SALINAS CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MAY 15, 2007 MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Donohue convened the joint City Council and
Redevelopment Agency meeting at 5:00 p.m.
Present:
Mayor/Chairperson Dennis Donohue
Council/Agency member Janet Barnes
Council/Agency member Tony
Barrera
Council/Agency member
Gloria De La Rosa
Council/Agency member Jyl Lutes
Council/Agency member Sergio Sanchez
Council/Agency member Steve Villegas
Also Present:
City Attorney/Agency Counsel Vanessa Vallarta
City Clerk/Secretary Ann Camel
JOINT CITY
COUNCIL/SALINAS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING
CITY OF CHAMPIONS
Councilmember Barrera and the Mayor and City Councilmembers
recognized Sally Gutierrez for serving twenty years on the Library Commission.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Donohue proclaimed May 20th
through May 26th as Public Works Week.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jose Torres, Everett Alvarez High School Sophomore, thanked Mayor
Donohue
for helping him pay his tuition to attend the National Youth Leadership
Forum. He hopes to study medicine at
Georgetown University.
Ms. Torres thanked Councilmember Sanchez for his leadership mentoring
that has assisted in her scholastic achievements.
Joe Vierra spoke in support of Measure A, the Monterey County General
Plan
Initiative.
Hans Jongens spoke in support of Measure A and B and against Measures C
and D.
CONSENT RESOLUTION
Upon motion by Councilmember Lutes and second by Councilmember
Barnes,
Council voted unanimously to adopt the Consent Resolution.
SALINAS CITY COUNCIL
1.
Approved minutes of
May 8, 2007 meeting.
2. Accepted financial claims report.
3. Accepted monthly Financial Report for the month
of April 2007.
4. Adopted
RESOLUTION 19202 authorizing the Mayor to sign agreements with the
Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau for professional services.
5. Adopted
RESOLUTION 19203 authorizing an agreement with Humber Design Group, Inc.
for East Bernal Drive improvements in the amount of $65,725.
6. Adopted RESOLUTIONS 19204 AND 19205 authorizing
the Mayor to sign a letter in support of S.144, Mynisha’s Law, and S.456, Gang
Abatement and Prevention Act of 2007.
7. Adopt
RESOLUTION 19206 authorizing Mayor to sign letter requesting Congressman
Farr to cosponsor the energy and environmental block grant proposal being
introduced by Congressman Albert Wynn.
8. Adopted RESOLUTION 19207 increasing limits
for Housing Rehabilitation Loans and Grants.
SALINAS
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
1. Approved minutes of May 8, 2007 meeting.
2. Accepted
financial claims report.
The
Redevelopment Agency will adjourn.
ADMINISTRATIVE
REPORT
1. Status
Report on After School Programs
The following
presenters provided reports on the expenditures of Measure V funding for their
after school programs. Tom Bonynge,
Santa Rita Union School District; Katie Venza and Mary Pritchardfor
Salinas City Elementary School District; John Favero, Salinas Union High School
District; and Ruben Pulido, Alisal Union School District Superintendent.
Councilmembers
spoke in support of the continued collaboration.
PUBLIC
HEARING
1. Second
Amendment to FY2006-07 ACTION PLAN to provide additional $17,000 (CDBG) for
necessary building code upgrades to the Green Gold Inn, 30 Soledad Street.
Dave Swanson,
Planning Manager, presented the report.
Mayor Donohue
opened the public hearing.
Ms. Ferreira,
Franciscan Workers, spoke in support of the allocation.
In response
to Al Espindola, Deputy City Manager Russell stated that the crosswalk
improvements would be funded and implemented in conjunction with other
improvements.
COUNCIL
ACTION
Upon motion
by Councilmember Barnes and second by Councilmember De La Rosa, Council voted
unanimously to adopt RESOLUTION 19208 effecting the second amendment to the
Fiscal Year 2006-07 Action Plan and directing staff to notify HUD.
The City
Council recessed to closed session at 7 p.m. pursuant to:
a. 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, Confidential Employees, Confidential Management Employees, and
Department Directors.
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 Service Employees International Union (SEIU), SEIU
Supervisors, and Salinas Municipal Employees Association/SEIU. CANCELLED
The City Council reconvened in regular session at
7:35 p.m.
PUBLIC
HEARING
1. Appeal
of Revocation of Card Room Permit for Cap’s Saloon.
Councilmember Sanchez
announced that he has a potential conflict of interest and he left the meeting
during consideration of this item.
Mayor Donohue announced that each party would have a total
of thirty minutes for oral argument that may be used in argument or rebuttal or
both.
City Attorney Vanessa Vallarta announced that she has had
some limited involvement in the prosecutorial capacity. Mike Rodriquez of the law firm of Meyers,
Nave, Riback, Silver, and Wilson has been retained as legal advisor on this
cast to ensure the integrity of the process.
Mr. Rodriquez replaced Ms. Vallarta on the dais.
Councilmember Sanchez announced that he has a potential
conflict of interest and would abstain on this item. Councilmember Sanchez left the meeting during the discussion at
this time.
Mr. Rodriquez requested speakers to
state their names for the benefit of the court reporter.
Robert Pia, representing the appellant, announced that he
had asked that Councilmember De La Rosa recuse herself. Since then he has discussed this with his
client, who believes that Councilmember De La Rosa would be able to consider
the issue fairly and has asked that Mr. Pia withdraw the request for recusal.
Police Commander Perrien provided an overview of the card
room permit process. Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel
destroyed evidence of a homicide that occurred at the card room. During a State Gaming inspection in October
2001, Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel advised them that there had been no fights or
problems and he did not tell them that he had destroyed evidence. There was no control of the cash in the
office area. Exhibit Y states cash must
equal to chips being used in the game.
Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel advised officials that he would instruct employees
accordingly. Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel’s
permit has been suspended previously for extending credit to players in excess
of $31,000; participating in a game with improper identification of his
financial interest. The Alcohol
Beverage Control revocation was
initiated in 2002 and finalized in June 2004.
He has not yet provided notice of removal of alcohol from the
premises. In June 2005, alcohol was
found on the premises. In September
2005, the cash chip accountability issues continued. In October 2006, alcohol was found again in greater amounts than
in 2005. The cash and alcohol problems
are ongoing and uncorrected.
In regard to Salinas City Code Section 6-43(a)(5) regarding
financial stability, they are thinly capitalized and have a negative net
worth. In regard to his business
experience, there are unknown quantities of cash, no tracking of chips, an
audit is impossible, and it has been documented multiple times over five
years. In June 2006, State Gaming
imposed financial conditions that Cap’s was given 60 days to meet, which have
not been met over 100 days later. He
destroyed evidence in a homicide, lied to Gaming officials, his employee sold
alcohol and his license was revoked.
His unmet promises include statements that he would meet the
Exhibit Y requirements, which he did not meet, as well as his statements
regarding the removal of alcohol.
Commander Perrien stated that card rooms carry cash and
attract organized crime, which is why they are heavily regulated and held to a
higher standard. They have sought
compliance over five to six years requiring hundreds of law enforcement
hours. A logical progression brought
them to this point today, and there is no reasonable alternative left other
than revocation of the City gaming license.
Detective Gerry Davis stated that he conducted several
interviews with Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel over the last several years. He has asked if he would like the interview
conducted in English or Spanish and he chose English. He always listened, asked intelligent questions, provided
appropriate responses and never indicated he did not understand what was going
on. His license was revoked on June 10,
2004. He admits he had alcohol in his
bar, and this is a violation of the City Code.
Detective Davis showed a picture of the bottles with dispensers and
stored alcohol found in the cooler on June 7, 2005. He ordered Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel to remove the alcohol from the
premises, not just from behind the bar.
He advised that he understood and would remove them from the building.
On October 17, 2006, there is a bottle of alcohol behind the bar and trash
behind the bar. Detective Davis showed
a picture of alcohol, including open bottles, in a locked storage room. Bottles on the ground were behind the bar during
the previous inspection. He stated that
the security camera had been disabled.
Detective Davis referenced the findings of the financial inspections in
2005, and he was warned of his violations that he had been warned about by
Gaming investigators also. A front
office inspection was conducted on October 17, 2006, and he had cash lying
around without any knowledge of the amount.
He admitted he was not in compliance with State orders, but then later
stated he did not know.
Jessica Steinberg, Deputy City Attorney, stated that Mr.
Gonzalez-Curiel could retain his status in the building but would need to
operate a different type of business.
The landlord has a legal duty to mitigate her damages by finding another
tenant, and the property is downtown in a prime area. Mr. Gonzalez knew that his card room was in jeopardy on October
17, 2006 when he was told that he was in violation of the conditions and yet he
extended his lease for three years. The
Police Chief made the decision to revoke the permit because of Mr.
Gonzalez-Curiel’s inability to make good and careful decisions. He claims that since the State has issued
him the card room license, the City should because the State now approves how
he runs the cardroom. The State did
renew the permit for three months, which was only granted after communicating
with the City and pending the City’s revocation proceedings. The State does not approve of the cardroom
operations and will testify to that tonight.
The State placed the conditions on his most recent license as on the
prior license, which is evidence that the State has not accepted his
explanations. He asked that the Council
look at his efforts during the last few months. There is no concrete evidence that he is complying with the law. The only evidence is his
January 31, 2007
letter to the State. During the October
17, 2006 inspection, he was out of compliance with State and City law. His efforts were made too late. The Police Chief made the decision
to revoke
the license on December 8, 2006, and efforts after this date are irrelevant
today. He was given six years to come
into compliance.
Robert Pia, representing Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel, stated that he
disagrees with the officers’ conclusion that Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel speaks
excellent English, because he has had difficulties communicating with him and
has required his wife to translate.
People agree to things when they do not understand and want to please
the questioner. He got an adviser when
he was told to do so the last time. The
State was going to give him another chance because they believed he was doing
his best. Mr. Pia does not believe the
State would continue a license if they believed there was a serious
violation. They had the power to revoke
it. Regarding the landlord’s duty to mitigate,
there are several empty commercial buildings in Oldtown Salinas. He does not know if it would be that easy to
rent the property given the trend for shopping centers despite the City’s
revitalization efforts. He would just
like an opportunity to prove to the City and the State that he can run the
operations in compliance with the statutes.
He has an adviser to get his operation into compliance since the October
17th visit. He has secured
the chips at the table and the money in the cash office and it is locked. He is keeping a record of the chips and the
money.
Mr. Pia stated that when Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel asked to renew
his license in July 2004, he was asked to pay $25,000 to conduct an
investigation and he paid the City in August 2004. From August 2004 to December 8, 2006, there was no indication
that they would revoke his license.
Referring to Exhibit 6 in his
submittal, Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel exercised his lease option on November 14, 2006,
and the landlord signed on December 1, 2006.
On October 17, 2006, there was a joint inspection by Stat Inspector Mike McPetersand
Salinas Detective Davis. Mr. McPeters
stated that he intended to start revocation proceedings and Detective Davis
asked him not to send notice until the City’s proceedings are initiated. He should have told Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel
of his intent on October 17, 2006, and he would not have exercised the option
on November 14. He is stuck with thirty
months on the lease, and he is asking for equity. At the end of that period, he will surrender the license. If a more experienced
operator could come in
and purchase the license and qualify for the City’s requirement, he could
recoup his losses that way.
Art Sabiniano, Salinas resident, stated that poker is
popular, exciting and appeals to a diversity of people. It provides much needed entertainment. He asked where people would go if Caps is
closed. He stated that the State
Commissioner could not issue a license for an establishment that was not in
operation on December 31, 1999. If Caps
is closed, there may not be another card room in the City. He asked that respectable business people be
allowed to take over. The City could
impose stricter guidelines and supervision and require a consultant to ensure
that the operator complies with the State and City regulations. He asked if there were only one bingo parlor
and the owner admitted mistakes, would it be closed.
Mr. Pia stated that regarding the destruction of evidence,
there was a gang land killing that resulted in a head wound and blood on the
bar and floor. The lady bartender asked
that the blood be cleaned because it made her ill, and he and his janitor
cleaned it up without intending to destroy evidence. That is why it took so long for the case to resolve. That is why it took the female
administrative law judge nine months to decide. He knew the cameras were operating, and he did not have any
motive for cleaning up the evidence.
Mike McPeters, State Special Agent Supervisor with the
Division of Gambling Control, stated that he concurs with the assessment and
statements made by the Salinas Police Department and Ms. Steinberg. He stated that it is common to issue a
temporary gaming license in situations such as this where there is a hearing
pending. Otherwise, the State would
have to deny the gaming license and would have to close the establishment
without the local hearing. It does not
mean that they are in support of Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel’s operations. It is more common than not that when
documents are sent to applicants, the analyst who conducts the investigation
states that they should contact the Division because they understand that
instructions may be confusing.
Adolf Salino stated that Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel has difficulty
with English. He has never seen alcohol
and has been offered a ride home when needed.
It is a social center instead of a card room.
Gustavo Lopez stated that he has never observed
drinking. They do not want to go out of
town, and eating establishments would lose business if the cardroom closes.
Julianne Martinez stated that she has not been disrespected
at Caps, and she would like him to have a chance to meet standards.
Gabriel Caldron, Salinas business owner, stated that he was
told that they do not serve beer when he asked the first time he went in. He has never seen anything wrong there, and
his English is poor. The violence is in
the community.
Gustavo Lizarraga stated that he owns a home down the street
and likes to socialize at Caps. He is a
bail bonds man and would not associate with a criminal element. The Police Chief should be worrying about
things other than cardrooms.
Katherine Kobrinsky Evans, Oldtown Salinas Association (OSA)
Board of Directors and business woman, stated that there is no place for Caps
in the future that OSA is working toward.
The only two deadly crimes in Oldtown occurred in CAPS under Mr.
Gonzalez-Curiel’s tenancy. Neither Mr.
Gonzalez-Curiel nor staff attempted to aid the stabbing victim and mopped the
blood to cover the crime within the establishment. In 2001, they served alcohol to a minor. In 2003, the alcohol license was
revoked. In 2003, Mr. Sabiniano stated
he was buying the establishment, would clean it up and lobbied for more games
and players in spite of opposition from OSA.
Daniel Torres, Salinas resident, stated that seventy-five
percent of the time that he goes to Caps, he attends only for a few hours and
he does not just play cards but socializes.
He has never seen anyone drink alcohol.
He believes the bottles came from elsewhere. He applied to be a dealer and he submitted his fee. The City has kept $33 and returned
$90.
Anthony Lane stated that he owns a club on California Street
and has brought in entertainment to Salinas.
They purchased the Fox Theatre and are refurbishing it for their first
event, which features comedian George Lopez.
They want to assist in renovating the downtown. They would like to purchase the license at
Caps. They believe that with their
experience, they could bring new discipline and organization to the
business. He has had a good
relationship with local police over a seventeen-year period. The City should not lose this
opportunity. They are prepared to take
over the license and he asked for continuation until they could converse
further.
Edward Kane, Salinas resident, stated that Caps is a
pleasant experience, entertaining and gives people something to do.
Frank Saunders stated that he owns the building next to Caps
Saloon. He used to enjoy going in. But with new ownership, Caps went downhill
and it should have been closed. Mr.
Saunders closed Margartias bar because there were two murders. The owner continues to rent to the cardroom
because she lives in Fresno. He offered
to buy it from her and close it. Over
the last few months, it has improved its operation. The people are not bad and there is a need for recreation. He believes it would be a
disservice for
them not to have an outlet. The
violations have been ongoing and he recommends that the City revoke the owners’
license but not all future licenses.
Chris Ortiz stated that he has been going to Caps since October
and he has never seen anything untoward going on. Caps does not fit the model that OSA is seeking, but how the
business is operated rather than the nature of the business should not be the
focus. It is a watering hole instead of
a place for playing poker.
Ms. Steinberg stated that Corporal Davis testified that Mr.
Gonzalez-Curiel understood English. It
is Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel’s duty to accept the offer of an interpreter, which the
City was obligated to make. It is not
the City’s obligation to ensure that he understands. He has not accepted the offer for translation this evening and is
listening to proceedings in English with his attorney at his side. Regarding what the Council could do to
ensure that cardrooms do not die. There
has been some misinformation. There is
no prohibition regarding a permit, but City Code Section 6-49 limits the total
cardrooms to one at a time. It does not
say that the Chief is prohibited from reviewing a new application once this
license is gone. Another thing raised
is that the cardroom can be transferred, sold, or assigned. This license can no longer be transferred or
assigned because there is no saleable license in the City of Salinas. The license is only transferable under very
specific circumstances, none of which are present here. The person currently holding the permit has
to be in good standing with the law,
the license hs to be in good standing and a cloud has been brought over
this license with hearing, and the Council would have to approve the transfer. Staff recommends that the license be revoked
and other applicants submit a new application and the same rigorous review
would apply. Staff believes that this
is the only option. Caps has received
investigations over six years, spaced out by one year or more, and
investigators have repeatedly returned to see if they have improved and they
have not. Lastly, the audience states
that this is a place for people to gather in a friendly environment. They are not asking that they give us their
lease, but are asking that he no longer be permitted to operate a card
room.
Mr. Pia stated that the Council is being asked to revoke the
license and if you decide to continue the license and allow it to operate,
there is no branding of it but it is not in good standing. He believes this is a splitting of hairs
that he does not believe the law allows the way the ordinance reads. Article XIII of Section 19963(a) of the
State Gambling Control Act states that in addition to limitations of gaming,
the Commission may not issue a gambling license for an establishment that was
not license to operate on December 31, 1999 unless an application was on file
prior to September 1, 2000. He would
have to get a license that was in operation before December 31, 1999, which
this license has. That is why he asks
for an opportunity to be rid of the burden of the lease. He believes the license is held by Caps
Incorporated, meaning it does not die with the individual but lives during the
life of the corporation.
Councilmember Lutes asked if the Council supports the
appeal, i.e. reverses the revocation, is the license then in good standing in
order to be sold or transferred and how would someone receive a new license.
Mr. McPeters stated that his understanding is that the
section discussed deals with new cardrooms, expansion of gaming, in
jurisdictions that did not have a cardroom in 1999. Salinas is a jurisdiction that did have a cardroom in 1999. A State gaming license
cannot be
transferred, so it is moot as to whether it is in good standing. A new application would have to be
submitted. If the license were no
longer in good standing, the establishment would have to be sold to a new
owner, who would have to go throught the application process. If the old owner were in bad standing, they
would have to be removed.
Councilmember Barnes stated that Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel had
every opportunity to comply. She
wonders why he did not use translation services tonight if he has difficulty
understanding English. She believes
there is compelling evidence to show fiscal irresponsibility. If the license is extended, the City would
be turning a blind eye to the Police Department and would not be upholding the
law.
Councilmember Barrera stated that every businessman has a
responsibility to know the rules and regulations. The Department of Gaming and the Police Department have bent over
backwards. He has frequented the
cardroom, and no one wants to close it down.
However, there have been numerous violations. It is not personal. When
the owner has been asked to comply, he has stated he would do his best to
comply only to do the same thing. He
hears that there is a good possibility that this would not be the end of card
playing opportunities. He believes that
card playing could be a good business.
If there are violations regardless of the location, the City has an
obligation to act.
Councilmember Villegas stated that he was invited to visit
Caps on a Saturday night at 7 p.m.. He
is unsure if anyone would be interested in renovating the building, because it
would require hundreds of thousands of dollars. He only saw one or two people come in and out. They are being asked to extend the license
to allow renovation. Eight or nine
people would generate insufficient revenue, and he is barely able to meet
payroll and has zero liquidation assets.
Councilmember Villegas offered to converse with Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel in
Spanish, but he elected English. He
believes downtown visitors would be uncomfortable walking by the people
lingering in front of Caps. He believes the history of crime speaks for itself.
Councilmember Lutes stated that her hesitation regarding
revoking the license is that the City would lose the only gaming license in
town. The Planet Gemini owner brought
up good arguments. She believes Art
Sabiniano ran a model gaming operation.
She has no sympathy for Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel because he has been given
every opportunity, although she feels sorry for the patrons. She is happy to learn that someone could
come in and open another facility.
Councilmember De La Rosa stated that it is unfortunate that
Mr. Gonzalez-Curiel did not have the know how to run the business. She is pleased that Salinas could have
another card room. Mr. Sabiniano ran a
legitimate card room. She sees youth playing
cards because that is the in thing. She
would like to see someone come forward and open a legitimate room.
Mr. Pia stated that the language of the statute differs from
Mr. McPeters’ statements.
Mr. Rodriquez cautioned Council that Mr. McPeters has
testified that he is not an expert.
They can give his testimony weight but it may not be conclusive. Whether there is some ability for a cardroom
to continue has not been resolved. But
that is not the issue, but rather whether there is enough evidence to rescind
or revoke the license.
Councilmember Barnes asked whether the license could be
rescinded contingent up whether there would be another card license within the
City.
Mr. Rodriquez stated that Mr. Pia and the City Attorney’s
Office could provide additional briefings.
Mayor Donohue noted the options are to affirm, modify, or
reverse the revocation of the permit.
He stated that this is not personal.
He supports the Police Chief and the Department and he cannot make the
leap from customers comments that no alcohol is being served to the pictures
from the Police Department. Mr.
Gonzalez-Curiel must have known that he had a problem regardless of his English
skills. It concerns him that good
people looking for a legitimate outlet.
He does not believe the Council wants to deprive people of their
recreation. He would support an
application for a well-run, established gaming room. He does not want to deprive the City of a gaming license.
Councilmember Barnes stated that she believes that the issue
is about Caps. The permit cannot be
transferred. What is before the Council
is whether the license should be revoked.
MOTION
Councilmember Barnes moved to revoke Caps Card Room
permit. The motion died for lack of a
second.
Mr. Mora stated that Council has indicated they would like
the information and they could charge Mr. Rodriquez to provide an opinion.
Mr. Rodriquez stated that he could provide the opinion by
May 22, 2007.
COUNCIL ACTION
Upon motion by
Councilmember Lutes and second by Councilmember De La Rosa, Council voted
unanimously to continue this item to May 22, 2007. Abstain: Councilmember
Sanchez.
CONSIDERATION
1. Proposed Adjustment to BFI’s
Schedule of Service Fees and Schedule of Approved Rates for Commercial and Residential
Customers.
Councilmember Sanchez rejoined the meeting.
Denise
Estrada, Maintenance Director, presented her report. This would equate to a ten cents per month increase for the
average residential customer. BFI and
the City would still have the lowest rates for residential residents in
Monterey County. The senior low-income
rate would increase by twenty-five cents.
Gloria Moore
expressed concern about applying the commercial rate to multi-family complexes
and scavenging of recycle bins.
Al Espindola
expressed concern regarding recycling being taken from containers and he asked
what BFI is doing to increase recycling.
Councilmember
Barnes note that recycling has increased from 12% to 55% since BFI has become
the waste hauler.
Councilmember
Sanchez suggested that apartment complexes should increase recycling and he
would like to consider providing benefits for low-income residences.
COUNCIL ACTION
Upon
motion by Councilmember Sanchez and second by Councilmember De La Rosa, the
City Council voted to adopt RESOLUTION 19209 approving the annual
adjustments to BFI’s schedule of service fees and schedule of approved rates
for commercial and residential customers.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
2. Park
Needs Assessment.
Denise
Estrada, Maintenance Director, stated that Salinas has less than three acres
per 1,000 residents compared to the average of 10 acres per 1,000
residents. There are inadequate
resources to take care of additional facilities. Capital repairs and new construction including ADA accessible
improvements are needed. The budget has
decreased to solely health and safety issues.
Based on acreage, Salinas should have 36 maintenance employees. Staffing was reduced from 30 employees to 19
employees a few years ago, but has recently been restored to 27 employees with
Measure V funding. Staff would continue
to apply for grant funds to fund additional park resources.
Al Espindola
stated that the parks are in need although the City has done as much as it
could with what it has. He suggested
that a financial assessment may be in order.
Councilmember
Lutes stated that enforcement of the helmet regulation is needed at the
skateboard park.
Councilmember
Sanchez stated that private/public partnerships are needed. A group has offered to pay for lights at
Constitution and no one has contacted them and the City should consider
partnering with Monterey County. The
Council needs to begin committing funds to parks and a subcommittee should be
considered.
COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS/APPOINTMENTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
By
consensus, the Council decided to resume the 4 p.m. City Council meeting time
effective June 5th.
Councilmember
Sanchez asked that Councilmember reports be moved to the beginning of the
agenda. He requested a joint Police
Advisory Committee meeting to hear how they could become involved with the City
Council. He has been approached by
Hartnell College offering two portable buildings if the City would pick them up
and move them, and perhaps they could be moved to Closter Park.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m..
APPROVED:
___________________________
MAYOR
DENNIS DONOHUE
ATTEST:
______________________________
CITY CLERK ANN CAMEL
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