SALINAS CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
APRIL 3, 2007 MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Donohue convened the joint City Council and
Redevelopment Agency meeting at 5:05 p.m.
Present:
Mayor/Chairperson Dennis Donohue
Council/Agency member Tony
Barrera
Council/Agency member Jyl Lutes
Council/Agency member Sergio Sanchez
Council/Agency member Steve Villegas
Absent:
Council/Agency member Janet Barnes
Council/Agency member
Gloria De La Rosa
Also Present:
City Attorney/Agency Counsel Vanessa Vallarta
City Clerk/Secretary Ann Camel
CITY OF CHAMPIONS
Mayor Donohue commended Julie Laughton for being
among forty out of 64,000 California FFA members to be accepted to the
Sacramento Leadership Experience.
PRESENTATION
Sharon Gish, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Central Coast YMCA, presented a DVD presentation on the YMCA’s Alisal Community
Friends Program.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Glorietta Rowland, Executive Director of Coalition of
Homeless Service Providers, invited the City Council to the first Monterey
County Project Homeless Connect event on April 17th.
CONSENT RESOLUTION
SALINAS CITY
COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Upon motion by Council/Agency member Lutes and second by
Council/Agency member Sanchez, the Council/Agency voted unanimously to approve
the Consent Resolutions. Absent: Council/Agency members Barnes and De La
Rosa.
CITY COUNCIL CONSENT
RESOLUTION
1.
Approved minutes of
meeting of March 20, 2007.
2. Accepted financial claims report.
3. Adopted
ORDINANCE 2467 amending Chapter 9, Article IV, relating to house
numbering to increase number size/visibility for improved Ambulance, Fire, and
Police emergency response.
4. Adopted
RESOLUTION 19170 authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement for services
with the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency for Development and
implementation of a grease source control program.
5. Adopted
RESOLUTION 19171 accepting and issuing report regarding findings and
measures taken to study and consider conditions that led to the adoption of
interim ordinance No. 2466 prohibiting the issuance of permits, entitlement or
any other approval for medical marijuana dispensaries.
6. Adopted
RESOLUTION 19172 authorizing the direct purchase of fourteen Securenet
Motorola XTL5000 Mobile Radios with
remote control and encryption for Police patrol vehicles for $56,354.90.
7. Adopted
RESOLUTION 19173 authorizing the Mayor to sign Measure V after-school
program agreements with Salinas City School District and Santa Rita School District.
8.
Adopted RESOLUTION 19174 authorizing the direct
purchase of pre-manufactured restroom units from CXT, Inc. for the
ADA-compliant restroom upgrades at Central and Closter Parks, Project 9033; and
adopted RESOLUTION 19175 approving plans and specs and authorizing
formal solicitation of bids with bids to be opened on May 1, 2007 for site
preparation and installation of restroom units.
9. Adopted
RESOLUTION 19176 rejecting all bids for the East Salinas Area
Streetlights – Phases IX, X, and XIV; Project Numbers 9037, 9041, and 9042; and
authorize the re-bidding of the project as two separate projects, with bids for
Phase IXA to be opened May 3, 2007 and bids for Phase X and IXB to be opened
May 10, 2007.
10. Accepted the Rossi
Street Improvements (from Sansome to Sherwood Drive) Project 9122 and Traffic
Signal Modifications at North Main Street and Rossi Street, Project Nos. 9654
for maintenance and responsibility.
SALINAS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
1. Approved
minutes.
2. Approved
financial claims
The
Salinas Redevelopment Agency adjourned at 5:25 p.m..
PUBLIC
HEARING
1. Economic
Development Revenue Bonds ( Monterey County Public Building Project)
Tom Kever,
Finance Director, stated that the City would be the conduit issuer for the Low
Income Family Enrichment (LIFE) Foundation for the purchase of the Quadrangle
building on South Main Street, which would generate revenue for low-income
endeavors. The Monterey County
Department of Social Services would receive below- market rents and $1 million
in building improvements. The federal
grant restrictions do not allow Monterey County to issue the bonds. The City would issue non-taxable bonds not
to exceed $18 million and taxable bonds not to exceed $4 million. The bonds would be insured by letter of
credit, and the City is not liable for any costs associated with the project or
the bonds. Mr. Kever outlined the
City’s administrative fees and the charitable funding that the City would
direct. An additional benefit is that
the Quadrangle building will remain occupied and maintained.
COUNCIL
ACTION
Upon
motion by Councilmember Sanchez and second by Councilmember Lutes, the Council
voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 19177 authorizing the Mayor, City Manager
and Finance Director to execute bond documents necessary to issue City of
Salinas Economic Development Revenue Bonds (Monterey County Public Building
Project) Series 2007A (Tax-exempt) in an amount not to exceed $18,000,000 and
Series 2007B (Taxable) in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000. Absent:
Councilmembers Barnes and De La Rosa.
CONSIDERATION
1. Regional
Development Traffic Impact Fees.
James Serrano, Transportation Planner, stated that TAMC initially
requested a notice of intent to impose a fee on a project-by-project basis,
which staff believes is inappropriate at this time because the nexus study is
not complete. Staff recommends that the
Council support the development of the regional fee program but not approve the
fee at this time. TAMC should continue
working with Salinas community stakeholders to address the state of the
financing plan and elements of the plan.
Salinas also would like evidence that Caltrans is satisfied with
mitigations for cumulative impacts to State highways.
Debbie Hale, TAMC Executive Director, identified the public and private
stakeholders with whom they are working.
They intend to obtain a written commitment from Caltrans that this would
address the cumulative impacts. They
are returning to Council because they heard the Salinas Valley cities ask for
zones so as to not pay for projects outside of their regions. TAMC originally proposed one zone so as to
not create a disincentive to develop in one area. She identified what the three zones may look like. Their timeline for completion is by
this
summer. They are currently undergoing
modeling issues and it may be later.
However, they want to coordinate with the future growth plan.
Al Espindola stated that the fees should be scrutinized so as not to
discourage developers from building in Salinas.
Christine Kemp stated that it is troublesome to have an ad hoc fee that
has not been adopted by all twelve cities and by TAMC, and she urged Council to
approve staff’s recommendation.
Brian Finegan, representing developers in Salinas’ future growth areas,
stated that the developers expect to pay a regional fee. However, they do not want to be the only
ones paying for regional transportation improvements. They support the City staff recommendation. They are concerned with the timing, so
that
it could be part of the environmental evaluation of the future growth
areas. However, summer 2007 is
unrealistic. He was told today that
TAMC’s meeting this Friday was postponed to May 4.
Eric Petersen, Traffic and Transportation Commisson and TAMC auxiliary
advisory committee, stated that the stakeholders are pro development and others
should be involved, e.g. advocates for clean air, unions, working families, and
the TAMC auxiliary advisory committee.
Christy Cromeenes, Salinas Valley Builders Exchange, spoke in support of
the staff’s recommendation.
Councilmember Lutes stated that TAMC has done a tremendous job of
pursuing this. However, this needs to
be looked at in a holistic way. This is
a small part of the funding mechanism.
COUNCIL ACTION
Upon motion by Councilmember Lutes and second by Councilmember
Sanchez, Council voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 19178 reaffirming
Salinas’ support for the development of a regional traffic impact fee and to
consider the fee program following TAMC’s discussions with local stakeholders,
completion of the nexus study, establishment of the overall financing program,
and evidence that the fee program will satisfy Caltrans’ requirement for
mitigation of cumulative traffic impacts associated with new development. Absent:
Councilmembers Barnes and De La Rosa.
ADMINISTRATIVE
REPORT
1. Code
Enforcement Program Update and Implementation Plan
Mike Stone,
Inspection Services Manager, presented his report. Three new Code inspectors have been hired, including two officers
hired with Measure V funding.
Senior Code
Enforcement Officer Irma Gowin outlined Code Enforcement’s outreach efforts and
temporary housing information assistance for persons who must vacate illegal
dwelling units.
Mike, Salinas
resident, stated that enforcement after 5 p.m. is needed.
Al Espindola
stated that Code Enforcement successfully responded to two issues in his
neighborhood recently.
Councilmember
Sanchez suggested closer collaboration with the School Districts’ parents
patrols, utilizing the website and other technological media, and putting Code
enforcement and non-emergency telephone numbers on City vehicles.
Councilmember
Lutes suggests a book-marker sized reference card for distribution.
The City
Council met in closed session pursuant
to:
a.
Government Code Section 54956.9(c), conference with legal
counsel regarding anticipated litigation (one potential case).
b.
Government Code Section 54957.6 with its designated labor
representatives Dave Mora, City Manager; Vanessa Vallarta, City Attorney; Jorge
Rifa, Deputy City Manager; Finance Director Tom Kever; and Teri Silva, Human
Resources Manager regarding labor relations with Association of Management
Personnel, Firefighters Association, Fire Supervisors Association, Police
Officers Association, Police Management Association, Confidential Employees,
Confidential Management Employees, and Department Directors.
c.
Government Code Section 54957.6 with its designated labor
representatives Dave Mora, City Manager; Vanessa Vallarta, City Attorney; Jorge
Rifa, Deputy City Manager; Finance Director Tom Kever; and Teri Silva, Human
Resources Manager regarding labor relations with Service Employees
International Union (SEIU), SEIU Supervisors, and Salinas Municipal Employees
Association/SEIU.
The City Council reconvened in the Rotunda at 8:15 p.m.
CONSIDERATION
1. Memoranda of Understanding with the Salinas Police
Management Association and the Salinas Police Officers Association.
Dave Mora, City Manager, presented his report. The City has been negotiating with the Police Management and Police
Benefit Associations on their Memoranda of Understanding that expire on June
30, 2007. The mid-term salary received
by Monterey Police Officers’ compensation late last calendar year is resulting
in the Salinas Police Department’s salaries falling fifteen percent behind
Monterey’s effective January 1. The
City’s policy is to be competitive, however Salinas cannot match a fifteen
percent increase effective July 1, 2007.
He recommends a package that does not match Monterey’s increase but
makes some significant steps. The
package would include a term ending December 31, 2009 and five base salary
increases of five percent effective on each of the following dates: April 1, 2007; October 1, 2007; April 1,
2008; October 1, 2008; and April 1, 2009.
Additionally, similar to Fire public safety, Police Management employees
would be eligible for a twenty-year longevity pay of five percent effective
July 1, 2007. The night shift
differential pay received by Sergeants will be extended to Commanders. Finally, the package includes a non-cost
item to research a retirees’ health savings plan at no cost to the City. The economic parameters are substantial but
consistent and doable within the City’s overall financing. The cumulative impact is $1,082,373 in base
salary and premium pay for the thirty-three month term.
Police Sergeant Jay Malispina noted that the law enforcement market is
very competitive, and he thanked the City Council for this effort.
Councilmember Sanchez stated that Police public safety personnel deserve a
fair wage, as do all employees. He is
concerned about the financial situation in which it places the City; however,
he trusts the Finance Director’s and City Manager’s assurances. He appreciates the acknowledgement that this
is a huge commitment, perhaps historical, and it speaks to the City’s
commitment to public safety. Increased
accountability comes with the improved situation. Salinas is underpaid compared to other cities, and this allows
the City to retain committed officers and provides an incentive for
longevity.
Mayor Donohue
stated that this is a calculated risk, but the City is proud of the job the
Department performs and their contributions to the community.
Councilmember Barrera stated that teamwork is required to make this a
better community, and Commander Iida’s appointment is indicative that
relationships with the community will be developed further.
Councilmember Lutes stated that Police Managers have gone beyond the
call of duty in their commitment to the City and their compassion.
Councilmember
Villegas applauded the management for being fair and working with the City,
although the fund balance will be impacted.
COUNCIL ACTION
Upon motion by Councilmember Lutes and second by Councilmember
Villegas, the Council voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 19179 authorizing
the City Manager to sign the Memorandum of Understanding. Absent:
Councilmembers Barnes and De La Rosa.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Sanchez requested motion-sensor lighting at the Firehouse
playground.
Councilmember Lutes would like to look at an ordinance requiring that
the recreational vehicles be sheltered from the view of the neighbors.
Mayor Donohue stated that the Governor has taken an interest in the gang
issue and convened a consortium of Mayors and Police Chiefs from throughout the
State. Assemblymember Caballero was
appointed by the Assembly to conduct hearings throughout the State. This may assist in receipt of additional
funding to combat gangs.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Donohue adjourned the item
on the Police Officers Memorandum of Understanding to Friday, April 6, 2007 at
8 a.m. in the Rotunda.
The City Council recessed to
closed session at 8:45 p.m.
PUBLIC REPORT OF CLOSED
SESSION ACTION
Pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.9(c), conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated
litigation (one potential case), the City Council voted 5-0 to give approval to
intervene in litigation. The action,
defendants and other particulars shall be disclosed to any person upon inquiry
once the action is formally commenced, unless disclosure would jeopardize the
City’s ability to serve process or to conclude existing settlement negotiations
to the City’s advantage.
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