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SALINAS CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

 

AUGUST 15, 2006

 

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

 

Present:

Mayor Anna Caballero

Councilmember Janet Barnes

Councilmember Gloria De La Rosa

Councilmember Maria Giuriato

Councilmember Jyl Lutes

Councilmember Robert Ocampo

Councilmember Sergio Sanchez

 

Also Present:

City Manager Dave Mora

City Attorney Vanessa Vallarta

City Clerk Ann Camel

 

CONSENT RESOLUTION

Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa and second by Councilmember Lutes, Council voted unanimously to adopt the Consent Resolution.

 

1.      Approved minutes of August 8, 2006 closed session.

 

2.      Accepted financial claims report.

 

3.      Adopted RESOLUTION 19052 approving a Cooperative Agreement with the County of Monterey to undertake the engineering of a Regional Emergency 911 Communications Network.

 

4.      Adopted RESOLUTION 19053 approving Finance Measure V Positions and transfers to the Confidential Management Bargaining Group.

 

5.      Adopted RESOLUTION 19054 authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement with the California Conservation Corp to provide graffiti abatement services for $70,000.

 

6.      Adopted RESOLUTION 19055 accepting the bid from Warren’s Harley-Davison for two 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHP Police Road King motorcycles at a total cost of $33,003.83. 

 

7.      Appointed Mayor Caballero as voting delegate and Councilmember Barnes as alternate voting delegate for the September 9, 2006 business meeting at the annual League of California Cities conference.

 

8.      Adopted RESOLUTION 19056 approving the policy on disabled (blue) parking zones on residential streets.

 

 

CONSIDERATION

 

1.   Request by Children’s Circle of Friends, Inc. to Purchase Inclusionary Housing Unit for Use in “Foster Care Housing Initiative.”

 

David Swanson, Planning Manager, stated that two of the three Council Housing Committee members voted in support of Children’s Circle of Friends’ (CCF) proposal due to the shortage of foster homes.  Staff is concerned about diverting a homeownership opportunity from a family that has gone through the lottery process.  The City has allocated HOME funds to assist CCF in buying a unit.  There are numerous non-profit organizations who could benefit from purchasing an inclusionary unit, and this would set a precedent.  CCF has access to funding not available to low-income families.  They could collaborate with CHISPA/Hartnell on infill housing opportunities. 

 

Shaun McBride, CCF Executive Director, stated that their request presents an opportunity to implement one of the General Plan policies without requiring a lengthy process.   They are amenable to structuring the transaction to ensure that the unit remains affordable.

 

Al Espindola, Salinas resident, stated that the proposal would create a precedent and would bump an applicant who went through the lottery process.

 

Tony Barrera, Alisal Betterment Association, cited the Healthy Start Center’s statistics on displaced children.  These children have been displaced not only from their homes but also from their schools and friends. 

 

Councilmembers Barnes and Lutes spoke in support of staff’s recommendation to use the Hartnell/CHISPA partnership for this proposal.

 

Councilmember Ocampo stated that CCF does good work.  However, even the Hartnell/CHISPA partnership should not establish ownership in the non-profit organization.  He wondered if it was possible to find a family moving into the Monte Bella development who wishes to become a foster family.

 

Councilmember De La Rosa stated that she is the chair of the Housing Subcomittee and supported CCF.  However, she agrees with staff’s recommendation and the Councilmembers’ comments.  She would like the City and Monterey County to come together to address the need for housing for foster children. 

 

Councilmember Sanchez stated that he supports either the partnership or allowing CCF to receive an inclusionary home. 

 

Councilmember Giuriato stated that the foster care program is highly regimented, and you cannot simply hope that the families would be lottery winners.  She supports CCF working with CHISPA and Hartnell.  Perhaps Hartnell could create a training program for foster families and create an incentive for foster families by creating an opportunity to receive a home. 

 

Mayor Caballero stated that she is concerned about bumping a family that has participated in the lottery.  She believes the first-time homebuyers and inclusionary programs may offer other alternatives for non-profit organizations, all of which serve similar clientele .  She likes the

rent-to-purchase option proposed by CCF.

 

 

COUNCIL ACTION

Councilmember Lutes moved to direct staff to work with Hartnell College and CHISPA to make available one or more of the infill houses being developed on City lots for Children’s Circle of Friend’s programs and to return with policy proposals for affordable housing opportunities for non-profit organizations.  The motion was seconded by Councilmember Barnes and passed unanimously. 

 

2.   Fairways Golf Course Maintenance.

Dave Mora, City Manager, recommended that the City issue a Request for Proposal in order to provide specific financial information for the Council Committee’s information.

 

Al Espindola spoke in support. 

 

COUNCIL ACTION

Upon motion by Councilmember Lutes and second by Councilmember Barnes, Council voted unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 19057 authorizing the release of a Request for Proposal for Fairways Golf Course maintenance services so that the proposals can be part of the information reviewed by the ad-hoc City Council committee and the golfing community.

 

3.   Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 840, The California Health Insurance Reliability Act.

Councilmember Sanchez thanked the Salinas Action League for bringing this forward. 

 

Dr. Carolee Bull, Salinas Action League, stated that one of five people in California do not have health insurance.  Solving the crisis would contribute to a vibrant economy.  Medical costs resulting from serious illnesses contribute to sixty percent of bankruptcies, and seventy-five percent of those are by insured individuals.  Companies would locate to California if it had universal health care.  Taxpayers subsidize large corporations who do not provide insurance.  The bill would be paid for by the billions in savings by administrative efficiencies and bulk prescription savings, and health care would improve.

 

Councilmember Barnes asked about the cost to employers.  Dr. Bull stated individuals’ and employers’ premiums would go into the system, and increases would be capped.  There is a threshold on the number of employees for which the employer would have to contribute.  Even large employers would be able to save in premiums.

 

The following persons spoke in support of the bill:

McGregor Edy, nurse

Mary McCartney, United Farmworkers Union representative

Gary Peterson

Betty Pena, Monterey County Democratic Committee

Susan Hubbard, Salinas resident

Robin Cohen, Salinas resident

Patty Fashing, Salinas Valley League of Women Voters

Cynthia Buro

Carole Erickson, Director of Student Services at Monterey Peninsula College

Jeff Roushman, Monterey County Elementary and Middle School Nurse

Virginia Gilmore, Salinas resident

 

Joe Vierra opposed Senate Bill 840 because of the additional State agencies it would create that would divert money from local government to the State and discourage health care competition.

 

Councilmember Barnes stated that she does not have enough information on Senate Bill 840 to ensure that she being fair to all of her constituents.  She thanked the Salinas Action League for their compassion for less fortunate residents.

 

MOTION

Councilmember Sanchez moved to adopt the Resolution in support of Senate Bill 840, the California Health Insurance Reliability Act.  Councilmember De La Rosa seconded the motion.

 

Mayor Caballero asked that the resolution be amended to reference the Senate Bill instead of “Universal Health Care” and to forward the resolution to all of Salinas’ State legislators. 

 

COUNCIL ACTION

Councilmember Sanchez amended the motion to adopt RESOLUTION 19058 in support of Senate Bill 840, the California Health Insurance Reliability Act, with an amendment to the proposed resolution to reference Senate Bill 840 instead of “Universal Health Care” and to forward the bill to all Salinas’ State legislators.  The amended motion was seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa and passed.  Ayes:  Councilmembers De La Rosa, Giuriato, Lutes, Ocampo, Sanchez, and Mayor Caballero.  Abstain:  Councilmember Barnes.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

 

1.   Code Enforcement Implementation Plan

Mike Stone, Inspection Services Manager, reported on the recruitment for positions that would allow them to be more proactive.  They will increase the use of the Administrative Remedies Ordinance.  There is an interest in working on gang houses through Code enforcement.  Staff recommendations for priorities include reducing visual blight in neighborhoods, including trash, parking on the lawn;  enforcing alcohol and tobacco signs regulations; abate garage and unsafe living conditions on a preventive approach; abate gang houses; and educate businesses on signs.  They would work with the Neighborhood Services Coordinators on educating residents on Code violations, and provide Code enforcement training so that the Police can identify violations in the field. 

 

Councilmembers Barnes and Sanchez requested that coordination with the Neighborhood Services Coordinator be moved up in priority. 

 

Councilmember De La Rosa would like to train community members on Code enforcement. 

 

Mayor Caballero stated that she would like to utilize parent patrols and to look at Marina’s efforts on overcrowding.  She would like serious fines for repeat offenders in order to fund additional positions, and to make such violations misdemeanor crimes.

 

Councilmember Giuriato stated that Los Angeles’ model should be considered, which escalates from a small fine to a lien on the property. 

 

City Attorney Vanessa Vallarta stated they looked at Los Angeles’ model, and it has not been tried in Monterey County.  It would be cutting edge by using newly enacted State statutes, and she will report back.

 

 

Mayor Caballero and Councilmember Sanchez asked for more regular reports.

 

2.   Traffic Engineering Safety Implementation Plan.   

James Serrano, Transportation Planner, presented a status report. 

 

Councilmember Sanchez stated that traffic safety signs should be bilingual, especially in areas where there is a large monolingual community.    Mr. Russell and Mr. Serrano stated that universal signage is being promoted.

 

The City Council recessed to closed session at 6:15 p.m. pursuant to:

a.       Government Code section 54956.9(a), pending litigation, Heston v. City of Salinas, et al., United States District Court, Northern District of California Case No. C 05-03658 RS.

b.      Government Code Section 54956(c) conference with legal counsel, potential litigation, (one potential case).

c.       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)

d.      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.

e.       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.

f.        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 from this item.

g.       Government Code Section 54956.8, conference with real property negotiators City Manager/Executive Director Dave Mora, Redevelopment Director Alan Stumpf, Redevelopment Project Manager Donald Reynolds; and City Attorney/Agency Counsel Vanessa Vallarta to discuss the price and terms of payment for the sale of lease of property with Frank Palacios, 13 Soledad Street; Hoong Lee, Trustee, Jack Lee and May Huey Estate, 13 ½ and 15 Soledad Street; Gordon Chen Xing, Yue and Donna Chen, 17 Soledad Street; and Warren and Patricia Ahtye, 21 Soledad Street. 

h.       Government Code Section 54957, public employee performance evaluation, City Manager. 

 

The City Council reconvened in open session at 8 p.m..

 

STUDY SESSION

 

1.         2006 Monterey County General Plan Update.

Carl Holm, Monterey County Senior Planner, presented a power point presentation on the Monterey County General Plan.

 

 

The following audience members commented:

 

Bill Freeman

Tom Carvey, Common Ground

Mr. Higashi

Lorie Atkinson

Jan Mitchell, Prunedale rancher

Elizabeth Reyes

Chris Fitz, Executive Director of Landwatch

Marlys Maher

Hans Jongens

Brian Finegan

 

Councilmember Lutes stated that  Land Use Element Section 2.6 should be changed to disallow land use activities that may be nuisances and/or hazards, instead of discouraging such uses.    The future growth area in Salinas’ General Plan should be recognized in the County’s new General Plan.  GS 1.1 should require City participation and not simply call Salinas a community.  A County Traffic Fee Ordinance is needed.   Every city in Monterey County should look at Salinas as the model. 

City-centered growth must be emphasized, and it is smart growth that should be promoted. 

 

Councilmember Ocampo stated that more homes on the Peninsula are needed to house the Peninsula’s  low-income workers.  He likes the wine corridor designation because of job creation.

 

Councilmember Barnes agreed with Brian Finegan that the land use policies do not adequately address cities’ sovereignty and stronger language is needed regarding support for City annexation requests.

 

Councilmember De La Rosa stated that County staff should take Councilmembers’ comments regarding infrastructure and housing  back to the Board of Supervisors for action.

 

Councilmember Sanchez stated that development should be built to City standards.  More aggressive language is needed regarding regional transit services, and money to subsidize Salinas’ routes is needed.  He requested Monterey County staff to attend a Monterey-Salinas Transit Board meeting. 

 

Councilmember Giuriato stated that the issues of safe water supplies and pressure should be addressed.  The General Plan should be understandable to residents, including bilingual residents. 

 

Mayor Caballero stated that City staff would review the Plan in more detail and submit a letter.

The biggest priority is the City-centered growth principles and development in the Valley.    The jobs to housing balance should be a priority.  Development outside of Salinas has been storage related, which is unattractive and does not develop jobs.  Salinas wants to maintain a tight boundary.  Salinas has remained at 19 square miles for many years and has added very little land.  Agriculture and the wine corridor is important, as is housing.   Investment in poor farmworker communities is good so long as they do not develop into a high concentration of population with no services.

 

COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Councilmember Lutes requested that Council consider support of Assembly Bill 32, Global Warming Solutions Act.

 

The meeting recessed to closed session at 10 p.m..