shall include the survey area, and a survey radius around the survey area of 50 feet for MBTA birds and 250 feet for birds of prey.
c. If no active nest of a bird of prey or MBTA bird is found, then no further avoidance and minimization measures are necessary.
d. If active nest(s) of MBTA birds or birds of prey are found in the survey area, the following avoidance buffers shall be adhered to unless otherwise advised by CDFW or USFWS: Avoidance buffer of 50 feet for MBTA birds and 250 feet for birds of prey shall be established around the active nest(s). The biologist shall monitor the nest and advise the applicant when all young have fledged the nest. Removal of vegetation, grading activity, or other use of heavy equipment may begin after fledging is complete. e. If the biologist determines that a smaller avoidance buffer will provide adequate protection for nesting birds, a proposal for alternative avoidance/protective measures, potentially including a smaller avoidance buffer and construction monitoring, may be submitted to USFWS and CDFW for review and approval prior to removal of vegetation, grading activity, or other use of heavy equipment.
f. If removal of vegetation, grading activity, or other use of heavy equipment stops for more than two (2) weeks during the nesting season (February 1 -August 31) a new survey shall be conducted prior to re-commencement of construction.

Qualified
biologist and
construction
contractor.

Prior to and
during
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

Biological
Resources:

Riparian Habitat
Mitigation Measure BIO-2a: Riparian habitat shall be avoided to the extent feasible. If riparian habitat is impacted by the project, any loss of sensitive habitat shall be mitigated for at a 2:1 ratio for area lost. A restoration plan shall be prepared that details the locations to be restored; describes specific materials and methods for site preparation, planting, and weed control; as well as methods and requirements for monitoring, success criteria, and adaptive management measures.

Qualified
biologist and
construction
contractor.

During and
following
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

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Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 4 June 2026 Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

Environmental
Impact
Mitigation Measures Implementing
Party
Timing Verifying
Party
Mitigation Measure BIO-2b: Prior to construction activities, the project proponent shall retain a qualified biologist to conduct an Employee Education Program for the construction crew. The biologist shall meet with the construction crew at the project site at the onset of construction to educate the construction crew on the following:
a) a review of the project boundaries; b) all sensitive habitats that may be present; c)the specific mitigation measures that will be incorporated into the construction effort; and d) the general provisions and protections afforded by the regulatory agencies.

Qualified
biologist.

Prior to
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2c: Prior to construction, exclusionary fencing shall be placed around the riparian area and all potential waters of the U.S. and/or state located within 25 feet of construction impacts to preclude construction vehicles and personnel from impacting sensitive habitats. A qualified biologist or biological monitor shall supervise the installation of exclusionary fencing and monitor at least once per week until construction is complete to ensure that the protective exclusionary fencing remains intact.

Qualified
biologist and
construction
contractor.

Prior to and
during
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2d: Stationary equipment such as motors, generators, and welders located within 100 feet of sensitive habitats shall be stored overnight at a designated staging area and shall be positioned over drip pans.

Qualified
biologist and
construction
contractor.

During
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2e: Any hazardous or toxic materials deleterious to life that could be washed into adjacent sensitive habitats shall be contained in watertight containers.

Qualified
biologist and
construction
contractor.

During
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2f: Refueling of equipment shall take place within designated staging areas or at least 100 feet from potential wetlands and other waters of the U.S. and/or state or riparian areas.

Qualified
biologist and
construction
contractor.

During
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2g: All construction debris and associated materials stored in the staging area shall be removed from the work site upon completion of the project.

Qualified
biologist and
construction
contractor.

During and
following
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

Cultural
Resources:

Archaeological
Resources
Mitigation Measure CR-1: If archaeological resources are unexpectedly discovered during construction, all ground-disturbing work shall be halted within 50 meters (±160 feet) of the find until the find can be evaluated by a qualified professional archaeologist. If the find is determined to be significant, appropriate mitigation measures shall be formulated and implemented, in consultation with a City of
Watsonville
Public Works &
Utilities
Department,
Prior to and
during
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

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Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 5 June 2026 Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

Environmental
Impact
Mitigation Measures Implementing
Party
Timing Verifying
Party
qualified archaeologist, Ohlone Tribal representative, the City of Watsonville, and with the concurrence of the County of Santa Cruz.
▪ Prior to project related ground disturbance, the City shall retain the services of a qualified archaeologist and an Ohlone Tribal representative or monitor. The qualified archaeologist shall prepare a Cultural Resources Monitoring and Discovery Plan (“CRMDP”). The qualified archaeologist, in consultation with the Ohlone Tribal representative or monitor, shall also provide cultural-sensitivity and archaeological-awareness training as part of a Worker Educational Awareness Program (“WEAP”) to all construction personnel involved in ground-disturbing activities.
o The CRMDP shall be prepared and approved by the City prior to ground-disturbing activities and shall include: pre-construction cultural resources sensitivity training requirements; monitoring protocols and schedules; communication procedures for potential discoveries; consultation procedures to ensure timely coordination with the identified Ohlone Tribal representative, including notification timelines and response expectations; documentation and reporting requirements including monthly monitoring reports during construction; treatment and preservation protocols; and procedures for handling human remains consistent with state law.
o The WEAP training shall explain: (1) the purpose of archaeological and Tribal resource monitoring; (2) regulatory protections for archaeological and Tribal resources and human remains; (3) basic identification of archaeological and Tribal resources; and (4) the discovery notification and response protocol, including contact information for project staff, the City, and the Sheriff-Coroner. The qualified archaeologist shall maintain a record of training attendance and provide copies of attendance records and presentation materials to the City of Watsonville Public Works & Utilities Department and to the Ohlone Tribal representative; these records shall be retained in the project file.
o An archaeological monitoring program shall be implemented during ground-disturbing activities in accordance with the CRMDP. The assigned archaeologist and Ohlone Tribal representative shall remain on-site to oversee ground-disturbing activities until such time as the qualified archaeologist and Ohlone Tribal representative determine monitoring may be reduced or discontinued consistent with the CRMDP. Monitoring may only be reduced or discontinued if qualified
Ohlone Tribal
representative,
and qualified
archaeologist.

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Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 6 June 2026 Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

Environmental
Impact
Mitigation Measures Implementing
Party
Timing Verifying
Party
it is determined that the possibility of encountering intact archaeological deposits in the area is low and monitoring is no longer necessary, and a written determination signed by the qualified archaeologist and the Ohlone Tribal representative is approved the City and placed in the project record; or until grounddisturbing activities are completed.

Cultural
Resources:

Human Remains
Mitigation Measure CR-2: If human remains are unexpectedly discovered during construction, work shall be halted within 50 meters (±160 feet) of the find. The County Coroner shall be notified in accordance with provisions of Public Resources Code 5097.98-99 in the event human remains are found and the Native American Heritage Commission shall be notified in accordance with the provisions of Public Resources Code Section 5097 if the remains are determined to be of Native American origin. The Commission will designate a Most Likely Descendant who will be authorized to provide recommendations for management of the Native American human remains (California Public Resources Code Section 5097.98; and Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5).

Construction
contractor and
City of
Watsonville
Public Works &
Utilities
Department.

During
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department,
Native
American
Heritage
Commission,
and County
SheriffCoroner.

Geology and
Soils: Unstable
Soils
Mitigation Measure GEO-1: To avoid or minimize potential damage from liquefaction and other unstable soil conditions, the project shall be constructed in conformance with all building requirements and the recommendations of an approved geotechnical investigation.

Construction
contractor and
City of
Watsonville
Public Works &
Utilities
Department.

Prior to and
during
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

Noise:

Construction
Equipment
Mitigation Measure NSE-1: All equipment shall be properly maintained, and all internal combustion engine-driven equipment shall be equipped with intake and exhaust mufflers that are in good condition and appropriate for the equipment.

Equipment engine shrouds shall be closed during equipment operations. The applicant shall require all contractors, as a condition of contract, to maintain and tune-condition all construction equipment to minimize noise emissions.

Additionally, all stationary noise generating equipment (e.g., compressors) and equipment staging areas shall be located as far as possible from adjacent residential receivers.

Construction
contractor.

Prior to and
during
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

Noise: Notification
and Disturbance
Coordinator
Mitigation Measure NSE-2: The project contractor shall designate a "disturbance coordinator" responsible for responding to any complaints about construction noise. The disturbance coordinator will be responsible for notifying neighboring residences of planned construction schedules at least 72 hours in advance. The disturbance coordinator’s telephone number shall be posted at the project site and included in the notice. All noise complaints will be sufficiently examined and Construction
contractor and
disturbance
coordinator.

Prior to and
during
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department.

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Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 7 June 2026 Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

Environmental
Impact
Mitigation Measures Implementing
Party
Timing Verifying
Party
promptly addressed.

Tribal Cultural
Resources:

Impacts to
Previously
Unknown Tribal
Cultural
Resources.

Implement Mitigation Measures CR-1 and CR-2. Construction contractor, City
of Watsonville
Public Works &
Utilities
Department,
qualified
Ohlone Tribal
representative,
and qualified
archaeologist.

Prior to and
during
construction.

City of
Watsonville,
Public Works
& Utilities
Department,
Native
American
Heritage
Commission,
and County
SheriffCoroner.

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Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 8 June 2026 Crestwood Heights Water Association Water System Consolidation Project Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.

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CEQA IS/MND

CRESTWOOD HEIGHTS WATER ASSOCIATION

CONSOLIDATION
June 23, 2026

CITY OF WATSONVILLE

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City of Watsonville / Crestwood Heights
Water System Consolidation
Crestwood Heights:
 Small water system with
failing well, limited
options for reliable water
 45 residential users
 Potential consolidation
design funded by state
grant

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City of Watsonville / Crestwood Heights
Water System Consolidation
2023 MOU Consolidation Terms:
 Requires connecting pipeline
from Lakeview to City’s existing
system
 Upgrades their system to City
standards
 City to lead SRF Grant application
 Consolidation only proceeds if
full grant funding received

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Approve CEQA IS/MND
 The impacts associated with the consolidation
can be mitigated by standard construction
practices.
 Upon approval by the Council, staff will file a
Notice of Determination (NOD), and the CEQA
process will be considered complete
 City may then submit the DWSRF consolidation
grant application

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 Questions?
 Thank you

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1 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
TO: CITY COUNCIL
WRITTEN BY: ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES DIRECTOR FONTES RECOMMENDED BY: PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES DIRECTOR GREEN APPROVED BY: TAMARA VIDES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF PROJECT LISTS FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS FUNDED BY MEASURE D AND SB 1 FOR FY26/27
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt resolutions approving project lists for transportation projects to be funded by:

1. Measure D in FY26/27 through FY30/31

2. Senate Bill 1 (SB1) in FY26/27
BACKGROUND:

The City’s proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for FY26/27 includes transportation projects funded from various sources. Two sources are the Measure D and SB 1 programs. Each requires that the city develop and approve an annual project list and expenditure plan. The projects included in these plans are part of the larger CIP which Council will be approving during the current budget process.

DISCUSSION:

MEASURE D
In 2016, Santa Cruz County voters approved Measure D, a one-half-cent sales tax that funds transportation projects for 30 years. The Measure allocates a portion of the funding to individual agencies, with the city’s projected share for FY26/27 totaling $1,251,000. The City will spend these funds, along with funds that have carried over from previous years. Requirements for the funding include the development of a fivePage 966 of 1393 2 year expenditure plan, which is presented at a public hearing and approved by the City Council. The Plan is entitled “Measure D: 5-Year Program of Projects (FY26/27-30/31)” and is included with the resolution.

The Plan and Council Resolution of approval are to be submitted to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission by December 30th of each year. Attached to this staff report is a map showing the projects receiving Measure D and SB 1 funding in FY26/27.

In FY26/27, the Plan proposes allocating Measure D to partially or completely fund the following projects:
 Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety through annual funding for activities and improvements that involve citywide bicycle facilities, maintenance and improvement of trails, and supporting pedestrian & traffic safety
 Citywide road restriping projects
 Provide Pavement Program Management services for Pavement Repair Projects  Construct Pavement Repair Projects
 Prepare Active Transportation Plan
 Demonstration project to purchase speed cameras and messaging trailers and implement a speed warning system
FY26/27 projects to receive Measure D funding that was allocated previously and carried over to this year include:
 Freedom Blvd reconstruction and sidewalk infill between Green Valley Rd & Airport Blvd  Lee Rd Trail Phase 1 construction
 Pennsylvania Dr reconstruction design from Clifford St to Winding Way  Pennsylvania Dr Trail Repair design and construction from Clifford St to Winding Way  Safe Routes to Downtown Watsonville project design and permitting that includes pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements within the downtown area and around eight schools  Safer Access to Pajaro Valley High School & Beyond project (Highway 1/Harkins Slough Rd pedestrian bridge) construction
In future years, the Plan continues to provide funding for bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic safety; trail maintenance; road maintenance and repair; and striping.

SB 1
In 2017, Governor Brown signed SB 1, providing additional funding for road maintenance, rehabilitation, and safety projects. The funding is apportioned by formula to cities and counties. Watsonville’s projected annual share for FY26/27 is $1,453,684. The City will use these funds and others that have rolled over from previous years for projects to be constructed in this and future fiscal years.

To be eligible for SB 1 funding in FY26/27, the City must provide the California Transportation Commission (CTC) with a list of projects that have been approved by the City Council. The list is due to the CTC by July

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3 1, 2026. The list is included with the resolution. Attached to the staff report is a map showing the location of the proposed SB 1 and Measure D funded projects.

In FY26/27, the city will allocate SB 1 funding for:
 2026 Pavement Repair
 Clifford Ave Reconstruction and Safety Improvements from Main St to Pennsylvania Dr FY26/27 projects to receive SB1 funding that was allocated previously and carried over to this year include:
 2025 Road Maintenance
 Pennsylvania Dr Reconstruction design
 Pennsylvania Drive Trail Repair design and construction  Sidewalk Repair
 Road Restriping
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION:

This action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), in that adopting a Resolution supporting a funding plan does not meet CEQA's definition of a “project,” because the action does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and if a “project,” is exempt under the “common sense” exception (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this action may have a significant effect on the environment. The individual projects in the FY 26-27 Measure D and SB 1 project lists will be analyzed separately under CEQA when they are undertaken.

STRATEGIC PLAN:

The proposed expenditure plans are consistent with the following Strategic Plan Goals:

Infrastructure & Environment
Public Safety
FINANCIAL IMPACT:

Measure D and SB 1 will provide funding for transportation projects and help the city qualify for additional grant funds by serving as a local match.

ALTERNATIVE ACTION:

No reasonable alternatives are known currently.

ATTACHMENTS AND/OR REFERENCES (IF ANY):

1. Watsonville Measure D & SB 1 FY26/27 Projects Map

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Attachment 1

Page 1 of 1 ends

Safer Access to Pajaro Valley
High School & Beyond (D) Lee Rd Trail Phase I (D) Safe Routes to Downtown Watsonville Design (D) Clifford Ave Reconstruction (SB1) Watsonville Measure D & SB1 FY26/27 Projects Map
Citywide Projects
2025 Road Maintenance (SB1)
2026 Pavement Repair (D & SB1)
Active Transportation Plan (D)
Bicycle Facilities (D)
Demonstration Project (D)
Maintain & Improve Trails (D)
Pavement Program Manager (D)
Pedestrian & Traffic Safety (D)
Road Restriping (D & SB1)
Sidewalk Repair (SB1)
Pennsylvania Dr
Trail Repair Design (D & SB1)
Pennsylvania Dr
Reconstruction Design (D & SB1)
Freedom Blvd
Improvements (D)

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1 Reso No. ______ (CM)
Meeting Date: 060926 SWZ ______ TV ______ PWU ______
RESOLUTION NO. _____________ (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WATSONVILLE APPROVING THE 2026 MEASURE D 5-YEAR
PROGRAM OF PROJECTS (FY 26/27 - FY 30/31) FOR THE CITY OF

WATSONVILLE FUNDED BY MEASURE D APPROVED BY VOTERS ON
NOVEMBER 8, 2016
WHEREAS, Santa Cruz County voters approved a one-half cent sales tax (Measure D) on November 8, 2016, to fund transportation projects for the next 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Watsonville City Council adopted Resolution No. 76-17 (CM), approving a Measure D Master Funding Agreement between the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission and the City of Watsonville for receipt of Measure D funding for City transportation projects; and
WHEREAS, Watsonville City Council adopted Resolution No. 125-22 (CM), approving a first amendment to the Master Funding Agreement and extending the term an additional 25 years to 2047; and
WHEREAS, said Master Funding Agreement states that for the City to receive its annual allocation of funding for “Neighborhood Projects”, the Watsonville City Council shall first approve a 5-Year Program of Projects following public comment; and WHEREAS, the City of Watsonville’s projected annual allocation of Measure D Neighborhood Project funds for FY26/27 is $1,251,000.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:

1. This action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), in that

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2 Reso No. ______ (CM)
Meeting Date: 060926
adopting a Resolution supporting a funding plan does not meet CEQA's definition of a “project,” because the action does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and if a “project,” is exempt under the “common sense” exception (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this action may have a significant effect on the environment. The individual projects in the FY 26-27 project list will be analyzed separately under CEQA when they are undertaken.

2. That the City Council hereby approves the 2026 Measure D 5-Year Program of Projects (FY26/27 – FY30/31) for the City of Watsonville attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A.”
*********************************

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Measure D: 5-Year Program of Projects (FY26/27-30/31)
Agency: City of Watsonville
Expenditure Plan Category:

Approval Date:

Public Hearing Date: June 9, 2026 Prior FY26/27 FY27/28 FY28/29 FY29/30 FY30/31 Estimated Annual Measure D Allocations $ 9,743,342 $1,251,000 $1,299,000 $1,349,000 $1,395,000 $1,434,000 Project Name/location
City
Project
Number
Description (include project purpose
and complete streets components if
applicable) Total Measure D
Prior Years Spent FY26/27 FY27/28 FY28/29 FY29/30 FY30/31 Total cost estimate Other fund sources
Est.

Construction
start date
Major
project? *
(yes/no)
Citywide Bicycle Facilities (Various
Locations)
14320
Provide signage and traffic markings along
bicycle corridors and provide educational
programs. $973,737 $ 523,737 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $ 1,023,737 None Annual No Maintain & Improve Trails (Various
locations) 14321
Develop, maintain and enhance existing
pedestrian and bicycle trails $635,307 $ 335,307 $0 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $ 735,307 None Annual No Pedestrian & Traffic Safety (Various
Locations)
14322
Install or upgrade safety and traffic
calming measures such as striping,
markers, signage, signals, lighting, flashing
beacons, curb extensions and speed
humps and provide educational programs.
$2,492,457 $ 1,242,457 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $ 2,492,457 None Annual No Pennsylvania Dr Reconstruction from
Clifford St to Winding Way
14817
Reconstruct roadway, bike lanes and
pedestrian facilities, restripe roadway
(design only) $60,999 $ 60,999 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $ 60,999 TBD - SB1 funding FY26/27
(carryover) No
Safer Access to Pajaro Valley High School
& Beyond Project (Highway 1/Harkins
Slough Rd Pedestrian Bridge)
14859
Construct pedestrian bridge over SR 1,
install sidewalk and reconfigure bike lanes
on Harkins Slough Rd. Modify Harkins
Slough Rd/Green Valley Rd/Silver Leaf Dr
intersection to improve bicycle and
pedestrian access. At Pajaro Valley High
School and at feeder schools and various
locations within the high school
attendance area install high visibility
crosswalks, curb extensions, upgrade curb
ramps and improve bicycle facilities and
provide pedestrian and bicycle safety
training.
$115,123 $ 115,123 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $ 115,123
ATP - $11,700,000
Developer Fees -
$2,629,000
STIP - $900,000
In Progress
(carryover) Yes
Lee Rd Trail Phase 1 from Pajaro Valley
High School driveway to Land Trust
driveway 14860
Construct sidewalk and bikelanes on
Harkins Slough Rd and pedestrian and
bicycle path on Lee Rd. $233,803 $ 233,803 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $ 233,803 Federal Earmark -
$1,000,000
Land Trust $700,000
In Progress
(carryover) Yes
Citywide Restriping
15081
Restripe roadways at various locations
within City $1,521,375 $ 271,375 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $ 1,521,375 None Annual No Pennsylvania Dr Trail Repair from Clifford
St to Winding Way
15085
Reconstruct pedestrian pathway to
address failing trail surface (design &
construction) $0 $ - $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $ -
RTC - $560,000 RTC
(Transfer) - $159,407
FY26/27
(carryover) Yes
Safe Routes to Downtown Watsonville
15087
Design bicycle and pedestian
improvements within downtown area and
at eight schools within southeast area of
City
$6,078 $ 6,078 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $ 6,078
ATP - $6,948,000
SB1 - $162,000
STIP - $896,000
RSTPX - $352,000
Private - $29,000
FY26/27
(carryover) Yes
Pavement Repair
15187
Implement pavement repair and
maintenance projects identified in
Pavement Management Program $3,517,800 $ 775,000 $600,000 $300,000 $517,800 $550,000 $550,000 $ 3,292,800 TBD Ongoing No Pavement Program Manager
15195
Provide project management services for
pavement projects $1,465,042 $ 615,042 $425,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $ 1,040,042 None Ongoing (in
progress) No
Freedom Blvd Improvement: Green Valley
Rd to Airport Blvd
15209
Reconstruct Freedom Blvd from Green
Valley Rd to Airport Blvd, construct
sidewalk on east side (Design &
construction). $118,350 $ 118,350 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $ 118,350 CARB - $1,300,000 RTC -
$1,800,000
FY26/27
(carryover) Yes
Active Transportation Plan - SS4A Grant
TBD
Prepare Active Transportation Plan
$80,000 $ - $40,000 $40,000 $0 $0 $0 $ 80,000 SS4A - $320,000 FY26/27 No Pavement Management Plan Yr #3 TBD Pavement Repair Projects at Various Locations $500,000 $ - $0 $500,000 $0 $0 $0 $ 500,000 None FY27/28 Yes Demonstration Project - SS4A Grant TBD Purchase speed cameras & messaging trailers, implement speed warning system
$139,800 $ - $75,800 $32,000 $32,000 $0 $0 $ 139,800 SS4A - $560,000 FY26/27 Yes Adminstrative Costs NA Cost of annaul audit. $61,089 $ 36,089 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $ 61,089 None Annual No Estimated Annual Measure D Expenditures $6,432,928 $1,745,800 $1,577,000 $1,254,800 $1,255,000 $1,255,000 Amount of Measure D Funds Programmed
Exhibit A

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1 Reso No. ______ (CM)
Meeting Date: 060926 SWZ ______ TV ______ PWU ______
RESOLUTION NO. ___________ (CM)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WATSONVILLE APPROVING THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE – SB1
PROJECT LIST FY 26/27 TO BE FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 FUNDS WHEREAS, Senate Bill 1 (SB1) also known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, was signed into law on April 28, 2017; and WHEREAS, SB1 provides funding for road maintenance, rehabilitation, and safety projects which are split between the state, cities and counties; and WHEREAS, eligibility for SB1 funding includes City Council approval of list of possible transportation projects provided to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) before July 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the State estimates annual funding available to the City of Watsonville through SB1 to be approximately $1,453,684 for FY26/27.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:

1. This action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), in that adopting a Resolution supporting a funding plan does not meet CEQA's definition of a “project,” because the action does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and if a “project,” is exempt under the “common sense” exception (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this action may have a significant effect on the environment. The individual

Page 973 of 1393 ends

2 Reso No. ______ (CM)
Meeting Date: 060926
projects in the FY 26-27 project list will be analyzed separately under CEQA when they are undertaken.

2. That the City Council hereby approves the 2026 City of Watsonville – SB1 Project List FY26/27 for the City of Watsonville, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A.”
*********************************

Page 974 of 1393 ends

City of Watsonville - SB1 Project List
FY26/27
New Projects for FY 26/27
Name (City
Project Number)
Description SB1 Share
of Project
Cost
Status Complete
2026 Pavement
Repair
Pavement maintenance and restriping at Freedom
Blvd from Green Valley Rd to Airport Blvd and at
other locations within the city 1,200,000 New FY26/27
Clifford Ave from
Main St to
Pennsylvania Dr
Rehabilitate roadway surface, replace
non compliant curb ramps, install Class II bike
lanes, upgrade traffic signage to meet reflectivity
standards, and apply new striping and pavement
markings.
750,000 New FY26/27
Existing Projects that are either In Progress or Carried Over from previous years Name (City
Project Number)
Description Remaining
SB1 Funds
Status Complete
Pennsylvania
Drive
Reconstruction
(14817)
Design of roadway repair between Winding Way
and Clifford St
68,134 In Progress FY26/27
Pennsylvania Drive
Trail Repair
(14870)
Design of trail repair between Winding Way and
Clifford St 71,217 In Progress FY26/27
Sidewalk Repair
(14873)
Repair and/or replace existing sidewalks on
Riverside Dr and other locations within the city 65,322 Carry Over FY26/27 Road Restriping
(15081)
Restripe existing roadway on West Beach St and
other locations within the city 78,072 In Progress FY26/27 2025 Road
Maintenance
(15187)
Pavement maintenance and restriping at Ford St
from Rodriguez St to Walker St, Freedom Blvd
from Alta Vista St to Broadis St, Green Valley Rd
from Main St to Pennsylania Dr, Harkins Slough Rd
from Green Valley Rd to Struve Slough Bridge,
Kilburn St from Ford St to West 5th St, Loma
Prieta Ave from Airport Blvd to Green
Valley Rd
1,076,827 In Progress FY26/27
Exhibit A

Page 975 of 1393 ends

City of Watsonville - SB1 Project List
FY26/27
New Projects for FY 26/27
Name (City
Project Number)
Description SB1 Share
of Project
Cost
Status Complete Useful
Life
2026 Pavement
Repair
Pavement maintenance and restriping at
Freedom Blvd from Green Valley Rd to
Airport Blvd and at other locations within
the city
1,200,000 New FY26/27 10 Yr
Clifford Ave from
Main St to
Pennsylvania Dr
Rehabilitate roadway surface, replace
non compliant curb ramps, install Class II
bike lanes, upgrade traffic signage to meet
reflectivity standards, and apply new
striping and pavement markings
750,000 New FY26/27 10 Yr
Existing Projects that are either In Progress or Carried Over from previous years Name (City
Project Number)
Description Remaining
SB1 Funds
Status Complete Useful
Life
Pennsylvania
Drive
Reconstruction
(14817)
Design of roadway repair between Winding
Way and Clifford St
68,134
In
Progress
FY26/27 10 Yr
Pennsylvania Drive
Trail Repair
(14870)
Design of trail repair between Winding Way
and Clifford St 71,217
In
Progress
FY26/27 10 Yr
Sidewalk Repair
(14873)
Repair and/or replace existing sidewalks on
Riverside Dr and other locations within the
city
65,322
Carry
Over
FY26/27 20 Yr
Road Restriping
(15081)
Restripe existing roadway on West Beach St
and other locations within the city 78,072
In
Progress
FY26/27 1-5 Yr
2025 Road
Maintenance
(15187)
Pavement maintenance and restriping at
Ford St from Rodriguez St to Walker St,
Freedom Blvd from Alta Vista St to Broadis
St, Green Valley Rd from Main St to
Pennsylania Dr, Harkins Slough Rd from
Green Valley Rd to Struve Slough Bridge,
Kilburn St from Ford St to West 5th St,
Loma Prieta Ave from Airport Blvd to Green
Valley Rd
1,076,827
In
Progress
FY26/27 1-5 Yr
(ATTACHMENT UPDATED 7/8/26

Page 976 of 1393 ends

Measure D & SB 1
Project Lists
Public Works & Utilities Department

Page 977 of 1393 ends

CIP & Transportation Funding
FY26/27 allotment:
• Measure D - $1,251,000
• SB 1 - $1,453,684
Transportation funding in proposed CIP includes:
• Measure D
• SB 1

Page 978 of 1393 ends

Design - Bicycle & Pedestrian
Safe Routes to Downtown
Watsonville
Carryover
Pennsylvania Dr Trail Repair from
Clifford St to Winding Way
Carryover
Prepare Active
Transportation Plan
$80,000

Page 979 of 1393 ends

Design - Roads
Freedom Blvd Reconstruction &
Sidewalks from Green Valley Rd
to Airport Blvd
Carryover
Pennsylvania Dr Reconstruction
from Clifford St to Winding Way
Carryover
PMP Yr 1 – Pavement
Program Manager
Carry over + $425,000 Page 980 of 1393
Construction - Bicycle & Pedestrian
Pedestrian & Traffic Safety
Design, Construction
Carryover + $250,000
Citywide Bicycle Facilities
Programs, Design, Construction
Carryover + $100,000
Maintain & Improve Trails
Design, Construction
Carryover
Sidewalk Repair
Carryover

Page 981 of 1393 ends

Construction - Bicycle & Pedestrian
Phase 1 Limits
Lee Rd Trail Phase I
Design, Permitting,
Construction
Carryover Safer Access to Pajaro Valley
High School and Beyond
Carryover

Page 982 of 1393 ends

Construction -
Roads
Clifford Ave
$750,000
Demonstration
Project
Speed Warning System
$140,000

Page 983 of 1393 ends

Construction - Roads
Citywide Restriping
Design, Construction
Carryover + $250,000
Pavement Repair
Projects
Carryover +
$600,000
2025 Road
Maintenance
Carryover
2026 Road Repair
$1,200,000

Page 984 of 1393 ends

RECOMMENDATION
Approve Measure D & SB 1 project lists

Page 985 of 1393 ends

Page 986 of 1393 ends

1 Reso No. 133-26 (CM)
Meeting Date: 06/23/26
RESOLUTION NO. 133-26 (CM)

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:

1. This action is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), in that adopting a Resolution supporting a funding plan does not meet CEQA's definition of a “project,” because the action does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and if a “project,” is exempt under the “common sense” exception (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this action may have a significant effect on the environment. The individual Docusign Envelope ID: 010D2CE4-7888-8F01-8165-1B0C6F68BE5C

FINAL SIGNED RESOLUTION
(ATTACHMENT UPDATED 7/8/26

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2 Reso No. 133-26 (CM)
Meeting Date: 06/23/26
projects in the FY 26-27 project list will be analyzed separately under CEQA when they are undertaken.

FINAL SIGNED RESOLUTION
(ATTACHMENT UPDATED 7/8/26

Page 988 of 1393 ends

3 Reso No. 133-26 (CM)
Meeting Date: 06/23/26
The foregoing resolution was introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Watsonville, held on the 23rd day of June , 2026, by Mayor Pro Tempore Clark, who moved its adoption, which motion being duly seconded by Member Orozco, was upon roll call carried and the resolution adopted by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Clark, Dutra, Montesino, Orozco, Parker, Quiroz-Carter, Salcido
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
______________________________
Kristal Salcido, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
_______________________
Date
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________
City Attorney
************************************
I, Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk of the City of Watsonville, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 133-26 (CM) was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the Watsonville City Council at a meeting thereof held on the 23rd day of June_, 2026, and that the foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of said Resolution. ________________________________
Irwin I. Ortiz, City Clerk
Date__________________________
Docusign Envelope ID: 010D2CE4-7888-8F01-8165-1B0C6F68BE5C 6/23/2026 | 6:56 PM PDT
6/23/2026 | 6:56 PM PDT

FINAL SIGNED RESOLUTION
(ATTACHMENT UPDATED 7/8/26

Page 989 of 1393 ends

FINAL SIGNED RESOLUTION
(ATTACHMENT UPDATED 7/8/26

Page 990 of 1393 ends

1 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
TO: CITY COUNCIL
WRITTEN BY: PRINCIPAL HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST FLOREZ
RECOMMENDED BY: DEPUTY CITY MANAGER MANNING
APPROVED BY: TAMARA VIDES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: ASSEMBLY BILL 2561-PUBLIC HEARING ON CITY VACANCIES,

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council hold a public hearing in accordance with California State Assembly Bill (AB) 2561 and accept and file the staffing/vacancy report.

BACKGROUND:

California State Assembly Bill (AB) 2561, approved on September 22, 2024, added §3502.3 to the Government Code. This law requires public agencies to present the status of their vacancies in a public hearing before their governing body at least once per fiscal year. The presentation must be made prior to the adoption of a final budget for the fiscal year.

DISCUSSION:

In compliance with the legal obligations under AB 2561, the City is required to hold a public hearing to present the status of filled/vacant positions within the agency by bargaining unit, and if the vacancy rate meets or exceeds 20% the total number of authorized full-time Union represented positions, the agency is required to make additional reporting requirements. Further, the Legislative Bill authorized the recognized bargaining unit to present at the public hearing at which the public agency reports on vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts for positions within that bargaining unit. The city has notified bargaining units of this hearing and their opportunity to make a presentation.

Page 991 of 1393 ends

2 Vacancies
In response to AB 2561, the City reviewed total staffing and vacancy rates using the FY 25/26 budget and staffing/vacancy rates from the 2025 calendar year. Total vacancies by bargaining group as of December 31, 2025, are listed in the chart below.

Bargaining Unit Number of Budgeted Position
in FY 25-26
Number of Vacancies in
Calendar Year 2025
Vacancy Rate
City Clerk 1 0 0%
City Council 7 0 0%
City Manager 1 0 0%
Confidential 11 0 0%
Executive 10 3 30%
IAFF L-1272 33 4 12.1%
Fire Management 4 0 0%
Management 57 3 5.3%
LiUNA MidManagement 78.75 6 7.6%
Operating Engineers
Local 3 (OE3) 116 7 6%
Police Management 5 0 0%
Police MidManagement 11 0 0%
Police Officers
Association (POA) 54 8 14.8%
SEIU 521 37.75 2 5.3%
TOTAL 426.5 33 7.7%
Vacancies may occur for various reasons throughout the year, including internal promotions or transfer of a staff member, retirement, resignation, termination, or approval of a new position. When vacancies occur, the City’s Human Resources Department works with the affected department to fill the position(s) to maintain operations, ensure continued quality & efficient services to the community, and reduce the need for overtime.

Staff notes that there were vacancies among positions in the Executive, Fire, Management, LiUNA MidManagement, OE3, POA and SEIU bargaining groups as of December 31, 2025. The Executive group exceeded the twenty percent (20%) vacancy rate, but recruitment for the vacant positions; Community Development Director, Police Chief and Fire Chief were opened shortly after their vacancy. There have been several recruitments since then. Two of the Executive group vacancies; Police and Fire Chief were filled in January 2026 and the Community Development Director was filled in March 2026. The chart below reflects the current vacancies as of June 12, 2026. None of them are at or exceed a twenty percent (20%) vacancy rate.

Page 992 of 1393 ends

3 Bargaining Unit Number of Budgeted Position
in FY 25-26
Number of Vacancies as of
June 12, 2026 Vacancy Rate
City Clerk 1 0 0%
City Council 7 0 0%
City Manager 1 0 0%
City Clerk 1 0 0%
City Council 7 0 0%
City Manager 1 0 0%
Confidential 11 0 0%
Executive 10 0 0%
IAFF L-1272 33 1 3%
Fire Management 4 1 0%
Management 57 6 10.5%
LiUNA MidManagement 78.75 5 6.3%
Operating Engineers
Local 3 (OE3) 116 4 2.6%
Police Management 5 0 0%
Police MidManagement 11 0 0%
Police Officers
Association (POA) 54 10 18.5%
SEIU 521 37.75 2 5.3%
TOTAL 426.5 29 6.8%
Recruitment and Retention of Staff
The City employs various recruitment strategies, including posting vacancies on the City’s website and social media platforms as well as industry-specific job boards. Additionally, when we have critical staffing needs and few qualified candidates, we have offered signing bonuses. We have increased signing bonuses to lateral Police Officers and offered bonuses for the Principal Engineer position.

The City, in coordination with the Communications team, continues to run social media posts for the Police and Fire Departments. Community outreach has played a major role, with both departments actively participating in recruitment events. Most recently, the Fire Department opened recruitment to EMT’s looking to become firefighters/paramedics.

In general, the City can fill most positions with a healthy pool of candidates to select from, but public safety positions and upper-level management\high level professional positions are often more challenging to fill due to a smaller pool of qualified candidates.

The City also employs various strategies for retaining existing staff, including striving to maintain competitive compensation. When operationally feasible, it offers 4/10 and 9/80 alternative work schedules and the ability to telecommute one day per week to provide flexibility to employees. The City supports professional development and career growth for employees and encourages a work environment that is supportive, collaborative, and community-focused.

Page 993 of 1393 ends

4 CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION:

The action being considered does not constitute a “project” with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that is an administrative activity that will not result in a potentially significant impact to the environment.

STRATEGIC PLAN:

This action aligns with Efficient and High-Performing Government by addressing vacancies and efforts to attract and retain a well-qualified, diverse, and professional workforce dedicated to public service.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

None
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:

None
ATTACHMENTS AND/OR REFERENCES (IF ANY):

1. Bill Text – AB 2561

Page 994 of 1393 ends

Watsonville City CouncilJune 23, 2026

Watsonville City Council
June 23, 2026