minutes - city of soledad · 2020-03-20 · city of soledad city council/successor agency regular...

Minutes

City of Soledad Joint City Council/Successor Agency

Regular Meeting

June 6, 2018 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Pro Tem Alejandro Chavez called the City Council/Successor Agency Meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. ROLL CALL The Following Councilmembers/Agencymembers were present when the meeting was called to order: Mayor/Chair Fred Ledesma (Arrived at 5:34 p.m.) Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Alejandro Chavez Councilmember/Agencymember Christopher Bourke Councilmember/Agencymember Carla Stewart Councilmember/Agencymember Anna Velazquez THE FOLLOWING COUNCILMEMBERS WERE ABSENT

None PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS

None MEETING RECESSED FOR CLOSED SESSION Mayor Pro Tem Chavez recessed to Closed Session at 5:33 p.m.

MEETING RECONVENED Mayor Fred Ledesma reconvened from Closed Session at approximately 6:10 p.m. CLOSED SESSION REPORTS

1. The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section

54956.8 to give instructions to the City's negotiator concerning the purchase of property located at Assessor Parcel Number 022-141-017. Instructions will include price and terms of payment.

City of Soledad City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting ∙ Minutes of June 6, 2018

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2. The City Council will recess to closed session to confer with its attorney regarding litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) and is hereby of the opinion that a significant exposure to litigation exists.

The City Attorney Michael Rodriquez reported that with respect to item #1, Instructions were provided to the City’s negotiator. No other reportable action taken. With respect to item #2, the Council conferred with its attorney and staff. No other reportable action taken PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Mr. Damien Ryan PEACEBUILDERS’ PLEDGE was led by Ms. Darlene Noriega ADDITIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA

None

MAYOR/COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS

1. Swearing-in of K-9 Twister accompanied by handler Officer Jesus Contreras

Mayor Ledesma introduced K-9 Twister and Handler Officer Jesus Contreras. Officer Contreras explained that K-9 Twister is from the Czech Republic in Europe and listens to Czech commands. Twister is 6 years old. He is a German Shepherd Mix. K-9 Twister is a dual purpose dog. He is Patrol qualified and trained in apprehension, narcotics and floor tactics.

2. Certificate of Recognition for the Soledad High School Boys Varsity Baseball 2018 MTAL

Championship.

Awards were presented to the Soledad High School Boys Varsity Baseball Team and Coaches

MEETING RECESS Mayor Ledesma recessed Council Meeting at 6:28 p.m. for a time of socializing amongst the Team, family, public and Council. MEETING RECONVENED Mayor Ledesma reconvened Council Meeting at 6:33 p.m.


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PUBLIC COMMENT

Francisco Bravo came to bring awareness of the eviction notices that have been served to all tenants living at the Monterey Apartments on Encinal Street. The owner of the apartments has evicted all tenants so that temporary agriculture workers from Mexico can have a place to live while they work. Some tenants have already moved out, but some have nowhere to go because Soledad has no affordable housing. He doesn’t understand why people that work in agriculture are being evicted to house people that work in agriculture. Tenants with children of all ages are being evicted with nowhere to go. All tenants work, but still cannot afford anywhere else. The company name is Fresh Innovations and JV Farms. There is no affordable housing available. The lists for the affordable housing that is available is extremely long.

Mayor Ledesma assured Mr. Bravo that the City has already addressed this issue and is working to see what can be done.

Evita Lopez also has been evicted from the Monterey Apartments and she asked the Council if there is any way the City could ask for an extension for the current tenants that live in the apartments. The 60 days runs out on July 31st.

Another tenant is also very concerned because she was served the notice in front of her children. The person who served the notice also gave verbal notice in front of children and the children are very scared that they will have nowhere to live. She feels this information should not have been spoken about in front of the tenant’s children.

Councilmember Velazquez thanked the people for coming to the Council meeting to talk about what is going on. She said that she and the Council are very concerned about what is happening and are actively looking into what can be done.

Mayor Pro Tem Chavez thanked the people for coming and sharing their concerns. He assured the public that this situation was discussed in the current closed session. Direction was given to the legal team and they are looking into what can be done legally.

Councilmember Bourke asked legal counsel if it would be possible to ask for an extension of time on behalf of the current tenants that are being evicted? Seeing that there is no housing available in Soledad at this time, is it possible for the Council to ask the housing authority if these tenants being evicted can be moved up on the waiting list for housing in the area.

City Attorney Michael Rodriquez said that he is not sure if the City can ask for these tenants to be moved up on the waiting list, but he does feel that the City can send a letter requesting an extension on the eviction period to show compassion for the situation and also that greater effort be put forth with respect to relocation efforts.

Councilmember Stewart thanked the tenants for coming to the Council meeting to express their concerns. She asked Mr. Bravo if the new owner offered any kind of relocation assistance.

Mr. Bravo said they basically offered $3,000 if you moved out by June 1st. The longer you stay there at the complex, the less money you get. They are not paying any moving expenses.

City Attorney asked if the offer was in writing and Mr. Bravo said he did have it in writing and would provide a copy of the notice.


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Mayor asked where everyone was now living. Most people said they were still living at the complex because they cannot find

anywhere else to live in the area that they can afford. Everyone is trying to figure out how to stay because this city is their home and is home to their children.

Mr. Bravo added that the new owners are not local people. The new owners are from Yuma, AZ.

Pauline Tomasini came to update the Council on the 4th of July plan. She was unable to continue her report after hearing what is happening to the families that are being evicted. Mr. Bob Grover came to thank the City and Public Works Director Don Wilcox for their efforts in straightening out a problem that had occurred between Mr. Grover and Charter Communications.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Ledesma announced that there was a Mayor’s meeting last week in the city of Carmel. The meeting was regarding H2A Housing and Farm Worker Housing.

COUNCILMEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Councilmember Bourke reported that on 5/3/18 he attended the Solar Turn-on event at Frank Ledesma School. He attended the AMBAG meeting on 5/9/18. He was unable to attend the SVSWA meeting on 05/17/18. He did attend the Memorial Day Remembrance at the Soledad Cemetery.

Councilmember Velazquez reported that on 05/03/18 she attended the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Regional Economic Summit that was held in Watsonville. On 05/03/18 she attended the Solar Project ribbon cutting celebration at Frank Ledesma School. On 05/09/18 she attended the Public Works appreciation luncheon. On 05/11/18 she attended the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, Labor of Works dinner with Assemblywoman Anna Caballero. On 05/14/18 she attended the MST Board of Directors meeting. On 05/16/18 she met with Chief Sills and Sergeant Mungia to view a PowerPoint presentation that is being formed for the neighborhood watch meeting. On 05/18/18 she attended the neighborhood watch meeting that was held here at City Hall. On 05/19/18 she went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The visit was a collaboration with Tri-Cities, which was part of their education and awareness campaign regarding environmental impacts caused by contamination to the oceans. There were about sixty Soledad families that attended the event. On 05/22/18 she attended a meeting with Charter Communication to address some community concerns. On 05/31/18 she attended the 20/20 census. On 05/31/18 she also attended the graduation ceremony for the Community Police Academy. There were seven graduates from the City of Soledad.

Councilmember Stewart thanked Councilmember Bourke for attending the AMBAG meeting on 05/09/18 on her behalf. On 05/28/18 she attended the American Legion Post 32 Memorial Day service. On 05/30/18 she attended the Monterey County


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Business Council monthly luncheon; the guest speaker was Supervisor Simon Salinas. On 05/31/18 she attended the community Police Academy graduation. On 06/01/18 she attended Coffee with A Cop event.

Mayor Pro Tem Chavez reported that on 05/02/18 he attended the TAMC Executive Committee meeting. On 05/11/18 he attended the Monterey Bay Labor Council annual dinner. On 05/18/18 he attended the neighborhood watch meeting here at City Hall. On 05/31/18 he also attended the 20/20 census meeting. On 06/06/18 he attended the TAMC Executive meeting.

COUNCILMEMBER PRAISES

Councilmember Stewart thanked Councilmember Velazquez and Chief Sills for hosting the Neighborhood Watch meeting. She thanked the American Legion for hosting the Memorial Day service. She thanked a Girl Scout Troop from King City for using their Girl Scout Cookie money to purchase items off the Amazon Wish List for South County Animal Rescue. She thanked Frank and Joel from Public Works; on Sunday she was driving by the corner of Gabilan and West Streets and witnessed them clearing a branch that was across the road.

Mayor Pro Tem Chavez praised the Soledad Little League as they move forward in the Tournament of Champions.

Councilmember Bourke praised City staff for responding quickly to issues that arise. He also praised the Soledad High School sports program. This year they have won the football championship, both basketball championships and the baseball championship.

Councilmember Velazquez thanked the Police Department for all the efforts they have initiated for community engagement. She also praised all of the middle school and high school students that are getting ready to graduate and move forward. She also praised Ms. Maury Treleven; she wears many hats in our community. She has engaged communication and raised awareness about protecting our environment. She has made sure that there are things in place so that she is able to work with different organizations and community members to look at how each person can work towards protecting our environment. She would also like to challenge the Council to stop using plastic bottles and try to use recyclable containers.

PRESENTATIONS

1. Housing Program Manager Matt Huerta from the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership gave a presentation and overview of MBEP’s housing initiative.

Mayor Ledesma said, when a developer builds, the builder is required to pay per

square foot for building because that builder will be having an impact on the school; why the Ag industry is not required to pay an impact fee when the reason why communities are having such a shortage of housing is because of the low-income of


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people working in their industry; they pay people $11 dollars an hour which people cannot afford to live off of. He asked why is the difference not being distinguished between H2A and Farmworker Housing and that looking at the projects in the presentation, the housing shown is not Farm Worker housing, they were all H2A housing. He would like information disclosed to the public regarding how many H2A employees are living in that project and how many local farm-working families are actually in that project. He said that Soledad is the largest voting bloc in District 3, Simon Salinas is the Supervisor of Soledad and he has never come here to address the City about Paraiso Hot Springs, the housing situation, H2A or any farm-working projects being built. The surrounding cities have the same problem. The County is making great plans but not addressing the cities regarding where all these people are going to live. Nothing is being done about the real problem. It seems people are taking credit for things that are not actually happening. The communities need to figure out where all these people are going to live.

Councilmember Bourke asked if there is any chance of bringing back RDA. In the past RDA was a big source of funding for building housing for families.

o Mr. Huerta said that at the state level there is an effort to reinstate a form of

Redevelopment agencies. He will follow up with further information.

Councilmember Velazquez thanked Mr. Huarta for coming and bringing information. She would like to collaborate regionally and address the housing needs that are needed in the different communities. We need to engage in these conversations and stand our ground as to what is needed. We need to make sure this doesn’t end at this meeting; this is the beginning of dialogue of how to put together a committee that will include people from the farm industry, housing developers and residents. Also, how do we start having meetings with other cities for this need?

Councilmember Bourke asked if the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership was willing to work and subsidize those developers to build the farm labor housing and the H2A housing that is needed.

o Mr. Huerta said that MBEP is working to identify more funding sources that

would make it possible for the largely affordable projects to happen. There are developers building that need an Inclusionary Housing ordinance requirement, both rentals and for sale or they build a market rate project. Because they want to build more units on that site, they would include some affordable components.

Mayor Pro Tem Chavez feels that the best start would be to have a meeting with the community; finding out the needs and the best practices to move forward. Rules are changing regarding H2A that would ease the ability for more H2A workers to come and be taken advantage of. The changing of these rules will change the quality of life for everyone.


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Councilmember Stewart asked that Mr. Huerta also give this same presentation to the monthly Mayor’s meeting and maybe after that the Council can start establishing an Ad Hoc committee and scheduling meetings with our legislators and come up with a community engagement strategy to make sure everyone is involved.

2. Charter Communications Director of Government Affairs Lisa Ludovici gave a

presentation on Charter’s New High Speed Internet and Telephone Services as well as Expanded Cable TV coming to Soledad.

3. City Manager Michael McHatten will present a Workshop Budget presentation.

City Manager Michael McHatten presented a Power Point overview of the budget. A Public Hearing date was scheduled for June 26, 2018 for the adoption of the budget. He asked that the council review the budget and email him in advance regarding any questions that they may have, so that questions can be addressed before the June 26th Special meeting.

o Mayor Pro Tem Chavez suggested that next year there is a Preliminary budget

presented to Council in April or May. o City Manager Michael McHatten said in January there is no clear tax information

to create a presentation and that in February and March, tax information starts to be clearer.

o Councilmember Velazquez would also like the opportunity to be able to engage the community before the budget is approved. She would like to have a quarterly report from the different departments that show where Council is in terms of the budget.

o Councilmember Stewart suggested that the Reinstatement of positions be put on the June 26, 2018 agenda.

o Michael McHatten said the positions can be put on the June 26th agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR Action: Councilmember Bourke made a motion to pull Items C-3, C-4, C-7 and C-9. These items will be continued on the Special Meeting agenda of June 26, 2018. Councilmember Stewart asked to speak in regards to item C-7 and C-10. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Stewart and carried by unanimous vote: Motion: Ayes: Bourke, Stewart, Velazquez, Chavez and Ledesma Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None


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Councilmember Stewart likes the type of report that is generated for item C-10, the Water System Consumer Confidence Report, and would like a similar report to be generated for residents of Soledad, paid for by Measure Y money with an update on Measure Y funds and how they were spent, so that the community is aware of how the Measure Y funds were spent.

Action: Councilmember Velazquez made a motion to approve C-1, C-2, C-5, C-6, C-8, C-10, C-11 and C-12. Motion was seconded by Mayor Ledesma and carried by unanimous vote: Motion: Ayes: Velazquez, Ledesma, Stewart, Velazquez and Chavez Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None

C-1 Approval of Minutes

a. Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes of May 2, 2018

C-2 Approval of Warrants # 035654 - 035951

C-3 Resolution No. 5397, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving Reinstatement of the Office Specialist Job Classification, Adopting a Revised Job Description and Establishing a Salary range.

C-4 Resolution No. 5398, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad

Approving the Reinstatement of One Public Works Maintenance Worker position.

C-5 Resolution No. 5399, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving an Amendment to the Existing Salary Ranges for Certain Represented Classifications.

C-6 Street Closure of Main Street Between Market and Monterey Streets on Sunday, August 12, 2018 for the 32nd Annual Our Lady of Solitude Church Fiesta.


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C-8 Resolution No. 5401, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Accepting Dedications of Storm Drain Easements as Part of the Soledad Regional Recharge Project.

C-9 Resolution No. 5402, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Vacating a 64-Foot Sanitary Sewer and Water Line Easement, and

Resolution No. 5403, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad

Authorizing the City Manager to Accept a Permanent Grant Deed.

C-10 Accept by Minute Motion the 2017 Water System Consumer Confidence Report.

C-11 Resolution No. 5404, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving an Agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for Services From July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021 at a Not-to-Exceed Cost of $3,798,333 for the Duration of the Term and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Agreement on Behalf of the City of Soledad.

C-12 Receive and Accept City of Soledad Monthly Department Activity Reports.

Item C-7 Resolution No. 5400, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad

Approving a Consulting Services Agreement with Voler Strategic Advisors Effective July 1, 2018 for Public Information Officer, Social Media and other Marketing Services in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $30,000.

Councilmember Stewart is concerned about the consultant that the City uses for Public Relations. She looked through their proposal and noticed a lot of things that the City may be paying someone else to do as well as Voler. Because they are not a local company, she is concerned about how they are building relationships with our local media. She said there is an organization called the California Association of Public Information Officers. There are people in this organization that reside in Monterey County that would probably know more about Soledad and South County and perhaps could help Soledad more than Voler. She would like to know if the City has ever gone out for new proposals.

City Manager Michael McHatten said that the City has not gotten other proposals. The Voler contract has been renewed in the past. Voler does do social media and also other information. Voler is the Public Information Officer as well as marketing services and crisis management.


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Councilmember Stewart requested that at the next meeting when this item is brought back again the following be provided to Council:

1. A list of work they have done for Soledad the last year. 2. Copies of all press releases they have done for Soledad in the last year. 3. The number of social media posts they have done and how often the

social media post were made.

o Councilmember Velazquez requested that future contracts have concrete language in terms of goals and outcomes so that there is no confusion about who is doing what and making sure that we are not paying two different companies to do the same thing. Before the City extends the contract for Voler she would like to review the marketing goals that were successfully accomplished. She also requested a list of what we have asked them to do as part of the marketing campaign and what was accomplished on that list so that Council can review the benefits of the marketing service. She would also like a monthly report as part of the Council agenda regarding any social media performance and outcomes. And she suggested that there should be an established media plan and roadmap with timelines for marketing service’s goals and outcomes.

BUSINESS

B-3 Receive by Minute Motion Various South County YMCA Reports.

Executive Director of the YMCA Joe Gonzalez presented the staff report and also a Power Point slide presentation. He also presented the City with a check in the amount of $2,685.35. Council Action: No action was taken. Information was received and accepted by the City Council.

B-1 Resolution No. 5405, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Ordering a General Municipal Election, Requesting the Monterey County Elections Department to Conduct the Election, Requesting Consolidation of the Election with the Statewide General Election and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the Monterey County Registrar of Voters for Related Election Services.

City Manager Michael McHatten presented the staff report.


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Council Action: To adopt Resolution No. 5405 Motion: Motion made by Councilmember Bourke seconded by Councilmember Velazquez and carried by unanimous vote. Ayes: Bourke, Velazquez, Chavez, Stewart and Ledesma Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None

B-2 Change in City Council Meeting date of July 4, 2018.

City Manager Michael McHatten presented the staff report.

Council Action: To change the July Regular City Council meeting date from July 4, 2018 to July 11, 2018 Motion: Motion made by Councilmember Bourke seconded by Councilmember Stewart and carried by unanimous vote. Ayes: Bourke, Stewart, Chavez, Velazquez and Ledesma Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None

B-4 Consideration of two Appointments to the Soledad Planning Commission.

Community and Economic Director Brent Slama presented the staff report.

Council Action: Mayor Fred Ledesma reappointed two Planning Commissioners; Mr. Bob Bigiogni and Mr. Sergio Diaz.

B-5 Resolution No’s. 5406, 5407, 5408, 5409 and 5410, Resolutions of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving Preliminary Annual Engineer’s Reports and Declaring the City’s Intention to Levy and Collect Annual Assessments for Various Districts for Fiscal Year 2018/2019 and Setting a Time and Place for a Public Hearing.

Public Works Director Don Wilcox presented the staff reports

https://drive.google.com/open?id=18ouNiL_ifO73YbtGSRikRbM4XJidJrfZ

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RJ_C55ejkdHrFsmhUwdPruKlmPVyDZR9


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Councilmember Stewart and Mayor Pro Tem Chavez recused themselves from considering Resolution No. 5406. Council Action: To set a Public Hearing date for Resolution No. 5406 Motion: Motion made to adopt by Councilmember Velazquez, Seconded by Mayor Ledesma and carried by the following vote: Ayes: Velazquez, Ledesma, and Bourke Noes: None Abstain: Stewart and Chavez Absent: None Council Action: To set a Public Hearing date for Resolution No’s. 5407, 5408, 5409 and 5410. Motion: Motion made to adopt by Councilmember Bourke, Seconded by Mayor Ledesma and carried by unanimous vote: Ayes: Bourke, Ledesma, Chavez, Stewart and Velazquez Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

1. There were no contracts entered into. 2. No legislative platforms taken in the last period.

COUNCILMEMBER’S COMMITTEE REPORTS

None COUNCILMEMBER’S ITEMS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Councilmember Stewart will email her items to the City Manager.

Councilmember Bourke had four items: 1. There was a citizen on the SVSWA Citizens Advisory Committee. That citizen has

resigned from the committee. A new citizen will need to fill that opening on the committee.

2. There will be a high school graduation at the high school stadium. 3. He would like a letter of extension to go out to the new owner of the apartments

on Encinal Street. 4. He would like someone to look into a building permit for a 24x20 greenhouse that

was given to 767 Christiansen Street. He is concerned.


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Councilmember Velazquez had one item: 1. She would like to move forward with what the process will be for a future Ad Hoc

committee regarding the housing in the area.

Mayor Fred Ledesma had one item: 1. Mayor will be having a meeting on 06/07/18 with Mr. John Thompson and Mr. Bill

Thompson. These men are the owners of a 125 room luxury resort at Paraiso Hot Springs. There are issues with fire and police services and letters have been sent regarding some of the issues. He also invited Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, City Manager Michael McHatten along with the other Mayor’s from South County.

ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pro Tem Chavez adjourned the meeting at 10: 04 p.m. Minutes Approved: July 11, 2018 _________________________________________ FRED J. LEDESMA, Mayor/Chairman _________________________________________ MICHAEL MCHATTEN, City Clerk/Agency Secretary

minutes - city of soledad · 2020-03-20 · city of soledad city council/successor agency regular...

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