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SALINAS CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

 

August 8, 2006

 

The City Council meeting convened in the Rotunda at 4:10 p.m.

 

Present:

Mayor Anna Caballero

Councilmember Gloria De La Rosa

Councilmember Maria Giuriato

Councilmember Jyl Lutes

Councilmember Robert Ocampo

Councilmember Sergio Sanchez

 

Absent:

Councilmember Janet Barnes

 

Also Present:

City Manager Dave Mora

City Attorney Vanessa Vallarta

City Clerk Ann Camel

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

John Nolan, 208 Lane Street, Salinas Valley Federation of Teachers, stated that he believes the Salinas Police Department overreacted when citing one of Salinas High School’s students for jaywalking.  He asked the City to void the citation.

 

Ana Saldana stated that there was an unnecessary show of force by Salinas patrol units in citing the student.

 

Mayor Caballero referred the jaywalking concern to the City Attorney’s Office.

 

CONSENT RESOLUTION

 

Consent Item No. 4, Public Safety Vehicle Purchase

In response to Mayor Caballero, Senior Buyer Manny Cauntay stated that purchasing the vehicles locally would have increased the net cost by $37,000.

 

Consent Item No. 7, No Parking Zone on Falcon Drive

Upon motion by Councilmember Sanchez and second by Councilmember Lutes, Council voted unanimously to amend the resolution to allow the house next to the park to retain its on-street parking.  Absent:  Councilmember Barnes.

 

Upon motion by Councilmember Giuriato and second by Councilmember Lutes, Council voted unanimously to adopt the Consent Resolution.  Absent:  Councilmember Barnes.

 

1.      Approved minutes of July 18, 2006 regular meeting and July 14, 2006 special meeting.

 

2.      Accepted financial claims report.

 

3.      Adopted the Annual Investment Policy.

 

4.      Adopted RESOLUTION 19046 authorizing direct purchase of nineteen public safety vehicles from Folsom Lake Ford utilizing the State of California Vehicle Contract.

 

5.      Adopted RESOLUTION 19047 approving provision of HUD financial support ($10,000) to Monterey County Housing Alliance for homeownership counseling and authorize funding agreement.

 

6.      Accepted the irrigation system at Los Padres Park for maintenance and responsibility.

 

7.      Adopted RESOLUTION 19048 to approve 30 feet of No Parking (red) Zone on the North side of Falcon Drive (west of the Falcon - Buckhorn Intersection), 60 feet of said Red Zone on the south side of Falcon Drive (west of the crosswalk), and 34 feet of said Red Zone on the south side of Falcon Drive (east of the crosswalk).  This item was voted on separately.

 

8.      Adopted RESOLUTION 19049 awarding the North Main Street Improvements from Alvin Drive to Lamar Street), Project Nos. 9282 and 9307, to Granite Construction Company in the amount of $1,399,399.00.

 

9.      Authorized JEA Associates to work with State Legislature to clarify ambiguities in State density bonus law protecting the position that inclusionary housing programs need not allow for the double-counting of density bonus units for inclusionary housing requirements.

 

10.  Adopted RESOLUTION 19050 authorizing the Mayor to sign a user agreement and license with CRW Associates for the purchase and installation of CRW Associates “Trakit” Permit Software Program.

 

CONSIDERATION

 

1.   Monterey County Tourism Business Improvement District.

 

Beverly Meamber, Salinas Chamber of Commerce, referred to a survey reflecting that eighty-three percent of Salinas’ lodging properties support the formation of the proposed tourism improvement district.  This increases to over eighty-six percent when including the proposed Salinas City Center project.  Fifty-two and one half percent of the businesses signed the petition, and almost fifty-eight percent signed when including the Salinas City Center.

 

John McMahon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau, stated that occupancy rates are down by twelve percent and their budget is one third of that of competing travel destinations.  Every dollar spent on tourism receives a seven dollar return.  The District would be weaker without Salinas’ support. 

 

Dave Mora stated that the Visitor Bureau’s annual budget would exceed $5 million, which is greater than Salinas’ library or parks budgets.  The proposal is to have a business improvement assessment hearing noticed and held by Monterey as the lead agency.  A district-wide assessment district in reality would be governed by the Peninsula in terms of its hotel properties.  Local businesses should not believe they can seek redress from the City Council.  The City Attorney has determined that districts can be set up with smaller units determining whether they participate or not, so that the assessment does not need to be structured county-wide.

 

Mr. Mora stated that the business community could pay the City’s contribution in 2006-07 to see how it works.  If Council votes to approve the funding request, it should be allocated from the very modest $133,400 General Fund contingency at mid-year.

 

Amanda Holder, National Steinbeck Center, stated that cultural tourists stay longer and spend more.  An assessment benefit has to be demonstrated by law, and Salinas could withdraw with thirty-days notice.  They are open to considering cost sharing during the first year or a mid-year budget allocation. 

 

Ms. Meamber stated that the district formation would move forward without Salinas, but Salinas would not receive benefits.  The business community cannot pay the City’s share;  only cities may join.

 

The following spoke in support of the proposal:

Sally Hamana, Marketing Coordinator for California Rodeo and Sports Complex

Howard Barkley, President of California International Airshow

Greg Millsap, Northridge Mall Property Manager

Cathryn Kobrinski Evans, Oldtown Salinas Association

Charlie Sammut, Laurel Inn

Larry Bussard, on behalf of Salinas City Center Company

Basil Mills, Salinas City Center Company

Dennis Donohue, Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

 

Marlys Maher referred to other public entities’ successful tourism promotional material. 

 

Councilmember De La Rosa stated that this is a good investment risk.  Salinas would benefit from proper marketing.

 

Councilmember Ocampo stated that Salinas supports regional approaches in today’s economy.  Monterey would receive more economic development than Salinas.  He supports allocating the funds from the contingency fund and it can be incorporated in the mid-year report. 

 

Councilmember Lutes stated that Salinas needs a benefit zone, because it is vulnerable to the veto power.  She supports using contingency funds.

 

Councilmember Giuriato stated that her only concern is that most of the budget restoration has been under the oversight of the Measure V Committee.  The community should be engaged in marketing strategies.  She would like the Bureau to market Salinas as a safe place to visit.  A family entertainment venue is needed. 

 

Councilmember Sanchez stated that this makes sense for workers.  The Salinas United Business Association should be consulted.

 

Mayor Caballero stated that she believes the tourists will come, and this is a good private-public partnership.  She is concerned about allocating funds from the contingency fund and the structure of the organization.  She has not seen an organizational flow chart.  She supports a district, but she does not like the resolution that is proposed.  She would like the structure to be reviewed and have it return to Council so Salinas’ representation is secured.  A benefit zone is needed.

 

Mr. McMahon stated that meeting locations could rotate.  The timing is sensitive, because Monterey will be conducting a public hearing next week.  It will be more difficult to join the District after it is formed.

 

COUNCIL ACTION

Councilmember Lutes moved to adopt RESOLUTION 19051 and allocate the requested funding from the General Fund contingency.  The motion was seconded by Councilmember Ocampo and passed unanimously.  Absent:  Councilmember Barnes.

 

2.     Youth Commission Reorganization

 

Sheila Molinari, Recreation Services Manager, stated that in 1994, a Council subcommittee decided to let the schools select the Youth Commissioners instead of having the Council confirm them.  She outlined the Commission’s activities.  The Commission recommends that 1) the current selection process continue; 2) Council provides direction for the Commission’s activities; and 3) the Commission provides reports and meets with the City Council, including meeting to develop Commission goals.  

 

Councilmember Sanchez recommended that a Council committee be established to work with the Recreation and Youth Commissions regarding restructuring that would assist with the lack of youth activities.  A grant-writing position is needed.

 

Councilmember Lutes agreed with the subcommittee concept, and providing leadership training and mentoring for the Youth Commissioners.   She commended Ms. Molinari on her rapport with the Commissioners and requested that the new Commissioners be introduced to the City Council.

 

Councilmember De La Rosa supports the establishment of a Council committee.  The Youth Commission could help with the decision-making process on issues such as the Breadbox facility. 

 

Councilmember Giuriato stated that former Commissioners felt that the experience was not a good use of their time.  Their professional and educational goals should be understood, and City staff and Councilmembers could mentor them.  They could hold a session with other youth, and Council could attend.  Staff should look at what other cities’ Commissions are doing.

 

Mayor Caballero thanked Ms. Molinari.  She was concerned when the Commissioners declined to meet with the Council instead of vying to make recommendations to the Council.  She would like them to receive training similar to the Chamber of Commerce’s leadership program.  She would like to consider the concept of a department that serves the needs of young people, including library and recreation services. 

 

Mr. Rifa stated that new Commissioners are coming on board, and he recommended that the Council Committee meet with the new Commissioners.

 

Mayor Caballero suggested that the former Commissioners participate along with the new Commissioners.  Mayor Caballero appointed Councilmembers Giuriato, Lutes, and Sanchez to the Council Committee assigned to work with the Youth Commission.

 

COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

Councilmember Sanchez asked that the Police Department and Code Enforcement address the proliferation of parking of eighteen-wheel trucks and trailers within his District, including in front of Cesar Chavez School.

 

Councilmember Ocampo asked staff to look into using speed bumps or signage to reduce speeding on Beech and Dewey Streets.

 

Mayor Caballero would like staff to draft an ordinance that would prospectively require measures that would prevent shopping carts from leaving shopping center grounds.

 

Mayor Caballero requested staff to schedule an item regarding the Monterey County General Plan in response to a request from Common Ground.

 

Mayor Caballero stated that the growing homeless camps need to be addressed.

 

The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:40 p.m. pursuant to:

1. Government Code Section 54956.9(a), pending litigation, City of Salinas v. County of Monterey, et al, Superior Court Case No. M72983 (Rancho San Juan)
2. Government Code Section 54956.9(a), pending litigation, Salinas Auto Center Association and NESTech Management Group, Inc. v. City of Salinas, Tony Sammut Development, et al, Monterey County Superior Court Case No. M77789.
3. Government Code Section 54956(c) conference with legal counsel, potential litigation, (one potential case).
4. Government Code Section 54957.6 with its designated labor representatives Dave Mora, City Manager; Vanessa Vallarta, City Attorney; Jorge Rifa, Deputy City Manager; 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.
5. Government Code Section 54957.6 with its designated labor representatives Dave Mora, City Manager; Vanessa Vallarta, City Attorney; Jorge Rifa, Deputy City Manager; and Teri Silva,  Human Resources Manager regarding labor relations with Service Employees International Union (SEIU), SEIU Supervisors, and Salinas Municipal Employees Association/SEIU  Councilmember Sanchez announced that he would abstain on this item pending advice as to whether his acceptance of a position with SEIU’s State-wide office creates an economic conflict of interest.
6.  Government Code Section 54957, public employee performance evaluation, City Manager.

 

The City Council reconvened in the West Wing at 7:45 p.m. for a joint study session with the Library Commission on library operations.

 

Library Commissioners Present:

Chairperson Marlys Maher

Commissioner Jose Arreguin

Commissioner Thad Evans

Commissioner Barbara Fajardo

Commissioner Angela Quesenberry

 

Absent:

Commissioner Alfred Diaz-Infante

Commissioner Sally Gutierrez

 

Deputy City Manager Jorge Rifa and Senior Librarian Maria Roddy reported on the library’s operations.  Mr. Rifa stated that the 2006-07 budget includes $3,725,000 for library operations, including $3.6 million from Measure V and $125,000 in grant funding.  Additionally, the Annenberg Foundation has just awarded $100,000 in grant funding to the literacy program for wireless services and funding for laptops is being obtained from the Gates Foundation.  Mr. Rifa outlined the City’s hiring efforts in order to increase public service hours by October 24, 2006.

 

Councilmember Giuriato recommended that staff contact the Workforce Investment Board for placement assistance. 

 

Chairperson Maher recommended that staff also reach out to the University of Washington’s Information School and UCLA for upper level positions.

 

Councilmember Sanchez suggested that the City consider offering hiring incentives and referral bonuses.

 

Chairperson Maher highlighted the Commission’s recent activities, including conducting two Commissioner training sessions and attending Measure V meetings.  She has arranged for a technical tour of Hartnell College’s library for the evening of August 31, 2006.  She suggested that, once hired, the Library Director could assist with recruitment and hiring for other Library positions.

 

Commissioner Arreguin expressed concern that the community planning process cannot be started without the Director, and it could be another year before the Director is hired and sufficiently oriented to begin the process.

 

City Manager Dave Mora stated that the City would contract with a recruitment firm, which would  interview Councilmembers regarding desirable qualifications and assist with identifying the community’s service needs and expectations.

 

Councilmember Giuriato referenced Council’s earlier discussion about the possibility of combining the Library and Recreation services under one position, which may also attract more applicants.  Consideration should be given as to how the library interfaces with recreation, the Youth Commission, and schools.  Innovative ways are needed to serve Salinas’ young population and increase graduation rates.

 

Chairperson Maher stated that combining duties is a drastic change and could add months to the planning process.  She suggested that staff contact the State Librarian regarding the successes and failures of other communities that have combined these services.

 

Mayor Caballero stated that the City must be innovative in order to maximize recreation opportunities.  This is the only Director position that would be reinstated in the budget.

 

Commissioner Maher stated that other cities have combined services.  She noted Phoenix’s library/teen center facility.  However, she is concerned with not have a director during the time it takes to make the decision.

 

Commissioner Evans stated that an applicant with a library sciences degree and library experience is needed.

 

Councilmember De La Rosa stated that other Commissions should be consulted.

 

Councilmember Lutes stated that she would like to hear from the State Librarian before deciding whether services should be combined under one position.

 

Councilmember Giuriato would like to proceed with obtaining firm proposals so that the recruitment firm could also hear from the State Librarian.  The Measure V Committee and a focus group of community members should be consulted before there is any change in the use of tax funds. 

 

City Manager Dave Mora summarized the Council’s direction to solicit proposals for recruitment firms, and the firm would participate in the assessment of community needs and identifying models for providing services.  The assessment process would include meetings with stakeholders, schools, and various constituents before the job description is established. 

 

Mayor Caballero suggested that the Council receive presentations from the State Library Director on the models used by other communities, in order to provide this information to the recruitment firm.

 

Dennis Donohue stated that the Americans for Libraries Council remains interested and willing to assist Salinas.  He will provide copies of the Americans for Libraries Council’s report for Councilmembers.

 

Councilmember Sanchez stated that cultural sensitivity should be considered and meetings should be held within the stakeholders’ neighborhoods.  Consideration should be given to offering community services as well as recreational opportunities. 

 

Mayor Caballero summarized the direction to staff:  1) proceed with the recruitment firm process;  2) schedule a library presentation for the City Council, Measure V Committee, Library Commission, and the general public to discuss alternatives for providing library and recreation services.

 

Councilmember Sanchez suggested that the schools should also participate in discussions.

 

Councilmember Giuriato stated that consideration should be given to utilizing Hartnell’s facilities given their declining enrollment.  The First Five Initiative is an example of an innovative approach of taking libraries to residents.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m..