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Recording in progress.

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Good evening. This is the time and place set for the notice meeting for the city of Watsonville. Can I get a roll call, please?

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Clarke,

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Dutra, here, Montesino,

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Gordosco,

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here, Parker, here, Gido's Carter, here, and Salcedo, here, we have Quorum, and do we have any introduction of new employees or retirees?

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I don't think so, okay, can we be under presentations of the Service with Heart Award?

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We'll be giving that today to Alvaro Mendez.

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Good afternoon, Council Mayor.

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It is with great pleasure that I want to speak this afternoon about Alvaro Mendez.

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Alvaro began as a part time employee of the City of Watsonville in 2016 and

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became a full time employee in 2017.

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Through the years, Alvaro has progressed through the series of utility worker and finally,

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and three years ago, becoming a utility crew lead for one of our crews.

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Alvaro is very conscientious as a leader with his crew, just really including his team in

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decision making, providing the team with team building activities and ensuring that each

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of them have the proper training for older duties.

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Alvaro leads the signage and striping crew of the city, one that you are all familiar

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with, right?

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Great work being done.

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These workers are constantly in contact with the public while the city is working on

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our city streets.

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The crew that works doing this work really reflects Alvaro's attitudes to providing excellent

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customer service, being a great public servant and a true professional.

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Alvaro is very committed to his duties and not only making our streets better and safer

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every single week, but also assisting with traffic control for special events.

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Setting up and taking down special event traffic control devices is done before the event and

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after the event, which means nights and early mornings.

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Alvaro manages these tasks with grace and a true collaborative spirit.

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Alvaro excels at managing his resources, ensuring his crew has the equipment and materials

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they need and definitely staying within budget, something that we all appreciate.

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One attribute that makes Alvaro the recipient of these service with heart of work is his

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disability to process work orders and be thorough and complete in his work.

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During the flood events, for example, Alvaro showed up for our community every single

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day with great disposition and the desire to help our community during an incredible time

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of needs.

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Alvaro's group is rapid to response and remove and installing traffic striping and traffic

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markings, installing street signs and providing traffic control services for city events.

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Alvaro continues to grow and take on more responsibilities. Currently, he is coordinating the city's

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right street light maintenance contract and assisting with city traffic signal maintenance contract.

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I am sure that we will see a lot more from Alvaro over the years as he continues to grow with us.

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I want to just take a moment for all of us here today to congratulate you for work well done throughout the years, and continue to serve the City of Watsonville with heart.

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Thank you, Alvaro.

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I'd like to join me in for a good picture.

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Alvaro, our engraver is out ill, but this will be engraved with your name later.

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but I want to make sure that that you had it today to hold it and be proud. Thank you.

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Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you for your service.

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Thank you.

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Good evening everyone. I just wanted to say thank you for recognizing the passion that I have for what I do.

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I want to thank God for also my parents for teaching me so many good values like

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education, integrity, and I can see here the results of those values. I want to

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thank my wife, my kids, for their support and giving the strength every day. Also,

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there's so many great people that I have made in the city, have supported me over

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the nine years that I've made with the city. I can now mention every single one,

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but they know who they are.

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I also wanna specifically recognize my crew,

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the traffic operations department.

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They're always there to support me with every project.

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Any challenges that we encounter,

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we find solutions and we get it done.

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So thank you again, just wanna

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for appreciating and recognizing everything that we do.

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Thank you.

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All

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right, thank you very much.

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Moving on to item three, City of Watsonville,

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economic development strategy.

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Do we have that people?

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Yes. Okay, great. All right. Good afternoon,

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Mayor and Council. This is going to be a little bit of a team effort. We Council have been asking

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for an update on economic development strategies and the work that the city is doing in this regard,

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So this is an opportunity to tell you all that we have been working on.

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So first of all, I can, who's going to click next?

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So first, I'd like to kind of go over who's working in economic development in the city.

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So my office and the city manager office is focuses on economic development strategy and coordination

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and all business attraction and investment initiatives that the city may pursue.

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as well as developing partnerships and economic development tools that might be used by the Council in order to attract businesses.

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The Community Development Department, as you will hear today, just really focuses on policy development, land use strategies,

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and just really supporting the conditions that allow businesses to be part of our community, or community,

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community, as well as the coordination of special development projects that we will discuss

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through this presentation.

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In addition, we have strategic partners and consultants, Cosmo company, is the company

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that helped us develop our economic development strategy and continues to serve as advisory

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for different projects that are coming to our city.

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In addition, retail strategies, most recently, like for the past 10 months, have been a

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key partner that is assisting with retail recruitment and small business support, as well

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as we have other community and business partners that help through our efforts and you

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will see that through our presentation today.

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Next,

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in our economic development plan, it was established that economic development strategy

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for the city is to building a framework that strengthens what's a more community-based,

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economic-based fiscal health and long-term resiliency for the city.

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That plan that was adopted in 2022, outlined a few challenges and opportunities that the city needed to focus on.

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One, business climate, just really allowing the city to become more business-friendly and diminishing the delays and regulatory requirements to open a business in our city.

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Then, investment and development, just really highlighting how do we attract national

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retailers to our city and you see that we have put some efforts into that.

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Downtown and commercial by Vitality, which is really focused on development in the downtown

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and we have some information about that today, as well as just really looking at fiscal sustainability.

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As you will know through our budget conversations, the city has heavy reliance on a single

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sales tax item, and we need to look at a way that we diversify that tax base for the city.

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And infrastructure is another opportunity or challenge, depending how you see it, because

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critical infrastructure needs of our city may aid or hinder development.

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So, those are some of the things that resulted from that economic development plan that was

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completed years ago.

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Next.

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So, today we want to kind of offer this conversation in M4, kind of like main pillars.

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We're going to talk about policy.

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We're going to talk about how we're supporting businesses.

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We're going to talk about incentive, tools and partnerships.

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And last, we're going to hear from our partners from retail strategies about the work that they have been doing

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in our community for the past 10 months.

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With that, I'd like to pass the mic on to community development director Matt Orbeck,

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who will walk us through some of the efforts that we've been doing towards policy.

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Good afternoon, Mayor Salsito and council members.

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As city manager Vita says, my name is Matt Orbeck, committee development director, and

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I am here tonight to present an overview of both advance planning and current planning

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efforts that support economic development.

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This is kind of not conventional economic development in the way you probably think of it, but it creates the conditions under which economic development can occur.

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So I'll start with the downtown Watsonville specific plan, which was adopted in 2023.

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As you can see here, goal number nine, specifically states that enhance commercial activity as a driver for

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downtown's economic vitality and growth explicitly stated.

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And that is supported by multiple policies within the plan related to existing businesses,

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is encouraging and makes abuses, attracting regional business entities and services,

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as well as identifying opportunity sites throughout the downtown area that include Martin Ellis,

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City Hall, Police Station, Fire Station, and the US Post Office.

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In addition, that plan also tackles some progressive issues like parking standards.

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So for commercial businesses located within the downtown parking area, there are no parking standards,

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which means that they don't have to provide on-site parking and the new business comes in.

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There's also objective design standards, so they have certainty about designing buildings in a certain way that will work within the downtown.

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We've also streamlined the administrative approvals so that many projects can come through without having to go to a public hearing.

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And in addition, conforming projects are actually exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the down town Watsonville specific plan EIR, which I'll get into in a minute.

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In addition, right now, as you know, we're working on our 2050 general plan update.

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Similar to the downtown Watsonville specific plan, there's a goal specifically related to economic development.

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Very similar, that is also supported by multiple economic development policies, LC3.1 to LC3.1.8, so quite a few.

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In addition, the plan identifies commercial corridors, mixed use corridors, and mixed use centers.

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In those areas, each one has policies and actions related to flexible commercial designs,

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administrative review for commercial uses, and funding of street scape improvements.

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So, multiple different fronts that encourage economic development.

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In addition, there's multiple growth areas, some of which are predominantly residential that have smaller commercial components,

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and some of which which are fully commercial related, such as the highway one gateway area.

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Next slide.

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Following the adoption of the general plan, we'll also be doing a comprehensive zoning

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code update.

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The purpose of that will be to make the zoning map consistent with the 2050 general

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plan land use map.

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We'll also, at that time, update the entire zoning code, much of which has not been updated

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since 1980, and as we've mentioned in several presentations over the last couple of years,

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the outdated nature of that code has created problems, as the city has grown and changed

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over time related to everything from code enforcement to very prescriptive uses for commercials

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zoning districts.

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So that will be our opportunity to really tackle that head on on a comprehensive scale

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citywide.

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In addition, similar to the downtown Watsonville specific plan, that will be our opportunity

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to develop citywide objective design standards, which I will get into a little bit more

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As well as simplifying the permitting process for commercial uses and commercial zoning districts. That is getting at the idea of not needing conditional use permits or special use permits for commercial uses in commercial zones, making more things principally permitted. As well as making more permit, permit approvals administrative.

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So how are those things economic development? Well, developers and business owners need a couple of things when they come into our city. They want certainty related to cost and timing when deciding whether to build

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build a structure or a business in our city.

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In terms of permitting costs, permits that don't require a zoning administrator or planning commission approval are cheaper because there's less staff time involved.

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The permitting time line is also shorter because permits requiring public hearings are involved longer and more expensive process.

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Developers also want to know that if they design the buildings to certain standards, it will be approved.

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And so that's where objective design standards come in, because they can look come in from the outside.

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on day one, look at that code and say, if I do that height, with those setbacks, that

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registration articulation, boom, it will get approved, you know, rubber stamp it.

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In addition, I mentioned the environmental review.

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One of the texts we took with the Downtown Watsumil specific plan was to adopt that with

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an EIR that could cover projects afterwards, so that as long as projects were consistent

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with the EIR, they could have a cheaper faster and more certain path to approval not have

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to do their own EIRs or any kind of environmental review to that level, which adds significant

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time and cost to the process, not to mention uncertainty.

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And then in addition, just on the sort of standard day-to-day level, basically these things support

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required findings that are required for any project approval.

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So number one under a design permit finding is this consistent with your general plans.

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So if we have goals, policies, objectives in there that all speak to, yes, we want to

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encourage economic development, we have a project that comes in that's a new business

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that provides economic development, we can say yes, that's consistent.

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Next.

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On the current planning front where we've really focused this year is on staffing and process

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improvement.

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Those efforts this year have included in hiring a part-time development review technician

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to clear the backlog of emails and permit applications and improve turnaround time on active

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and future applications.

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That's been a very successful effort, that was a part-time temp for the previous fiscal year that ran between January and June.

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I think we fully maximize the hours of our part-time temp Celeste, and she did an amazing job helping us to clear that back, allowing the emails.

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It was so successful that we have been able to open a recruitment for a full-time development review technician position that is open right now.

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So hopefully we can make those improvements permanent moving forward.

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In addition, we were able to hire a part time student intern to assist with closing out

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old permits in the city's munis permitting system.

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That's an incredibly important one to me as director because until we have all the old

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permits closed out, I can't remember for showing me what's currently active in our system.

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So the work that Lupita Olvera is doing on that front is really, really valuable for our

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department.

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Additionally, I forgot to add it to the slide here, but we will be hiring a principal planner

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who starts Monday.

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I think that good news slipped my mind when I was making the slide to run our current

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planning division, which I am very happy to be able to take that hat and hand it off.

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We have an amazing person starting, and that will help just streamline the workflow within

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that division.

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We're also going to be hiring a dedicated management analyst to manage complex development projects,

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which we will bring back in the future with some more details.

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As well as connecting RFP, RFQ for both new on-call planning services, as well as architectural

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And on that front as well, I helped work with the finance director to develop a new process for handling master contracts under which we can do reimbursable agreements and task orders so that we can get projects up and running faster when they come in and require third party technical reviews.

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So

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how are those things economic development, same things, certainty related to cost and timing.

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Permitting time, that's helped by adequate staffing because the building department and

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the planning division can receive electronic permit submittals, enter them into our system,

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route them for review in a timely manner, all that shortens the review process.

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In terms of cost, reducing the amount of time to permit issuance reduces the associate overhead for

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the applicant while they're waiting to get started on construction, you know, many times

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we talk to people who, you know, sign a lease before they come in and submit their permanent

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application.

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So for every week or month that, you know, they get delayed going through our permitting

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process, they're paying rent without bringing in revenue.

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So that's really important.

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And then, obviously, also having technical, shortening the technical review time, you know,

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many projects require review by a biologist or an architectural historian.

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and the faster we can get that consultant on board,

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the more we can shorten the review process.

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So with that, I will hand it back

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to non-planning related business support.

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Sorry.

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Good evening, mayors El Sido and councilmembers.

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My name is Ronel Savala, I'm a principal management analyst

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with the City Manager's Office.

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And I'll be going through some of the currently available

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support for businesses.

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But first, I'll start by looking

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that some of the data from what we heard from our businesses.

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In 2024, the city conducted a survey with businesses within the downtown Wattenham

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specific plan area.

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While downtown represents only a small part of our overall business community, it provided

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a snapshot of some of the challenges and priorities being experienced by local businesses.

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One of the questions asked how they felt the city could provide additional support.

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marketing and funding were among the top four responses alongside crime and parking.

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Those findings provide a useful starting point as we look at how the city is responding.

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The next slides will highlight some of the partnerships and resources currently available

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to businesses as well as some of the inhuman initiatives we're pursuing to strengthen that support

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and to address these needs.

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El Pajaro CDC is one of our key partners in providing direct support

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to local businesses, their programs provide financing, technical assistance, business education

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along with bilingual support for entrepreneurs. The city also partners with El Pajaro CDC to our

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CDBG funding. For example, during fiscal year 2526, their program assisted 448 businesses,

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helped create 32 full-time jobs, 12 part-time jobs, and supported the retention of 891 jobs.

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This is in addition to them holding 19 training events, many in which we're in partnership with the City of Wadsma.

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This partnership allows the City to leverage our CDBG investment through an organization that already directly connected and providing services to our local business community.

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Another two available is our small business platform through the City's partnership with retail strategies.

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local businesses owners have access to a training platform that provides them

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with 12 months of free on-demand training and resources that cover various

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topics such as omni-channel retail strategies, restaurant resiliency, business

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modernization, property owner resources, how they transcend outlook. You may

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remember that we gave you a card with the QR code that takes you directly to the

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platform. So if you're talking to a business owner and you think this might be helpful for them,

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you can always share that card and it's an easy way for them to access that.

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Access to Capital

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is another area where we provide support to our business owners. The city's revolving loan fund

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provides gap financing to businesses that may have difficulty obtaining traditional financing

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through banks. The program is the original partnership between the cities of Santa Cruz,

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Capitola, Scots Valley, and Watson Mill along with the County of Santa Cruz.

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The program was established back in 2021 when the partnership was awarded $2.75 million to establish the fund.

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Watson Mill currently has the lending capacity of about $800,000 with the potential to leverage additional funding through Grow America, which manages the fund.

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Lones can range from under 50,000 all the way up to 500, but they can make bigger loans

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depending on the project and financing structures.

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The program was initially created as a response to the economic impacts after COVID-19, but

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it has since been updated as a broader financing resource for local businesses.

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Another two we've been actively pursuing is California's Opportunities on 2.0 Program.

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The program provides federal tax incentives to encourage private investment in businesses

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and real estate within designated census checks.

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The designation itself does not impose any additional development requirements or restrictions

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on property owners.

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And the city submitted its application on July 20, recommending seven eligible census

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We're currently in the public comment period which will run through August 28th and we've already received support from various property owners and community organizations.

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Based on the state selection process and the eligibility of the census tracks that we submitted, we're fairly confident that Watson was in a good position to receive an opportunity on this ignition.

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If approved, the signations are expected to take effect January 1, 2027, and they could

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provide another tool to help attract private investment in Wattamah.

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And with that, I'll pass it back to Tomah.

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Great.

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So, a couple of other highlights that the Council may or may not be familiar with are Wattamah

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businesses spotlight effort has continued.

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So we continue visiting local businesses,

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highlighting the hard-working business owners that we have,

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and just really lifting up those community stories

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that help make what's a more special place.

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In addition, I have been having conversations

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directly with Cover Your College

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to collaborating on efforts

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that could help us build workforce development

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and really help development of art residents to take jobs within our community as trained by Cabrillo College.

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So that's an exciting opportunity that you will be seeing more of in the future.

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Next, as always, the city has been a member of the Parabaly Chamber of Commerce,

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but most recently this year, the city also became a member of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce.

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And the reason for that is just really to continue to increase via both Chamber of Commerce

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the business visibility and the promotion efforts that are businesses in our city can

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have access to and of course increase networking and connections through our work with both

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chambers.

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Most recently I want to highlight the leadership development that we have had with a trip

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that we took with the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce Group to

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Napa Valley just really visiting businesses, collecting ideas

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that we could implement in our city. But what I'm most excited about is in

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October, Watson will be one of the stops of the

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leadership group of Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce

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bringing business and entrepreneurs to our city to learn about

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more about our efforts and what we're doing. So it's a great

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partnership, and we're very proud members of both chambers.

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Next is, I want to touch a little bit on development downtown.

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This is something that also has been an interest of the council.

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And I want to highlight that we are working with several property owners within their downtown area.

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In particular, there are six property owners that are currently actively exploring residential or

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for mixed youth development in our downtown footprint, so we're excited about that.

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These projects are at different stages of their development, but actively having conversations

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with our community development department staff as well as my office.

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We're also exploring a proposal for city-owned property redevelopment in our downtown and

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And that will be coming in more detail as we advance our work on that project.

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Next, one of the things that you all have asked also in the past is what are some economic development tools?

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What are the things that the council could consider utilizing in order to attract businesses?

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What, instead of bringing kind of like a blanket array of ideas for you to consider, what I wanted to do is just kind of like discuss this and ask it is appropriate not not all tools are appropriate for all businesses, but if

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As is appropriate, we will want to be able to come back to the Council and have the discussion

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whether you are interested in perhaps exploring revenue sharing. That means a new tax or a TOT

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tax sharing with a new business owner or a fee deferral like would the city consider differing

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eligible fees to a later time in the project milestones or a tax reimbursement,

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and reimbursing a portion of a new tax of revenue

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that is generated by those projects that qualify

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for this type of incentive.

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We also have proposals for commercial facet improvement funding,

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just helping our old properties kind of like rehab

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and public infrastructure assistance.

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That's something that I have brought up to the council

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in the past.

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There might be projects that could really benefit

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it from this type of incentive.

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And a pretty development cost assistant is one of the newest ideas that the team has

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been discussing about.

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Sometimes projects are expensive at the forefront, so how can the city...

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Perhaps cover some of those costs upfront for environmental review, et cetera, and the business

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owners ring versus later on, but just really facilitating the start of those projects. So

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that's one tool that we consider. So with that, I want to pass it on to our partners

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of retail strategies that's going to be the buff, the boys ahead of her. There are going

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going to be Brook Hill and John Mark from Retail Strategies Group will be walking us through

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their efforts in the past 10 months working with Wattamil.

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It's all yours.

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Thank you, Tamara.

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Good evening, mayor, councilmembers and city staff.

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Thank you for allowing us to kind of give an update on what we've been working on.

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I am Brook Hill and I am your senior portfolio director for the West Coast and I'm joined

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by my colleague John Mark Buuser, who is our retail development manager and he leads our recruitment

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efforts. So just going to give a quick overview, walk you through who we are, how we work, what the

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market data is telling us about this first year is very, very heavy on the data and discovery.

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But most importantly, the real tangible momentum that we are building on the city's behalf.

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So next slide please.

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So as this is our first time presenting to you guys, just wanted to do a quick overview

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about retail strategies was founded in 2011 with a single focus and that was helping municipalities

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like Watsonville attract businesses to their community.

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So we do that across four service areas, retail recruitment, which is a job market myself and

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and we also have a retail academy, downtown strategies,

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and small business support arms.

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What sets our approach apart is that we operate

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with a commercial broker's mindset,

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but with that fiduciary responsibility to the city,

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not any landlord or not any single retailer.

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So we know how those national retailers think,

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how their real estate teams make decisions

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and what it takes to keep Watsonville on their radar.

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And our partnership with the city began last year in 2025.

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So next slide, please, a little bit about our process, how does this actually work?

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So it starts with the data and demographics, and again, the first year of the partnership

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really is us coming in and looking at Watsonville from a national retail lens.

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So every year, we refresh that market data for Watsonville's custom trade area, so that

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we sit across from a retailer in these meetings at trade shows or we're talking to them.

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We're speaking their language, they're using, we're using the same numbers that they do to make these decisions

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And so we also perform what we call a boots on the ground

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Visit so we conducted this in January last year. I'm actually met with

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Tamra Matt, Renelle of the team. We drove around

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We looked at some sites

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But this is where we really come in. We updated our inventory available sites for national retail

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We cultivate those relationships with the local brokers the developers and property owners

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there's basically anybody that would be involved in getting a retail deal done in Watsonville.

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And then we also have what we call pleasant persistence.

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So retail recruitment is a very long game.

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These national retail reps receive site pitches from all over the country, hundreds of them a

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day, and it's our job to put Watsonville at the front of that line.

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So we are constantly, you know, sending an email calling, chirping at them just to make

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sure that they know that there are opportunities in Watsonville when they're looking at expansion.

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We also represent Watsonville at the ICSC trade shows, so specifically for Watsonville,

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we do ICSC Las Vegas, which is the main big national retail show.

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And then next month, we will be doing ICSC Western, which is focuses primarily on retailers

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expanding in the Western region, but attending these shows gives us that direct FaceTime with

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these decision-makers at these major brands.

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And then underneath all of that, we act as an investment multiplier and a relationship

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agent of your own economic development team.

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So we are focused, everybody's tonight, and it's a fantastic job of all the other economic

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development efforts.

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We are solely focused on specifically retail and using our industry network to open doors

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that otherwise may have taken years to open alone.

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So, next slide please, and this is what we call our retail recruitment ladder.

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So, before we get into the data numbers for Watsonville, I just wanted to kind of pause

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on this and it illustrates why cities invest in retail recruitment.

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Retail builds on retail, every new store that opens, generates new sales tax revenue, creates

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more local jobs and signals to other retailers that the market's viable and open for business.

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Also, retail enhances the quality of life, which in turn helps attract and keep the work

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course that supports your primary employers.

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So what we have here is this ladder.

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So on that first drawing is what we call our first mover retailers, and these are your

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Starbucks and McDonald's.

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They come in, they really kind of establish, they're kind of a magnet for other retailers.

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And then even on that first drawing, they're generating a million dollars in sales.

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sales, so sales tax revenue from that, and then as you go up the wrong, you will start

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attracting retailers that create more jobs at compounds and so it paves the way, you know,

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up to something like a home depot that has $40 million in annual revenue.

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And so next slide, please.

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So this is what we call our toolbox, and so when we're talking to retailers, we use these

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same industry standard tools that they use and that their brokers allow on every day.

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We designed a custom trade area that captures the true reach of Watsonville's markets,

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so that expands outside of the city limits and we pulled two retailers in the next couple

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slides that we'll walk through. But we create that custom trade area. We run gap analysis

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and leakage reports to see where is the dollar, where is the spending money and Watsonville leaking?

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is it in restaurants? Is it in soft goods? And then we also use S3 tapestry segmentation

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to profile your shoppers in terms that retailers understand and then we use mobile tracking data

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to measure the real foot traffic. A lot of these retailers want to know who's coming into my store,

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who's can get to my cash register to make a sale. So we'll use that mobile tracking data,

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which we'll, again, will stay on the next few slides. But it has become a very powerful tool

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in showing these retailers, you know, this is actually who's shopping.

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So next slide, please.

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So here is that mobile tracking data, example, and this is from the Ross on Main Street.

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So what you're looking at is a real world, the print of the consumer activity for this specific

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Ross.

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Each point reflects that device database, so when you go into a store, your cell phone

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will ping in that store and then it'll determine where you spend your at home hours.

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So anything that is more heavily shaded here is more heavily concentrated with shoppers

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from that area going to this Ross. But as you can see, it stretches far beyond just the

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standard city boundary of Watsonville. And this is what retailers pay attention to because

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they can see where they're pulling consumers from. And so on the next slide, this is where

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the data. It's really interesting. So this is a site ranking comparison for the Watsonville

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Ross measured against every other Ross location in the Monterey Salinas demographic metropolitan

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area. And so of those six stores, Watsonville is great. They rank in the middle third and

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then over that's for the current 52 weeks and it's about 230,000 visits per year.

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Same

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But the next retailer that we talk about is interesting and you can go ahead and click on that next slide.

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So this is a second example of the Starbucks on Main Street.

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And it uses the same approach where it's device-based visit data, map to show this locations reach and where its customers are coming from.

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And so if you'll click to the next slide again.

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And so last year, the Starbucks ranked 38th,

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and this year it's up to fourth.

441
00:38:39,180 --> 00:38:41,100
So, when we're talking to retailers,

442
00:38:41,500 --> 00:38:44,260
especially similar retailers to Starbucks, you know,

443
00:38:44,380 --> 00:38:49,060
cafe, it shows that people are coming to the Starbucks,

444
00:38:50,040 --> 00:38:55,220
it jumped up from, I'm sorry, 121,000 visitors

445
00:38:55,220 --> 00:38:57,000
to 360,000 visitors.

446
00:38:57,640 --> 00:39:00,960
So, ranking fourth and just one year

447
00:39:00,960 --> 00:39:04,680
that just shows the viability of Watsonville and that's something that these retailers

448
00:39:04,680 --> 00:39:05,600
have paid attention to.

449
00:39:07,900 --> 00:39:11,720
And we can run this from any national retailer in the market,

450
00:39:12,280 --> 00:39:16,980
depending on what retailers we're talking to and what comps and things they may want

451
00:39:16,980 --> 00:39:23,020
to see. So the next slide, please. And so this is, I don't think you're really quick on

452
00:39:23,020 --> 00:39:25,080
that. I think about these.

453
00:39:27,620 --> 00:39:31,460
That's a very new Starbucks. Like, I don't even know if it's,

454
00:39:31,460 --> 00:39:38,140
So I would imagine it started off at 38 because I mean how old is that Starbucks Matt a year and a half?

455
00:39:39,180 --> 00:39:45,700
Maybe a year and a half old. So it makes I mean, it's not like it was okay,

456
00:39:46,320 --> 00:39:51,120
all of a sudden a huge performance increase. It was a new business that was

457
00:39:51,980 --> 00:39:55,940
you know kind of taking off. So I mean, is that taken into consideration?

458
00:39:57,200 --> 00:40:12,320
It is, and again, that's one for this showing that with the over 38 Starbucks in the demographic area, the Watsonville one jumped up to fourth, which is very strong performance.

459
00:40:15,000 --> 00:40:24,880
Can I ask a quick question? And it may not be applicable to the second, but I'd like to know what the differences between all the Starbucks and the city of Watsonville and their performances.

460
00:40:25,320 --> 00:40:34,020
So, you know, whether one loses it, one's above it, if they're all strong contenders and we become the coffee capital of the tri-county area.

461
00:40:34,600 --> 00:40:39,840
So we can pull all of the different Starbucks and look at them.

462
00:40:40,120 --> 00:40:45,520
And that is something that retailers will look at when they are entering a market where they already have an existing location.

463
00:40:45,900 --> 00:40:53,020
They kind of have their own set of data that they look at as well because they also are not wanting to cannibalize one of their own locations.

464
00:40:53,020 --> 00:41:00,240
But John Mark and I joke coffee and chicken are kind of the two grow like there's new concepts.

465
00:41:00,240 --> 00:41:04,700
They're looking at new locations there, but we just coffee and chicken are kind of king of

466
00:41:05,420 --> 00:41:10,600
especially the QSR market. They're constantly growing. But that's definitely something we could pull

467
00:41:10,600 --> 00:41:15,020
for each Starbucks and share that with Tamer and Ronnell.

468
00:41:15,540 --> 00:41:19,940
And really quickly, if I'm right, I think that the main point we're looking at is that

469
00:41:19,940 --> 00:41:26,440
But out of all the Starbucks that went there on May, though it may be newer, the current

470
00:41:26,440 --> 00:41:30,880
52 weeks it's ranking fourth, which is a very strong story to share with retailers,

471
00:41:30,880 --> 00:41:35,840
which is kind of a big part of what we may be communicating out for these current 52 weeks.

472
00:41:35,980 --> 00:41:41,440
So certainly understand the newer, the ramp up with it, but the fact that it's ranked fourth

473
00:41:42,460 --> 00:41:43,700
is pretty strong.

474
00:41:43,700 --> 00:41:44,660
And

475
00:41:51,670 --> 00:41:59,550
so this slide is probably one of an addition to the traffic and mobile data, important

476
00:41:59,550 --> 00:42:00,670
for our recruitment conversation.

477
00:42:01,010 --> 00:42:05,350
So this is the gap analysis or leakage report and this measures the difference between

478
00:42:05,350 --> 00:42:11,130
what the Watsonville area consumers are demanding versus what the local retailers are currently

479
00:42:11,130 --> 00:42:11,770
supplying.

480
00:42:12,350 --> 00:42:18,690
So within the trade area, the total consumer demand runs about $1.8 billion annually.

481
00:42:18,690 --> 00:42:22,370
while the local supply captures roughly one billion of that.

482
00:42:22,550 --> 00:42:26,850
So that's leaving nearly $790 million in unmet demand.

483
00:42:27,690 --> 00:42:32,890
So when we're talking to these retailers and they're looking at, you know, can the market

484
00:42:32,890 --> 00:42:36,930
absorb a store or what, we'll break it down for them as opportunities are clear.

485
00:42:37,210 --> 00:42:45,230
So, and this is all shared via base camp, the full report, but clothing and general merchandise

486
00:42:45,230 --> 00:42:50,870
And I see your account for more than $275 million in unmanned on their own health and

487
00:42:50,870 --> 00:42:57,970
personal care pharmacy and beauty is about 96 million furniture and home building materials

488
00:42:57,970 --> 00:43:00,330
and specialty retail all add more.

489
00:43:00,890 --> 00:43:06,450
So for each of these retailers deciding where to open next, this is a documented dollar for

490
00:43:06,450 --> 00:43:08,830
dollar proof that Watson Bill deserves their attention.

491
00:43:10,410 --> 00:43:15,070
And so next slide, please, it's just, this is continuing,

492
00:43:15,590 --> 00:43:19,310
the leakage report, but it continues into these categories.

493
00:43:19,530 --> 00:43:21,250
We're focusing our outreach.

494
00:43:22,010 --> 00:43:23,810
So we've been talking to some restaurants.

495
00:43:23,830 --> 00:43:26,450
This is one of the largest opportunities in the entire study,

496
00:43:26,730 --> 00:43:31,690
roughly $265 million in unmet restaurant demand

497
00:43:32,870 --> 00:43:36,970
and limited service and fast casual concepts alone.

498
00:43:36,970 --> 00:43:44,690
account for about 120 million of that, so there's still room for new concepts, and that's

499
00:43:44,690 --> 00:43:49,890
a big part of why in this next slide we'll get into, you'll see restaurants and restaurants

500
00:43:49,890 --> 00:43:54,690
we're growing in the retail sector opening up the most new locations annually.

501
00:43:55,710 --> 00:44:02,180
So on that next slide please, so with all that data in hand, this is an example of how we're

502
00:44:02,180 --> 00:44:10,240
our efforts on, for the retail types, high volume national restaurants, big box and warehouse

503
00:44:10,240 --> 00:44:15,700
retailers, fast casual restaurants, coffee, outdoor indoor entertainment, grocery and market,

504
00:44:16,180 --> 00:44:23,460
fitness and soft goods and clothing. But our vision goes, or the legal report shows that's where

505
00:44:24,440 --> 00:44:31,560
there's opportunity, but we also are looking to position market Watsonville so firmly in the minds of

506
00:44:31,560 --> 00:44:34,940
these retailers that they're proactively thinking of the city when they grow.

507
00:44:35,200 --> 00:44:40,200
So right now we're trying to capture them as they're growing but also establish the opportunities

508
00:44:40,200 --> 00:44:46,040
and wants to build for future as they're continuing to look and working with local brokers and

509
00:44:46,040 --> 00:44:51,160
developers who are already active in the market to understand what constraints these retailers

510
00:44:51,160 --> 00:44:55,940
are facing to enter the market, how to overcome them, collaborating with the city again on some of

511
00:44:55,940 --> 00:44:59,980
The incentives that have been shared and any questions that we have.

512
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:29,820
We have a direct line to get these retailers answered faster because as we will get to on this next slide as a quick overview of a retail timeline, but time is something that can kill a real estate deal. So, John Mark is going to do a brief overview of what a standard real estate timeline looks like. Yeah, thank you, Brooke. Thank you. Council staff, I appreciate

513
00:45:29,820 --> 00:45:36,180
all of your time this evening. So this is kind of a snapshot of how I real estate deal my work.

514
00:45:36,660 --> 00:45:44,760
I can give a two hour lecture on just this one slide, but I'll be quite brief. This is in

515
00:45:44,760 --> 00:45:50,440
generalities, but it's just really helpful to understand and know how these deals can take and how.

516
00:45:51,700 --> 00:45:56,940
Though it may seem like nothing's happening on the surface, there's really many things happening

517
00:45:56,940 --> 00:46:04,040
kind of in the background. So, um, starting on the left side of the screen, you have Wall Street

518
00:46:04,040 --> 00:46:08,920
labeled, which is basically ownership of a company, whether they're publicly traded, privately held,

519
00:46:09,520 --> 00:46:14,960
they'll say we want to increase profits. How do we do that? You can either increase sales and

520
00:46:14,960 --> 00:46:20,300
existing stores, or you can open new stores. Believe it or not, it's easier to open new stores,

521
00:46:20,300 --> 00:46:25,960
reach new markets and new customers. With the decision to expand open new

522
00:46:25,960 --> 00:46:29,940
stores there will be a real estate director. Typically there will be a chief

523
00:46:29,940 --> 00:46:33,980
development officer and then under them there will be levels of real estate

524
00:46:33,980 --> 00:46:39,560
directors, real estate managers. That real estate director will start to identify

525
00:46:39,560 --> 00:46:46,460
what markets fit for them, what sizes, what regions, what states even kind of

526
00:46:46,460 --> 00:46:48,760
start to decide where they may want to expand.

527
00:46:49,600 --> 00:46:52,580
From there, they will work with local tenant representatives.

528
00:46:52,600 --> 00:46:57,380
You can consider a tenant representative of buyers agents that is a licensed real estate

529
00:46:57,380 --> 00:47:00,180
professional working with these retailers.

530
00:47:00,820 --> 00:47:05,720
The real estate director and the tenant representative will work together to figure out what submarkets,

531
00:47:05,960 --> 00:47:10,400
what areas, regions they would be interested in expanding in.

532
00:47:10,780 --> 00:47:13,740
And then from there, they will start to identify sites.

533
00:47:13,740 --> 00:47:19,060
And it can look all the way from, hey, we only want a site on a hard

534
00:47:19,060 --> 00:47:24,380
corner with left in, left out access with a red light all the way

535
00:47:24,380 --> 00:47:31,580
to, hey, we could go in line in 1,500 square feet in front of a big

536
00:47:31,580 --> 00:47:35,100
box store, for example. So they will start to identify sites, whether

537
00:47:35,100 --> 00:47:40,820
prototype fits and then where, where that prototype could go.

538
00:47:40,820 --> 00:47:47,100
But from there, the tenant representative will present sites for the real estate director.

539
00:47:47,420 --> 00:47:51,420
They will do a financial analysis of the deal, what is the asking price for purchase,

540
00:47:51,880 --> 00:47:57,720
what would a lease rate be, what would the sales projections be, what would at least term

541
00:47:57,720 --> 00:48:00,520
be, all these certain things are kind of analyzed.

542
00:48:00,800 --> 00:48:05,540
They will put together what is called a pro forma, which is basically a complicated budget

543
00:48:05,540 --> 00:48:10,900
it's showing how much it would cost to acquire space, build it out, what their self-projections

544
00:48:10,900 --> 00:48:11,620
would be, etc.

545
00:48:12,420 --> 00:48:15,600
If everything pencils out, they will draft a letter of intent.

546
00:48:15,860 --> 00:48:22,180
It's typically non-binding, a couple of pages long will lay out terms of a deal, the letter

547
00:48:22,180 --> 00:48:27,020
of intent will get negotiated upon before an actual lease or purchase and sell agreement

548
00:48:27,020 --> 00:48:32,000
will be drafted, but before we get to the lease or the purchase and sell agreement it will

549
00:48:32,000 --> 00:48:36,740
will go to a real estate committee, which is typically comprised of a group of executives,

550
00:48:37,740 --> 00:48:42,120
and they may meet every week, every other week, sometimes once a month, depending on

551
00:48:42,120 --> 00:48:48,900
the company. These real estate executives will fly through multiple sites during each meeting

552
00:48:48,900 --> 00:48:53,460
whenever that may be, and they will give it a green light yet, go for it, yellow light,

553
00:48:53,580 --> 00:48:58,440
hey, we need to renegotiate this point, or red light, hey, this doesn't fit our brand.

554
00:48:58,440 --> 00:49:04,520
this location doesn't work for us, the price is too high, whatever it may be. Once a site passes

555
00:49:04,520 --> 00:49:09,360
real estate committee a lease or a purchase and sale agreement will be drafted. That is the big

556
00:49:09,360 --> 00:49:16,360
long document where it's basically lawyers negotiating for up to, up to gosh a year. I've seen

557
00:49:16,360 --> 00:49:23,140
negotiations on one of those documents last up to a year or more. But once that finally gets

558
00:49:23,140 --> 00:49:28,740
negotiated, uh, developer will come into play if applicable, otherwise construction will start,

559
00:49:28,740 --> 00:49:35,580
and then a, uh, business will open. And so the green dots are kind of where we, uh,

560
00:49:35,800 --> 00:49:43,220
where we come in play, where we have, um, where we can have leverage to help Watsonville get businesses,

561
00:49:44,100 --> 00:49:48,760
come ahead of the curve, or where we can influence real estate directors,

562
00:49:48,760 --> 00:49:58,680
to new representatives, et cetera, with conversations about sites, about the Watsonville market, and then developers are a really key part of this as well, wherever applicable.

563
00:49:59,260 --> 00:50:10,620
But the biggest and result here is that real estate takes a very long time. It's a very drawn out process. One caveat I will say is that 36 months is just an example.

564
00:50:10,620 --> 00:50:19,820
I've seen real estate deals go from nothing to open in six months, and I have legitimately seen a

565
00:50:19,820 --> 00:50:26,560
Dutch brothers drive through coffee shop take six years. I have a collection of case studies

566
00:50:26,560 --> 00:50:31,900
of very simple deals that took a very long time, but I've also seen complex deals take a very short

567
00:50:31,900 --> 00:50:39,020
amount of time. So, 36 months is an example, but our whole goal is to stay on top of each step

568
00:50:39,020 --> 00:50:44,840
in the process that we can to help promote the city of Watsonville and and all that help get new businesses to come.

569
00:50:47,020 --> 00:50:54,540
Thanks, John Mark, and we can jump to the next slide. So with all of that data and kind of how the

570
00:50:54,540 --> 00:51:00,880
retail timeline works, we have been, we've identified over 70 retailer prospects and of those seven

571
00:51:00,880 --> 00:51:07,460
half potential interest in Watsonville. For this presentation, the actual retailer names have been

572
00:51:07,460 --> 00:51:10,840
and redacted just a lot of these retailers

573
00:51:11,360 --> 00:51:14,440
like to keep everything secretive until it is done.

574
00:51:15,180 --> 00:51:17,020
But just to give you an overview,

575
00:51:17,440 --> 00:51:20,420
three high volume national drive-through concepts

576
00:51:20,420 --> 00:51:21,940
are interested in Watsonville,

577
00:51:22,540 --> 00:51:23,880
one national fitness user,

578
00:51:24,220 --> 00:51:25,940
one specialty grocer,

579
00:51:26,340 --> 00:51:28,980
and two national coffee drive-through concepts.

580
00:51:29,520 --> 00:51:31,400
And that's just from the first 10 months

581
00:51:31,400 --> 00:51:32,180
of the partnership,

582
00:51:32,520 --> 00:51:34,180
the way that this typically works

583
00:51:34,180 --> 00:51:40,120
is the first 90 to 100 days really is data in discovery and that's when we're coming to the market,

584
00:51:40,480 --> 00:51:47,880
driving, doing all the initial stuff so a lot of momentum to have already have seven potential

585
00:51:47,880 --> 00:51:55,100
interested so we're currently working with their tenant reps with property owners to fit the real estate

586
00:51:55,100 --> 00:51:57,640
puzzle and how what sites work for them.

587
00:51:59,680 --> 00:52:02,840
What is needed on their end or is this

588
00:52:02,840 --> 00:52:07,280
This applicant is new construction and option, do they need second generation space, all just

589
00:52:07,280 --> 00:52:10,580
trying to work to get that retail timeline figured out.

590
00:52:12,280 --> 00:52:17,300
And as we're having discussions with these retailers, if you want to go to the next slide,

591
00:52:17,700 --> 00:52:20,700
we've included what we're calling blockers and enablers.

592
00:52:21,140 --> 00:52:27,160
So these are some things that as we're speaking with retailers, blockers are problems that are

593
00:52:27,160 --> 00:52:31,020
coming up where we're hearing maybe from one or more retailer, hey, this is something that

594
00:52:31,020 --> 00:52:36,180
we keep running into and then enablers are things that are helping us with the recruitment

595
00:52:36,180 --> 00:52:43,400
process. So some of the blockers are developing occupancy strictions and key corridors and

596
00:52:43,400 --> 00:52:49,180
this is a national problem, high cost of the new construction. A lot of retailers right

597
00:52:49,180 --> 00:52:55,000
now prefer second generation opportunities because it is more feasible both from an economic

598
00:52:55,000 --> 00:52:59,120
and quicker timing to move into an existing space

599
00:52:59,120 --> 00:53:00,700
and just do some tenant improvements there.

600
00:53:01,380 --> 00:53:04,400
And there's actually low viable vacancy,

601
00:53:04,760 --> 00:53:08,020
and opportunities currently available for national retail.

602
00:53:08,280 --> 00:53:11,740
So national retail has very different requirements

603
00:53:11,740 --> 00:53:15,580
than some of your regional or mom and pop retailers

604
00:53:15,580 --> 00:53:18,000
when it comes to parking and cotonancy and that type of thing.

605
00:53:18,620 --> 00:53:20,180
And then some of the things that are working

606
00:53:20,180 --> 00:53:23,400
in Watsonville's favor, the strategic location

607
00:53:23,400 --> 00:53:28,600
along the highway one corridor. So this allows the market to draw from multiple trade areas.

608
00:53:29,080 --> 00:53:34,080
And then also the trade areas that are drawn to Watsonville are all strong and continuing to grow.

609
00:53:34,360 --> 00:53:41,080
So that central post region is growing. And then also as we've been talking to these retailers,

610
00:53:41,080 --> 00:53:47,640
there is stated demand from prospects that would like to be in the market and multiple players

611
00:53:47,640 --> 00:53:51,900
looking around within the market, both from a retail side and a developer side.

612
00:53:53,120 --> 00:54:01,460
So that is kind of where we are at, but have some foundation to build on, and some

613
00:54:01,460 --> 00:54:01,800
of them.

614
00:54:02,100 --> 00:54:10,420
So next slide, that is what we have, but happy to answer any questions.

615
00:54:11,780 --> 00:54:12,820
Council Member Parker.

616
00:54:12,820 --> 00:54:21,400
I guess my first question is, could we have access to this slideshow so we can look at

617
00:54:21,400 --> 00:54:24,080
the tiny teeny print more thoroughly?

618
00:54:24,400 --> 00:54:24,420
Thanks.

619
00:54:24,580 --> 00:54:25,460
It's already in the record.

620
00:54:25,900 --> 00:54:29,180
I, because I checked on the thing and, yeah, it wasn't there under this.

621
00:54:29,600 --> 00:54:38,940
But it sounds exciting and it's interesting and publicly they don't want to share what's

622
00:54:38,940 --> 00:54:45,600
going on, but can the council members get a highlight on these folks that are interested,

623
00:54:45,880 --> 00:54:50,800
the seven plus? You don't have to answer. That's just to throw it out there.

624
00:54:50,840 --> 00:54:53,840
Right, the article question. Yeah, yeah. Okay. All right. Thank you.

625
00:54:55,280 --> 00:54:56,160
Council member Dutra.

626
00:54:57,340 --> 00:55:03,280
I have a little bit of a different overtake on it. I just have concern that we've been in

627
00:55:03,280 --> 00:55:12,000
in this for a year, and in that year, a lot of other property owners have really worked

628
00:55:12,000 --> 00:55:18,300
to get bring in a lot of businesses that would fit in this diagram like Angry Chicks,

629
00:55:18,540 --> 00:55:22,620
DDs, Planet Fitness, Quick Quack, Burlington,

630
00:55:24,700 --> 00:55:28,700
and so when I hear it being said 36 months,

631
00:55:29,760 --> 00:55:43,360
I struggle with that because a lot of these places opened up within less than a year and I know those owners are working really hard from their angle with these national developers to fill those positions.

632
00:55:43,860 --> 00:55:55,960
So it leaves me questioning where exactly in Watsonville would your organization be actually trying to fill

633
00:55:58,080 --> 00:56:05,020
spots. So if you can, where are you focused? Because I know a lot of people already focused

634
00:56:05,020 --> 00:56:07,960
on their own properties, so I'm curious to see where are you focused.

635
00:56:11,080 --> 00:56:16,100
So our main focus is to help augment these property owners at first as well and basically

636
00:56:16,100 --> 00:56:23,280
providing them outreach and conversations with retailers on their behalf to help bring potentially

637
00:56:23,280 --> 00:56:29,580
conversations or retailers that may not have considered their site before. So we are doing

638
00:56:29,580 --> 00:56:34,640
similar things and basically multiplying the efforts of many of these property owners

639
00:56:34,640 --> 00:56:41,260
or brokers. Our main focus being with being focused on national retail recruitment is on

640
00:56:41,260 --> 00:56:46,800
Main Street and on Freedom. And so that is where most retail demand is and that's where the best

641
00:56:46,800 --> 00:56:51,640
use of our time goes. But I completely agree. I think it's excellent to see a lot of these deals

642
00:56:51,640 --> 00:57:04,620
take less than a year and many do, but there have also been conversations I've had with retailers that have been looking and working on various sites for multiple years that are still doing the same.

643
00:57:04,880 --> 00:57:10,860
So I think every single deal is different, every single retailer, every single property is different, every story is different.

644
00:57:11,000 --> 00:57:20,120
I had a developer say just speaking very generally that multiple offers have been made on a property over multiple years.

645
00:57:20,120 --> 00:57:23,980
and they're continuing to pursue a certain site.

646
00:57:24,400 --> 00:57:27,280
So every single deal is unique, every deal is different,

647
00:57:27,420 --> 00:57:28,800
but our main goal is to help multiply

648
00:57:28,800 --> 00:57:29,980
the efforts on these property owners

649
00:57:29,980 --> 00:57:31,120
and work alongside them.

650
00:57:31,580 --> 00:57:33,480
I know a couple of the developers,

651
00:57:33,480 --> 00:57:36,080
I've actually asked them if you've reached out to them

652
00:57:36,080 --> 00:57:37,400
and they haven't worked with you.

653
00:57:37,520 --> 00:57:41,320
So I'm trying to figure out who you're working with,

654
00:57:41,840 --> 00:57:44,040
like on freedom or downtown Main Street,

655
00:57:44,640 --> 00:57:45,800
to help fill their buildings.

656
00:57:47,260 --> 00:57:52,820
Yeah, it'd be great to hear who you've spoken with so that we can continue to learn more about the market.

657
00:57:53,040 --> 00:57:57,180
You know, our most of our engagements are on the three-year timeline.

658
00:57:57,360 --> 00:58:01,820
And so it'd be great to hear from your end who you've spoken with and who others at the city have spoken with

659
00:58:01,820 --> 00:58:06,900
so that we can continue to grow the network and meet more people who are active within the market.

660
00:58:06,900 --> 00:58:38,200
Okay, I just like, I want things to come to fruition, I think it's great that we can get excited about like oh this is, we can have economic development and then it's like it could take up to three years and then I see individual developers and landowners really working from the ground here in Watsonville to get their places filled, some of them do it really well.

661
00:58:38,200 --> 00:58:54,480
the codegas, Bill Hansen, the owners of Ayarta, I think that there are some land owners who really work to make sure that their shopping centers are being filled and not having as many vacancies.

662
00:58:55,060 --> 00:59:02,880
So I just get concerned that we're going to be kicked down the road for three years and there's going to be, we're really not going to get anything out of it.

663
00:59:02,880 --> 00:59:13,460
And I'm really struggling to think exactly where, and I still haven't been told exactly where you're working to put in these businesses.

664
00:59:14,360 --> 00:59:26,440
You said the Freedom, Corridor, and Downtown Main Street, I mean, Downtown Main Street's been pretty vacant since 1989.

665
00:59:26,440 --> 00:59:31,860
So, yeah, there's just my concerns.

666
00:59:32,880 --> 00:59:41,840
Two of the high volume quick service restaurants have both reviewed a same site for potential

667
00:59:41,840 --> 00:59:44,400
redevelopment, but it didn't fit their prototype.

668
00:59:50,180 --> 00:59:56,280
Yeah, and I see that you said you had four drive-thrues, you know, and I really don't know

669
00:59:56,280 --> 00:59:59,980
where else we're going to be putting drive-thrues, I think I can think of maybe...

670
01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:29,980
Who locations on the top of my head? Where there's a drive-through that I think that we could put something in there. But we are a really small city when it comes to land size. I mean, we're like six and a half by six and a half, or it's very small, so we're very limited, we have very limited space. So when I just saw, and then we had an interested fitness center crunch want to come in. And I don't

671
01:00:29,980 --> 01:00:36,020
I don't know if that's what the city wants any more fitness, so, you know, and it didn't, that didn't kind of fruition.

672
01:00:36,560 --> 01:00:40,560
So I'm, when I saw the list, I didn't, I didn't see anything where I was like, I didn't see a,

673
01:00:41,480 --> 01:00:47,220
Michael's or a, you know, like something that, that was going to really excite me.

674
01:00:47,700 --> 01:00:52,380
I saw a drive-throughs, a fitness center, and something else.

675
01:00:52,560 --> 01:00:57,340
And so I, I think that the residents of this community, you know, first of all,

676
01:00:57,340 --> 01:01:01,340
want to stay local and spend their money locally, but I think they want to be excited by the

677
01:01:01,340 --> 01:01:07,520
places they're going to be going and, you know, shopping. So, that's just some concerns

678
01:01:07,520 --> 01:01:07,940
I have.

679
01:01:08,740 --> 01:01:13,500
Yeah, thank you very much for sharing. We certainly have done outreach to exciting and

680
01:01:13,500 --> 01:01:18,160
new to market retailers that could be a really strong fit. As you know, we can't control

681
01:01:18,160 --> 01:01:22,560
people's interest or lack of interest. But we will continue to do outreach on that.

682
01:01:22,560 --> 01:01:25,340
And then additionally, we value collaboration a whole lot.

683
01:01:25,480 --> 01:01:38,460
So if there is a charge that you believe our value could be, you know, continue to be maximized, please inform city staff, our points of contact, we work very closely, and want to make sure that you feel good and don't have any concerns.

684
01:01:38,760 --> 01:01:43,880
So happy to communicate that, communicate about that further so that we can work our best.

685
01:01:44,920 --> 01:01:46,480
Mayor, just a quick point of order.

686
01:01:47,240 --> 01:01:50,400
Is there a possibility we can actually see these people that we're talking to?

687
01:01:51,000 --> 01:01:54,680
I know we're all new with the, I'm not sure.

688
01:01:55,480 --> 01:02:01,700
So, if it's not possible in the second, that's fine, but, you know, it's nice to not

689
01:02:01,700 --> 01:02:03,300
to talk to a disembodied voice.

690
01:02:04,660 --> 01:02:05,800
Councilmember Ciroz-Carter.

691
01:02:06,840 --> 01:02:07,660
Thank you, Mayor.

692
01:02:08,460 --> 01:02:14,060
Just kind of as a follow-up from Councilmember Dutra, I know that we have received a lot

693
01:02:14,060 --> 01:02:22,360
of requests for specific retailers, Ulta. I would love to see Ulta in and out. What else?

694
01:02:22,460 --> 01:02:31,780
TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack. If anyone else can think of them marshals. So those are some of the

695
01:02:32,520 --> 01:02:40,560
the requests that we've gotten consistently, Costco, Walmart. Those are just a few that we've gotten.

696
01:02:40,560 --> 01:02:45,880
And so my question is, are we working to kind of entice some of those specific retailers?

697
01:02:46,540 --> 01:02:50,280
I know clothing, particularly, is something that we hear a lot of.

698
01:02:50,300 --> 01:02:55,060
We do have some new clothing stores coming in, but that is one of the complaints that

699
01:02:55,060 --> 01:02:56,460
we hear a lot.

700
01:02:56,640 --> 01:03:00,340
So how are we working to entice those specific retailers?

701
01:03:02,580 --> 01:03:03,580
Yeah, and thank you.

702
01:03:04,220 --> 01:03:05,120
Thanks for the list.

703
01:03:05,320 --> 01:03:10,560
I think I believe I can share in this form that all of those retailers have been reached out

704
01:03:10,560 --> 01:03:17,240
to, and there have been conversation had with, and off the top of my head, most to all of

705
01:03:17,240 --> 01:03:22,840
them. So there have been conversations had, and there has been outreach to those types

706
01:03:22,840 --> 01:03:29,460
of retailers. As far as marketing the city to them, of course, we share demographic data,

707
01:03:29,580 --> 01:03:33,120
we share traffic counts, but for these people, and especially for these tenant representatives,

708
01:03:33,560 --> 01:03:39,760
they are only paid based on the deals that they close. So really, a lot of it is working

709
01:03:39,760 --> 01:03:45,600
to drum up deals that may not be public or that may be off the market. So that's a really

710
01:03:45,600 --> 01:03:50,400
big focus as well working with brokers, property owners. And again, if there's any that

711
01:03:50,920 --> 01:03:55,860
have the city or council has had conversations with, that we could have conversations with,

712
01:03:56,200 --> 01:04:02,080
please make sure we can maximize those conversations in our time working with you guys. But yes,

713
01:04:02,460 --> 01:04:08,180
those types of retailers have enough focus. Thank you very much that definitely clarifies the

714
01:04:08,180 --> 01:04:12,960
process for me a little bit and I want to thank you for sharing that data as well that was really

715
01:04:12,960 --> 01:04:17,140
super interesting. Thank you. Councilmember Roscoe.

716
01:04:17,840 --> 01:04:23,480
Yeah I'm wondering can we go back to this slide what you showed the different businesses

717
01:04:23,480 --> 01:04:28,630
on maybe interested or kinds of businesses.

718
01:04:33,920 --> 01:04:35,560
Complements. Thank you.

719
01:04:38,440 --> 01:04:44,040
I think it's great right I have to acknowledge the work that you've done this

720
01:04:44,040 --> 01:04:50,860
past year and also staff in the administrative, the, you know, cleaning up our processes,

721
01:04:51,340 --> 01:04:55,080
I think that's a huge lift and I want to acknowledge that. I think we've been asking

722
01:04:55,080 --> 01:05:04,840
for that for quite some time now. So thank you for taking that on. What I'm seeing here

723
01:05:04,840 --> 01:05:08,640
though, I'm wondering, when we think of downtown,

724
01:05:11,520 --> 01:05:15,200
which out of these specifically are we targeting

725
01:05:15,200 --> 01:05:19,780
for downtown or none because that's a concern of mine.

726
01:05:19,900 --> 01:05:22,960
I mean we've been talking about revitalization right

727
01:05:22,960 --> 01:05:28,300
of our downtown, the downtown specific plan but I don't see

728
01:05:28,300 --> 01:05:33,640
that there's based on just the description of these businesses.

729
01:05:33,900 --> 01:05:38,260
I don't see that there's been, I mean there could be a lot of effort

730
01:05:38,260 --> 01:05:41,320
right trying to attract businesses and offering the bacon

731
01:05:41,320 --> 01:05:46,820
and lots downtown, but can you speak more specifically on that?

732
01:05:47,480 --> 01:05:56,220
I think it goes to bacon, you know, it's just the spaces that could be available to host

733
01:05:56,220 --> 01:05:59,680
any type of business, whether it's those in this list or any other.

734
01:06:00,480 --> 01:06:09,840
And when you look at a downtown, it might not be as active as we are hoping for, as we continue

735
01:06:09,840 --> 01:06:16,120
to develop, but there's not a lot of vacancies in the current spaces that are in downtown.

736
01:06:16,820 --> 01:06:21,900
So where we have a real opportunity downtown is on that other slide that I showed, where

737
01:06:21,900 --> 01:06:29,440
we are working with property owners to build new spaces that will allow housing and retail

738
01:06:29,440 --> 01:06:33,720
to co-exist, right, and those are some real opportunities.

739
01:06:33,720 --> 01:06:37,720
So my hope is that as we continue to move forward with some of that development,

740
01:06:38,200 --> 01:06:45,240
we can connect with Brooke and Mark and say, hey, we're going to have these new spaces in downtown.

741
01:06:45,720 --> 01:06:50,580
Let's start doing that matchmaking that as councilmember Dutra highlighted,

742
01:06:50,860 --> 01:06:54,060
one of our newest shopping center has become really attractive.

743
01:06:54,140 --> 01:06:55,860
That's where we've seen new development.

744
01:06:56,260 --> 01:06:59,200
But some of those deals have taken a really long time.

745
01:06:59,380 --> 01:07:02,760
They seem quick because they happen right now in our lifetime.

746
01:07:02,760 --> 01:07:10,120
time, but the chicken place that opened up was like three and a half years in the making.

747
01:07:10,540 --> 01:07:16,100
So those things take time, and just as we generate new spaces, those are new opportunities

748
01:07:16,100 --> 01:07:19,320
we can go after, whether it's retail or restaurants.

749
01:07:19,800 --> 01:07:25,260
And when we think about those conversations that you're having with those developers, we're

750
01:07:25,260 --> 01:07:32,280
thinking that Roma and then the mansion house are what specific locations is, can I get an

751
01:07:32,280 --> 01:07:40,060
idea. Well you know like it's it's every we have about six deals in downtown that we're working

752
01:07:40,060 --> 01:07:46,480
with different property owners but we also have the specific city property that we will hope to

753
01:07:46,480 --> 01:07:52,020
embark in starting to master plan and we're going to have a staff member that will dedicate themselves

754
01:07:52,020 --> 01:08:01,460
to bringing that process forward and I see that as our best next opportunity to have retail as well as

755
01:08:01,460 --> 01:08:04,580
you know, city hall and housing all combined.

756
01:08:04,940 --> 01:08:08,920
So that is in the plans we're starting with that plan

757
01:08:08,920 --> 01:08:12,500
and we are staffing up to lift up that effort.

758
01:08:13,140 --> 01:08:16,540
Within the next, you know, like my projection right now

759
01:08:16,540 --> 01:08:19,620
is five to seven years to have that come to fruition.

760
01:08:21,260 --> 01:08:24,160
You know, so in terms of all the ring handsomers.

761
01:08:24,480 --> 01:08:27,560
In terms, yeah, so in terms of, you know,

762
01:08:27,680 --> 01:08:30,620
the road improvements, the entire design that was adopted

763
01:08:30,620 --> 01:08:37,480
by prior councils for downtown, when do we anticipate seeing any movement on that?

764
01:08:37,740 --> 01:08:52,320
That is a shop project and the Caltrans list of many projects as you may recall in previous legislative conversations that we have had with members of the state.

765
01:08:52,320 --> 01:08:58,300
We've been asking to accelerate that project and the best we got is seven years out.

766
01:08:58,300 --> 01:09:06,220
But it was 10 years now, probably six years now, you know, so they're coming, but not yet.

767
01:09:07,000 --> 01:09:07,100
Okay.

768
01:09:08,260 --> 01:09:14,500
And then, you know, in addition to the long list that Councilmember Kido's Carter mentioned,

769
01:09:15,120 --> 01:09:19,320
we also spoke to the fact that we need more family entertainment, right?

770
01:09:19,460 --> 01:09:22,860
So, bowling alley, round one, just something fun, right?

771
01:09:22,880 --> 01:09:23,980
That can bring people together.

772
01:09:24,280 --> 01:09:27,820
We tell John every day that we talk to have like, round one, come on.

773
01:09:30,080 --> 01:09:39,900
I'm sorry, go ahead excuse my interruption. You know I've worked with similar family entertainment

774
01:09:39,900 --> 01:09:46,460
concepts in the past and I think the quickest one I've seen has taken I think it was three

775
01:09:46,460 --> 01:09:56,260
or four years and there was another one that took four years and it ended up not happening

776
01:09:56,260 --> 01:10:03,200
after four years of effort and so it's it is just a case of continuous and effort and persistence

777
01:10:05,080 --> 01:10:11,580
part minor option. That's okay thank you. And then I have a couple of other questions. So you

778
01:10:11,580 --> 01:10:18,440
mentioned this the small business platform the provides training. Do we know how many businesses

779
01:10:18,440 --> 01:10:25,360
have utilized that platform? You know I will continue to promote that and you know if you remember

780
01:10:25,360 --> 01:10:31,120
like we give you a QR code card, help us be the ambassador is a great tool.

781
01:10:31,920 --> 01:10:35,960
Brook and John are not the team that leads these efforts with retail strategy.

782
01:10:36,560 --> 01:10:41,080
I believe maybe three or four businesses thus far have taken advantage of it,

783
01:10:41,340 --> 01:10:49,760
but we hope that more businesses can really utilize this free tool and a lot of trainings and ideas

784
01:10:49,760 --> 01:10:54,680
that they could benefit from. And can we go back to the

785
01:10:56,820 --> 01:10:58,380
incentives? Can you go back slide?

786
01:11:02,050 --> 01:11:03,410
And this will be the last question.

787
01:11:03,550 --> 01:11:08,270
We are very late to close session, so we need one more, and then we'll be closing.

788
01:11:08,470 --> 01:11:18,130
So I just want to highlight how supportive I am of moving forward with several of these suggestions.

789
01:11:18,130 --> 01:11:19,590
I think that's what we need.

790
01:11:20,150 --> 01:11:23,390
So an extra layer of support and a tool to attract businesses.

791
01:11:24,830 --> 01:11:30,270
And I guess I'll ask my other questions when we have more time.

792
01:11:31,230 --> 01:11:32,830
Sorry, we got to get to close session.

793
01:11:33,250 --> 01:11:33,730
Thank you.

794
01:11:36,400 --> 01:11:37,000
Thank you.

795
01:11:37,160 --> 01:11:39,000
Are we going to extend closed session?

796
01:11:39,380 --> 01:11:41,100
Maybe because we have 15 minutes to we're supposed to.

797
01:11:41,160 --> 01:11:41,360
Yeah.

798
01:11:41,900 --> 01:11:45,640
So it's likely closed session will go at least an hour.

799
01:11:46,140 --> 01:11:47,160
So yeah.

800
01:11:48,830 --> 01:11:50,250
Thank you all for your time.

801
01:11:50,530 --> 01:11:53,010
And if there's any other questions, please just relay those

802
01:11:53,010 --> 01:11:57,250
to Tamar or Nell and they can get in touch with us and we can do our best to address them.

803
01:11:58,190 --> 01:12:08,370
Thank you very much. Moving on to item four, closed session, public comments regarding the closed session, agenda items will be accepted by the council at this time.

804
01:12:09,750 --> 01:12:14,490
Seeing none, the council will recess to closed session. Thank you.

805
01:12:14,490 --> 01:12:16,110
Recording stopped.

806
02:08:17,840 --> 02:08:19,180
Recording in progress.

807
02:08:44,720 --> 02:08:53,380
Time is now 6.42. This is a date and time notice for the regularly scheduled city council meeting. Can I get a roll call, please?

808
02:08:53,380 --> 02:08:53,920
Mr.

809
02:08:56,480 --> 02:08:56,480
Chair.

810
02:08:56,680 --> 02:08:56,800
Here.

811
02:08:57,400 --> 02:08:58,000
Want to see them?

812
02:08:58,260 --> 02:08:58,400
Here.

813
02:08:59,280 --> 02:08:59,840
Larosco.

814
02:09:00,120 --> 02:09:00,320
Here.

815
02:09:00,760 --> 02:09:01,040
Archer.

816
02:09:01,440 --> 02:09:01,740
Here.

817
02:09:02,140 --> 02:09:02,740
Gido's Cargher.

818
02:09:03,000 --> 02:09:03,260
Here.

819
02:09:03,560 --> 02:09:04,000
And Salsido.

820
02:09:04,380 --> 02:09:04,600
Here.

821
02:09:05,020 --> 02:09:05,860
We have Cuorum.

822
02:09:09,400 --> 02:09:14,200
And if I could have Councilmember Montesino lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

823
02:09:34,650 --> 02:09:38,210
All right, there are the reports of disbursements are in our packet.

824
02:09:38,730 --> 02:09:42,790
There are no more miscellaneous documents to report.

825
02:09:43,210 --> 02:09:44,530
Any report at a closed session?

826
02:09:47,150 --> 02:09:52,190
Good evening. A close session was had on the two items of the agenda and no report of action was taken.

827
02:09:52,930 --> 02:10:16,470
Thank you. Moving on to item 9, oral communication. This time is set aside for members of the general public to address the council on any item, not on the council agenda, which is within the subject manager's jurisdiction of the City Council, no action or discussion shall be taken on any item presented, except that any City Council member may respond to statements made or questions asked or

828
02:10:16,470 --> 02:10:17,930
may ask questions for clarification.

829
02:10:18,650 --> 02:10:21,290
All matters of administrative nature will be referred to staff.

830
02:10:21,730 --> 02:10:24,730
All matters relating to council will be noted in the minutes

831
02:10:24,730 --> 02:10:27,470
and may be scheduled for discussion at a future meeting

832
02:10:27,470 --> 02:10:29,970
or referred to staff for clarification in report.

833
02:10:30,830 --> 02:10:33,130
All speakers are asked to fill out a speaker card

834
02:10:33,130 --> 02:10:34,150
and leave it at the podium.

835
02:10:34,710 --> 02:10:37,010
Speakers are asked to announce their name and district

836
02:10:37,010 --> 02:10:38,910
in which they live in order to obtain

837
02:10:38,910 --> 02:10:40,770
an accurate record for the minutes.

838
02:10:41,510 --> 02:10:44,470
Moving on to 9a, oral communication from the public.

839
02:10:45,010 --> 02:10:48,310
May I make the Spanish interpretation, thank you.

840
02:10:49,150 --> 02:10:50,770
To use Spanish interpretation devices,

841
02:10:51,010 --> 02:10:53,190
obtain one from the table by the interpreting booth.

842
02:10:53,830 --> 02:10:56,170
Turn it on and make sure that it is on Channel E.

843
02:10:57,030 --> 02:10:59,610
To use assisted listening, turn the device to Channel A.

844
02:11:00,150 --> 02:11:02,250
If you can't hear, check that the device is on.

845
02:11:02,990 --> 02:11:05,130
The volume can be adjusted using the arrow buttons.

846
02:11:05,930 --> 02:11:07,210
Please return that before you leave.

847
02:11:29,630 --> 02:11:34,610
We also have Spanish interpretation via our Zoom webinar.

848
02:11:38,110 --> 02:11:39,190
Thank you very much.

849
02:11:42,200 --> 02:11:42,600
Thank you very much.

850
02:11:42,600 --> 02:11:44,780
Any oral communication for the public at this time?

851
02:11:48,690 --> 02:11:49,070
Good evening.

852
02:11:56,730 --> 02:11:57,270
Sorry.

853
02:11:58,370 --> 02:12:00,890
You know, my name is Prakash Patel.

854
02:12:01,250 --> 02:12:04,630
You know, I will stay in San Jose, but we have two properties.

855
02:12:05,410 --> 02:12:10,710
One, the already an express on Main Street and the land on Technology Drive.

856
02:12:11,330 --> 02:12:15,130
And I come to talk about, you know, the process

857
02:12:15,130 --> 02:12:18,890
or what has been happening for an hour, two years on my project.

858
02:12:19,830 --> 02:12:23,690
And I think the office has sent a letter to everybody.

859
02:12:25,390 --> 02:12:31,810
And I thank you for an opportunity to talk about it on the hotel project,

860
02:12:31,810 --> 02:12:33,230
which is on technology drive.

861
02:12:34,250 --> 02:12:39,710
We have had that project twice approved by the city council,

862
02:12:40,150 --> 02:12:43,910
but we could not perform because of the financing and

863
02:12:43,910 --> 02:12:52,010
the cost being too high at that time. This time, we have the financing, but not the approval.

864
02:12:52,890 --> 02:12:58,970
And that's what I wanted to talk about, to see how the city can help us to get the project

865
02:12:58,970 --> 02:13:06,010
approved, you know, as soon as possible. We know the issues, or we know about with the

866
02:13:06,010 --> 02:13:13,230
pilot association and the appeal but you know that's where I come here to talk

867
02:13:13,230 --> 02:13:20,450
about to see if you can help us to do you know how you can help us to get it

868
02:13:20,450 --> 02:13:25,810
done faster. To that I think our attorney has written a letter to see how you

869
02:13:25,810 --> 02:13:26,490
can do it.

870
02:13:28,590 --> 02:13:32,010
You know we started this project back in 2024.

871
02:13:34,790 --> 02:13:35,730
We went through the

872
02:13:35,730 --> 02:13:39,990
approval. We cut the trees down, hoping that it will be approved just like previously,

873
02:13:40,590 --> 02:13:47,830
but it took over. We found out in January that we need an ER study, which we were really

874
02:13:48,730 --> 02:13:55,390
didn't expect it. But today we are here, the study is done, everything is done. And still

875
02:13:56,170 --> 02:14:00,890
I don't know when it will go to the council. So that's why I'm asking to see if you can

876
02:14:00,890 --> 02:14:01,410
help us.

877
02:14:01,410 --> 02:14:02,270
Thank you.

878
02:14:07,290 --> 02:14:08,010
Good evening.

879
02:14:09,430 --> 02:14:12,350
Good evening, Mayor Salsito and City Council members.

880
02:14:12,670 --> 02:14:17,770
My name is Dana Wagner, I'm the Director of Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, a program of community bridges.

881
02:14:18,710 --> 02:14:23,310
I'm here today to share data with you from the fiscal year that ended on June 30th.

882
02:14:23,570 --> 02:14:27,570
I feel duty-bound to apprise you of how city dollars have been spent.

883
02:14:28,070 --> 02:14:34,050
For fiscal year 2026, Meals on Wheels delivered nearly 125,000 meals to homebound seniors.

884
02:14:34,050 --> 02:14:38,290
In the city of Watsonville, we delivered over 27,000 meals.

885
02:14:38,870 --> 02:14:44,530
We served nearly 1,500 Santa Cruz County older adults, including over 500 in Watsonville.

886
02:14:44,970 --> 02:14:49,190
We conducted over 2,000 wellness checks with our participants to ensure their well-being

887
02:14:49,190 --> 02:14:53,770
and coordination with services with close to 500 of these among city residents.

888
02:14:54,530 --> 02:14:59,970
At our four congregate dining sites, we served close to 33,000 meals to older adults.

889
02:15:00,000 --> 02:15:12,140
18,000 of these at the Watsonville Senior Center. And we arranged for educational presentations on scam prevention and collaborated with Watsonville Senior Center to honor older veterans.

890
02:15:13,100 --> 02:15:24,220
Seniors participating in meals on wheels are overwhelmingly satisfied with the service they received. 98% of those receiving home delivered meals stated that our service helps and avoid institutional placement.

891
02:15:24,220 --> 02:15:29,800
and 98% of congregate diners state that the congregate meals helped them to feel

892
02:15:29,800 --> 02:15:30,520
less isolated.

893
02:15:31,540 --> 02:15:35,820
As you may be aware, meals and meals has had to implement awaiting this due to funding

894
02:15:35,820 --> 02:15:36,480
shortfalls.

895
02:15:36,860 --> 02:15:43,580
Since April 2025, we were unable to assist 117 older adults with food and connection due

896
02:15:43,580 --> 02:15:48,660
to lack of funding, and we continue to get 10 to 12 applications each week for service.

897
02:15:49,280 --> 02:15:54,140
I want to present these numbers to you today to let you know that city dollars are optimally

898
02:15:54,140 --> 02:15:58,300
utilized to ensure the health and well-being of our growing senior population.

899
02:15:59,000 --> 02:16:04,120
On behalf of the nearly 1500 seniors participating in Meals on Wheels, I am grateful for your

900
02:16:04,120 --> 02:16:04,460
support.

901
02:16:04,840 --> 02:16:06,040
Thank you for your time and attention.

902
02:16:06,700 --> 02:16:07,180
Thank you.

903
02:16:08,800 --> 02:16:09,500
Good evening.

904
02:16:11,180 --> 02:16:12,240
Good evening, Mayor.

905
02:16:12,480 --> 02:16:13,300
City Council members.

906
02:16:13,460 --> 02:16:14,380
My name is Patsy Gaskin.

907
02:16:14,780 --> 02:16:16,520
I'm the Disaster Manager for the American Red Cross.

908
02:16:17,940 --> 02:16:46,240
not a stranger to this city council, so I thank you for this opportunity and just coming to share with you that this Saturday from 830 to about 130, your American Red Cross is coming to help make more homes in Watsonville Safer by installing free smoke alarms in homes from second street all the way down a kerney, so if any of you are around and would like to lend a hand, you know, contact me or our organization, we're happy to help or if you have constituents in that area.

909
02:16:46,240 --> 02:16:49,380
We'll get the flyer to the city to help promote it as well.

910
02:16:49,820 --> 02:16:53,880
And we're doing this in partnership with the City of Watson O'Fart Department, who's always been an amazing partner.

911
02:16:54,340 --> 02:16:54,660
Thank you.

912
02:16:55,060 --> 02:16:55,640
Thank you.

913
02:16:56,280 --> 02:16:56,900
Good evening.

914
02:17:00,140 --> 02:17:00,800
Hi there.

915
02:17:01,520 --> 02:17:04,480
Good evening, Mayor, Council Members and City staff.

916
02:17:05,180 --> 02:17:13,780
My name is Michael Straz, and I lead development for the Western U.S. for the parent company of WRI Freedom Center LLC.

917
02:17:14,000 --> 02:17:18,000
I've already deposited a card here at the podium.

918
02:17:18,900 --> 02:17:26,340
For 25 years, our company has quietly owned and operated the Freedom Shopping Center at the corner of Freedom Boulevard and Airport Boulevard.

919
02:17:26,600 --> 02:17:33,040
It's a community shopping center anchored by Safeway, serving local families, businesses, and residents every day.

920
02:17:33,820 --> 02:17:44,120
Throughout that time, we have successfully leased and operated the property, including areas that fall within airport safety zones three and six without significant obstacles.

921
02:17:44,120 --> 02:17:47,540
that changed last year, late in year.

922
02:17:48,160 --> 02:18:01,840
Recent city staff interpretations of airport safety zone standards have raised questions regarding our ability to continue leasing and operating portions of this long established shopping center and pillar of the community.

923
02:18:02,440 --> 02:18:12,780
A dispute over airport safety standards that is separate and unrelated to our company now directly affects our ability to lease and operate portions of our shopping center.

924
02:18:12,780 --> 02:18:19,100
As property owners and long-term investors in this community, we believe there is a path forward, but

925
02:18:19,100 --> 02:18:25,000
meaningful progress requires engagement among all state stakeholders, the City Council and staff,

926
02:18:25,620 --> 02:18:28,300
the Pilots Association property owners and the airport.

927
02:18:28,740 --> 02:18:34,580
We respectfully ask that Freedom Center and the issues affecting us be placed on a future council agenda,

928
02:18:35,120 --> 02:18:39,700
or in a study session or individual meetings, so that we can present our concerns,

929
02:18:39,700 --> 02:18:44,840
better understand the perspectives of others and work together towards a constructive solution.

930
02:18:45,340 --> 02:18:49,920
Our goals do not include any expansion or change of use of our shopping center.

931
02:18:50,440 --> 02:18:56,820
It's simply to return the quiet to the quiet management and operation of an existing Grocery Anchored Shopping Center.

932
02:18:57,000 --> 02:18:58,420
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

933
02:18:59,080 --> 02:19:00,600
Thank you very much for coming down tonight.

934
02:19:02,300 --> 02:19:03,140
Good evening.

935
02:19:06,640 --> 02:19:16,900
What I see over there today, I wonder why you signed any contracts with anybody, and it's

936
02:19:16,900 --> 02:19:17,980
not only this time.

937
02:19:18,440 --> 02:19:24,920
Every time it's contract and you have a man, a man, a man, a man, a man, a man, 100,000,

938
02:19:24,920 --> 02:19:29,920
quarter, a million dollars, what the heck you signed the contract with the contractors?

939
02:19:29,920 --> 02:19:43,500
If you later only let them go to the sky, it's like, if I had an electrician and he told me I'm going to fix you for $500 and then he started working and said, oh, no, $2000.

940
02:19:44,760 --> 02:19:50,180
When you start saying those guys, with that contract, that's it.

941
02:19:51,020 --> 02:19:54,260
But I know the union workers needed that.

942
02:19:54,260 --> 02:20:00,980
So now is the second old story, not very new, looks like we have first class citizen in

943
02:20:00,980 --> 02:20:02,980
this city and second class.

944
02:20:04,100 --> 02:20:08,860
The second class has to work so hard, save money for retirement.

945
02:20:09,240 --> 02:20:18,040
The first class our city employees know they have the money from the slaves because you

946
02:20:18,040 --> 02:20:27,640
try like modern plantation, yeah. And it's not only this. It's supposed to be 200 dollars.

947
02:20:27,920 --> 02:20:36,220
You know why I paid this here for hundreds of any? Then it was 200 dollars. And because

948
02:20:36,220 --> 02:20:43,280
of this I have another proposition. They worked so hard 11 months. Why we don't pay for their

949
02:20:43,280 --> 02:20:50,600
vacation like maybe how I or a real Las Vegas and give them some money to pay over there

950
02:20:50,600 --> 02:20:59,930
They are so poor so underpaid that they they can't afford to pay for retirement. I have

951
02:21:00,690 --> 02:21:05,570
My retirement and nobody pay any penny for this. Thank you. Have a good night

952
02:21:06,290 --> 02:21:07,110
Thank you

953
02:21:07,970 --> 02:21:13,570
Any other public comment seeing none turning into council any comments from council mayor

954
02:21:13,570 --> 02:21:15,390
Would you like me to check with Zoom?

955
02:21:15,770 --> 02:21:15,910
Yes.

956
02:21:16,350 --> 02:21:17,270
Thank you.

957
02:21:17,850 --> 02:21:22,690
Anyone that's joining us via Zoom, if you wish to speak, please click on the raise hand option.

958
02:21:28,440 --> 02:21:28,820
I see none.

959
02:21:30,780 --> 02:21:31,400
Oh, sorry.

960
02:21:31,560 --> 02:21:34,380
I do see one hand just came up for

961
02:21:41,070 --> 02:21:42,090
the ends in 501.

962
02:21:42,230 --> 02:21:42,870
You may speak.

963
02:21:47,700 --> 02:21:48,120
Hi there.

964
02:21:48,300 --> 02:21:48,740
Can you hear me?

965
02:21:49,180 --> 02:21:49,560
Yes, sir.

966
02:21:50,240 --> 02:21:50,660
Hi there.

967
02:21:50,760 --> 02:21:51,160
Can you hear me?

968
02:21:51,860 --> 02:21:52,220
Yes.

969
02:21:52,360 --> 02:21:52,580
Go ahead.

970
02:21:54,140 --> 02:21:54,680
Thank you.

971
02:21:55,040 --> 02:21:55,900
My name is Drew Rogers.

972
02:21:56,240 --> 02:21:58,140
I live in district five.

973
02:22:00,000 --> 02:22:10,420
this is Casey, area for 10. And I'm the HOA director here at our mobile home campus

974
02:22:11,260 --> 02:22:16,300
at Portola Heights. It's right off the Freedom Boulevard. We're one of nine, of course,

975
02:22:16,580 --> 02:22:28,120
here. And we, we are about 900 homes in the whole of Watsonville. And just outside of

976
02:22:28,120 --> 02:22:33,860
many of the campuses, echoing campuses you call them parks, are owned by a

977
02:22:33,860 --> 02:22:39,420
few people. ours is owned by one person here who has 16 other ones. I'm bringing

978
02:22:39,420 --> 02:22:45,160
this up because years ago before I came here I think City Council actually

979
02:22:45,160 --> 02:22:51,460
created some kind of charter to protect the rights of home ownership rental

980
02:22:52,760 --> 02:23:18,380
and being fairly new in this B-N-H-O-A director here, I wanted to make sure what the commitment was because we are now facing some steep rental hikes that have nothing to do with the CPI and have everything to do with him trying to recoup money from past either repairs and maintenance, it depends what he wants to call them.

981
02:23:18,380 --> 02:23:26,980
So, I don't know who we've already sent letters into tomorrow of the day, and reordering

982
02:23:26,980 --> 02:23:33,400
his proposed hikes at 1,600 pages, so as you know, we have to pay for that when we're

983
02:23:33,400 --> 02:23:34,780
being all of us to lawyers.

984
02:23:35,160 --> 02:23:41,600
So, we just want to make sure and also find out what's the best way for us to be updated

985
02:23:41,600 --> 02:23:49,620
with our rights as well as your, the City Council, you know, yeah.

986
02:23:50,060 --> 02:23:50,560
Thank you.

987
02:23:50,880 --> 02:23:52,640
That's the end of your time.

988
02:23:52,800 --> 02:23:53,500
Thank you so much.

989
02:23:55,780 --> 02:23:56,960
Any other comments on Zoom?

990
02:24:03,820 --> 02:24:04,640
I do have a point of order.

991
02:24:08,120 --> 02:24:10,020
Yes, Mayor Crote.

992
02:24:10,280 --> 02:24:10,700
Point of order.

993
02:24:10,840 --> 02:24:10,940
Yes.

994
02:24:15,270 --> 02:24:21,770
City clerk, whenever anybody is on Zoom, when everybody is here, they hand in a card and we can identify them.

995
02:24:21,770 --> 02:24:27,010
Do we have any way to identify people on Zoom, even though that gentleman gave us his name,

996
02:24:27,150 --> 02:24:29,750
but do we know how to contact him or anything like that?

997
02:24:31,430 --> 02:24:33,350
We don't have anything like that through Zoom.

998
02:24:33,590 --> 02:24:38,370
In fact, the chat is not available either, so there's no way for us to retrieve that information.

999
02:24:38,930 --> 02:24:45,390
I could check in the back end to see if we can get any data from the way that they joined,

1000
02:24:45,550 --> 02:24:46,810
like via email or phone number.

1001
02:24:47,110 --> 02:24:47,290
Okay.

1002
02:24:47,910 --> 02:24:49,470
That's probably what we can do.

1003
02:24:49,570 --> 02:24:49,650
Perfect.

1004
02:24:49,810 --> 02:24:50,630
Thank you for that clarification.

1005
02:24:51,410 --> 02:24:54,010
Thank you. Any oral communication from Council?

1006
02:24:57,220 --> 02:25:00,250
None. Councilmember Dutra.

1007
02:25:01,590 --> 02:25:09,110
Thank you. Just a few things. One is, well, we're back from summer. We had about six, seven weeks off.

1008
02:25:09,570 --> 02:25:24,030
So it's nice to be back to finish out the year. During the summer, we did nationalite out. So I want to thank all the public safety officers, our police and fire, for making you know, going out to our community and meeting with all the residents.

1009
02:25:24,030 --> 02:25:25,150
They really enjoy that.

1010
02:25:25,510 --> 02:25:28,850
I want to thank all the residents and city staff and organizations that help put that on.

1011
02:25:29,270 --> 02:25:32,550
It was a great turnout and you look forward to it every single year.

1012
02:25:33,090 --> 02:25:34,970
Also, I attended the Chamber dinner this year.

1013
02:25:35,250 --> 02:25:42,310
Some great recipients, congratulations to all the winners, and it was a pretty much sold out event.

1014
02:25:42,670 --> 02:25:47,970
So nice opportunity to support our business community.

1015
02:25:48,670 --> 02:25:52,390
And then not to call her out, but she's sitting in the audience.

1016
02:25:52,390 --> 02:26:00,310
Congratulations to Jim Ponce, who was just awarded the Betty Rather Awards this past weekend.

1017
02:26:01,690 --> 02:26:08,070
So yeah, so anyways, but welcome back, and we look forward to a nice fall.

1018
02:26:08,430 --> 02:26:09,690
Halloween is going to be here real quick.

1019
02:26:10,190 --> 02:26:13,990
Hope you're all looking forward to your costumes, and then it'll be Christmas, and then happy

1020
02:26:13,990 --> 02:26:16,150
be 20, 27.

1021
02:26:19,030 --> 02:26:21,590
There are Council members of Roscoe.

1022
02:26:21,710 --> 02:26:24,310
We're thinking of a go, but I'm fine as well.

1023
02:26:24,850 --> 02:26:26,050
I prepare my comments.

1024
02:26:27,310 --> 02:26:32,250
So I want to start by wishing all of our students, teachers, school staff and families

1025
02:26:32,250 --> 02:26:33,770
a great back to school season.

1026
02:26:34,010 --> 02:26:36,610
I hope the school years off to a strong start for everyone.

1027
02:26:37,450 --> 02:26:39,650
It's also been a couple of busy weeks for me.

1028
02:26:39,650 --> 02:26:44,710
I was happy to join fellow and ballet elected officials, former elected officials, allies

1029
02:26:44,710 --> 02:26:47,050
and supporters to our meeting here in Watsonville.

1030
02:26:47,270 --> 02:26:52,290
We were joined by California State's treasurer, Fiona Ma, and our Council of Mexico and Eiffel

1031
02:26:52,290 --> 02:26:53,390
East, Syed, Venezuela.

1032
02:26:54,870 --> 02:27:01,090
We spoke to our treasurer briefly, and there could be some potential funding opportunities

1033
02:27:01,090 --> 02:27:03,270
for a park.

1034
02:27:03,270 --> 02:27:11,670
and potentially an aquatic center as we continue to explore that idea.

1035
02:27:12,510 --> 02:27:17,150
I also had the opportunity to represent the city of the Community Health Trust Rather Award.

1036
02:27:17,390 --> 02:27:20,950
So, recognizing individuals making a difference through healthcare, education,

1037
02:27:21,310 --> 02:27:23,490
service, and so much more throughout the Paro Valley.

1038
02:27:23,690 --> 02:27:25,190
Again, congratulations, June.

1039
02:27:26,110 --> 02:27:27,990
Very well-deserved recognition.

1040
02:27:28,930 --> 02:27:33,190
We also celebrated our young people at the PV Arts team Arthas.

1041
02:27:33,190 --> 02:27:37,610
in mural ribbon cutting where local teams were recognized for their creativity and hard work.

1042
02:27:37,670 --> 02:27:41,050
If you haven't had the time to look at those murals, please stop by.

1043
02:27:41,570 --> 02:27:42,690
They are beautiful.

1044
02:27:44,970 --> 02:27:49,610
And we attended the Skeelet corn barbecue and we want to thank

1045
02:27:50,710 --> 02:27:53,170
folks who support the scouting programs.

1046
02:27:53,730 --> 02:27:57,570
They make a huge difference in the lives of youth here in our community.

1047
02:27:58,630 --> 02:28:01,530
And again, we continue highlighting local businesses.

1048
02:28:01,530 --> 02:28:10,890
This, we had the opportunity to visit, right, mellow bread, along with Councilmember Dutra

1049
02:28:10,890 --> 02:28:12,410
and Councilmember Ariaparker.

1050
02:28:14,090 --> 02:28:18,850
And finally I joined our city manager in welcoming youth from Empower of Watsonville

1051
02:28:18,850 --> 02:28:22,390
to our Council chambers for a behind the scenes look at how the city works.

1052
02:28:23,450 --> 02:28:25,190
So thank you so much for being here.

1053
02:28:26,690 --> 02:28:27,630
Thank you.

1054
02:28:27,950 --> 02:28:29,170
Any other Councilmembers?

1055
02:28:30,010 --> 02:28:31,130
Thank you very much.

1056
02:28:31,130 --> 02:28:49,270
I also enjoyed National Night Out, I will say Assistant Chief Rodriguez makes a mean hot dog, so I really enjoyed that at the Police Activities League in District 4 and connecting with our youth and families in District 4 with our amazing officers and sous chefs.

1057
02:28:49,270 --> 02:28:58,650
All right. We'll be moving on to our mayor's proclamations. So I see we have our pony baseball

1058
02:28:58,650 --> 02:29:02,570
14 and under and we'll be going. Yes, we're

1059
02:29:04,840 --> 02:29:07,520
going to start with 10 a for breast feeding awareness

1060
02:29:08,040 --> 02:29:15,560
month and also recognizing the like home for their catering and amazing participation in our community

1061
02:29:15,560 --> 02:29:21,400
and then I'll be inviting the team up for some photos with council and some comments from council

1062
02:29:21,400 --> 02:29:21,840
as well.

1063
02:29:51,160 --> 02:29:51,960
Can you hear me now?

1064
02:29:52,180 --> 02:29:52,520
There we go.

1065
02:29:56,040 --> 02:29:56,320
All right.

1066
02:29:56,480 --> 02:29:59,960
The first is recognizing breastfeeding awareness month as a new-

1067
02:30:00,000 --> 02:30:18,580
New mom, relatively new, older now, with 18-month-old and a three-year-old. I just wanted to recognize the importance of supporting breastfeeding in our community. I have honored, you know, this proclamation every year, and it's just another year that we can really celebrate and highlight breastfeeding awareness month, so please come up.

1068
02:30:26,580 --> 02:30:35,240
Breastfeeding is a vital public health practice that supports lifelong health, reduces obesity risks, and promotes optimal early brain development.

1069
02:30:35,240 --> 02:30:39,340
With strong recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics,

1070
02:30:39,480 --> 02:30:47,760
locally Watsonville Community Hospital Salud Par la Hente, and the Community Bridges WIC Program provide certified lactation support,

1071
02:30:48,300 --> 02:30:54,660
bilingual classes, and breast feeding groups reinforced by the hospital's baby-friendly certification.

1072
02:30:55,200 --> 02:31:01,880
An alignment with this year's World's Breastfeeding Week theme, breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life,

1073
02:31:01,880 --> 02:31:06,920
strength in what works. The community continues to strengthen collaboration and

1074
02:31:06,920 --> 02:31:11,160
effective support for breastfeeding families. I also just wanted to mention

1075
02:31:11,160 --> 02:31:18,060
RC family as well. They are an amazing collaborator locally here and culturally

1076
02:31:18,060 --> 02:31:23,280
sensitive collaborator who has amazing breastfeeding programs and they do really

1077
02:31:23,280 --> 02:31:27,700
great work in the community. Thank you very much.

1078
02:31:29,780 --> 02:31:33,600
Dana Wagner, Director of Community Bridges WIC program, thank you so much.

1079
02:31:33,620 --> 02:31:36,240
Thank you Mayor Salcedo and the Council for this proclamation.

1080
02:31:37,000 --> 02:31:41,140
WIC serves about 3,000 Santa Cruz families each month.

1081
02:31:41,660 --> 02:31:46,280
We work very closely with Watsonville Community Hospital to help new mothers with breastfeeding.

1082
02:31:46,760 --> 02:31:52,360
And we collaborate with the agriculture employers to provide lactation accommodation for moms working

1083
02:31:52,360 --> 02:31:53,000
in the fields.

1084
02:31:53,000 --> 02:31:58,520
We want all families to have equal opportunity for children to get the best start in life.

1085
02:31:58,940 --> 02:32:03,320
And we thank this council for its ongoing support and many years of providing this proclamation.

1086
02:32:03,620 --> 02:32:04,500
Thank you so much.

1087
02:32:10,720 --> 02:32:15,340
All right, and next we'll be recognizing De La Comena, who is here for De La Comena.

1088
02:32:15,700 --> 02:32:16,540
Are they here tonight?

1089
02:32:17,240 --> 02:32:19,940
Wow, their food is amazing.

1090
02:32:20,400 --> 02:32:22,600
We will be giving them their proclamation shortly.

1091
02:32:22,600 --> 02:32:28,660
But moving on to our Watsonville Pony baseball 14 and under all star teams.

1092
02:32:29,320 --> 02:32:29,840
All

1093
02:32:31,920 --> 02:32:33,400
of you have to get up everybody.

1094
02:32:33,720 --> 02:32:35,200
Your parents need photos.

1095
02:32:41,700 --> 02:32:45,980
All right, I'm actually going to bring you guys up to the front with the council.

1096
02:32:46,240 --> 02:32:48,900
So all of you guys come up, up, up, up.

1097
02:32:49,060 --> 02:32:49,260
Council.

1098
02:32:49,940 --> 02:32:51,060
Oh, this way, this way, this way.

1099
02:32:52,300 --> 02:32:54,400
Yep, I'll leave this way.

1100
02:33:01,390 --> 02:33:02,310
All right.

1101
02:33:06,090 --> 02:33:08,150
Yes, of course.

1102
02:33:09,630 --> 02:33:12,590
Now further ado, gentlemen, young men.

1103
02:33:13,410 --> 02:33:16,030
Yes, nice to meet you.

1104
02:33:16,810 --> 02:33:25,110
The Watsonville Pony Baseball, 14 and under, all-star team proudly represented the city of Watsonville throughout the 2026 postseason,

1105
02:33:25,670 --> 02:33:33,970
demonstrating exceptional athleticism, resilience, and sportsmanship as they earned the NorCal Coast region championships

1106
02:33:33,970 --> 02:33:36,590
and advanced to the super regional tournament.

1107
02:33:37,170 --> 02:33:37,290
Woo,

1108
02:33:43,020 --> 02:33:45,400
seemingly finishing among the top three teams

1109
02:33:45,400 --> 02:33:46,340
in Northern California.

1110
02:33:46,960 --> 02:33:49,360
Their remarkable run was driven by the dedication

1111
02:33:49,360 --> 02:33:52,920
of players, Robin Kessier-Koumener,

1112
02:33:53,640 --> 02:33:57,740
Andre Diaz, Aaron Garcia, Adrian Garcia, Adam Guerrero,

1113
02:33:58,360 --> 02:34:01,160
Avery Keller, Carmelo Luna, Mateo Luna,

1114
02:34:01,520 --> 02:34:04,040
Freddie Martinez, Mel Martinez, Julien Montez,

1115
02:34:04,640 --> 02:34:08,920
Isaac Paz Vargas, Dante Ponce, and Andrew Ruiz.

1116
02:34:09,540 --> 02:34:11,740
under the special leadership of manager,

1117
02:34:13,020 --> 02:34:16,100
Moses Lenore and coaches Mel Martinez,

1118
02:34:16,500 --> 02:34:18,000
senior and Cesar Garcia.

1119
02:34:19,380 --> 02:34:20,300
Yes, coaches,

1120
02:34:24,230 --> 02:34:25,350
thank you, coaches.

1121
02:34:25,890 --> 02:34:29,590
Without you, it's not possible to do what we do

1122
02:34:29,590 --> 02:34:32,310
with these youth, so thank you so much.

1123
02:34:33,290 --> 02:34:35,850
Supported by committed families, volunteers

1124
02:34:35,850 --> 02:34:39,050
and community members, the team inspired Wattsonville

1125
02:34:39,050 --> 02:34:42,190
through their passion, perseverance, and pride.

1126
02:34:42,190 --> 02:34:46,630
leaving a lasting legacy in Wasimil Pony baseball league history.

1127
02:34:47,290 --> 02:34:48,930
Congratulations, all stars.

1128
02:34:54,790 --> 02:34:56,770
We'd love to take a photo with all of you.

1129
02:34:56,850 --> 02:34:58,150
We'll have the council in the back.

1130
02:34:58,390 --> 02:35:00,510
And if you'd like to hold the, yeah.

1131
02:35:12,220 --> 02:35:16,050
I should have worn my jersey.

1132
02:35:51,110 --> 02:35:52,150
Nice work, gentlemen.

1133
02:35:54,270 --> 02:35:56,150
Moving on to the consent agenda.

1134
02:35:56,790 --> 02:35:58,830
All items appearing on the consent agenda

1135
02:35:58,830 --> 02:36:03,470
are recommended actions that are considered to be routine and will be acted upon as one motion.

1136
02:36:04,130 --> 02:36:07,530
Any items removed will be considered immediately after the motion.

1137
02:36:07,990 --> 02:36:12,630
The mayor will allow public input prior to the approval of the consent agenda.

1138
02:36:13,250 --> 02:36:16,650
This is now the time for public input.

1139
02:36:17,230 --> 02:36:19,810
Is there any comments on the consent agenda?

1140
02:36:23,210 --> 02:36:23,870
Good evening.

1141
02:36:23,870 --> 02:36:25,030
Good

1142
02:36:27,680 --> 02:36:29,220
afternoon, when I start this,

1143
02:36:29,700 --> 02:36:32,000
Basbadilla with Community Action Board.

1144
02:36:32,720 --> 02:36:35,460
On behalf of CABs Board and the agency,

1145
02:36:35,740 --> 02:36:37,420
we want to thank those council members

1146
02:36:37,420 --> 02:36:39,520
who have served in our board,

1147
02:36:40,140 --> 02:36:42,300
including Jimmy Dutra and Vanessa.

1148
02:36:43,220 --> 02:36:46,120
And today, we want to give a big welcome

1149
02:36:46,120 --> 02:36:48,900
to celebrate Maria Roscoe's appointments.

1150
02:36:49,600 --> 02:36:50,320
Thank you, Tamara.

1151
02:36:50,760 --> 02:36:53,440
Thank you, Mayor Sucito,

1152
02:36:54,480 --> 02:37:00,300
for understanding our special federal and state community action requirements in our board.

1153
02:37:01,100 --> 02:37:07,720
And, Maria, we really look forward in working with you and continue working with all of you to make this city a better city.

1154
02:37:08,000 --> 02:37:09,580
So thank you so much, and be a member of that.

1155
02:37:10,280 --> 02:37:10,800
Thank you.

1156
02:37:11,860 --> 02:37:12,480
Good evening.

1157
02:37:14,980 --> 02:37:18,480
Good evening, Jonathan Poulch, executive director of Watsonville Wetlands Watch.

1158
02:37:19,340 --> 02:37:24,060
I'm here to speak on behalf of the shared use agreement between Watsonville Wetlands Watch and the city.

1159
02:37:24,060 --> 02:37:27,140
It's under consideration for adoption this evening.

1160
02:37:27,640 --> 02:37:29,500
I want to express my strong support for this.

1161
02:37:29,740 --> 02:37:39,140
This project has been having a new nature center that's a state of the art education center has been a really long time shared goal between the city and wetlands watch.

1162
02:37:41,560 --> 02:37:43,660
And it's also been quite a journey.

1163
02:37:44,480 --> 02:37:53,700
And so this is a really important milestone for all of us, as well as a shared commitment, a long term commitment to delivering on this important project for this community.

1164
02:37:54,280 --> 02:38:09,300
Since its original construction as a small trailer over 20 years ago by the City Public Works Department at the back of Ramsey Park, the Nature Center has been a really important hub of community action, environmental conservation and education.

1165
02:38:09,960 --> 02:38:12,580
It's been a great place for Watsonville families to come together.

1166
02:38:13,540 --> 02:38:16,880
And so this new project stands on the shoulders of this history.

1167
02:38:16,880 --> 02:38:36,300
It was made possible by a long time city council, I'm sorry, city staff person Nancy Lockwood, who when she passed away gave a donation that became the seed of a capital campaign from which we were able to raise over $1.5 million in grants and donations to make this center a reality.

1168
02:38:37,080 --> 02:38:39,720
The new center is going to be a gateway to the trail system.

1169
02:38:39,720 --> 02:38:41,340
It's going to have amazing exhibits.

1170
02:38:41,600 --> 02:38:47,680
It's going to bring people together from throughout the Monterey Bay to Watsonville to celebrate our wetlands.

1171
02:38:47,680 --> 02:38:52,200
It's going to be a great educational space for part of our unified school district students and

1172
02:38:52,200 --> 02:38:56,100
families, multi-generational audience, multi-cultural bilingual.

1173
02:38:56,440 --> 02:38:57,920
It's going to be just an amazing space.

1174
02:38:58,220 --> 02:39:02,780
So I just want to thank you for your consideration of this, for your long time support.

1175
02:39:02,780 --> 02:39:17,340
And to City Manager Vides, to Deputy City Manager Kalibakia, to Public Works Director Green, for their effort, all their tremendous efforts to champion this project through many challenges and get us to this point.

1176
02:39:17,980 --> 02:39:19,120
So thanks for your consideration.

1177
02:39:19,820 --> 02:39:20,340
Thank you.

1178
02:39:21,640 --> 02:39:24,420
Any other public comment for the consent agenda?

1179
02:39:25,060 --> 02:39:26,720
Seeing none, turning it to Council.

1180
02:39:28,680 --> 02:39:29,240
Council member D.

1181
02:39:29,240 --> 02:39:33,320
I do have someone on, anyone on Zoom?

1182
02:39:38,180 --> 02:39:39,980
My dear, and I go ahead, and you can speak.

1183
02:39:40,620 --> 02:39:41,180
Thank you.

1184
02:39:41,480 --> 02:39:42,480
Good evening, City Council.

1185
02:39:42,860 --> 02:39:44,340
It's good evening, Mayor and City Manager.

1186
02:39:44,660 --> 02:39:46,060
This is Marielena de la Garza.

1187
02:39:46,180 --> 02:39:49,020
I'm the CEO to the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County.

1188
02:39:49,020 --> 02:39:52,000
I'm also a proud resident of Miss Vanessa's District.

1189
02:39:52,720 --> 02:39:59,560
I just wanted to echo my colleagues welcome and celebration of Maria Orozco's appointment

1190
02:39:59,560 --> 02:40:03,060
today on the cab board and also express my gratitude

1191
02:40:03,060 --> 02:40:06,860
to Jimmy and to Ms. Vanessa for supporting the agency

1192
02:40:06,860 --> 02:40:09,380
in that role in other years.

1193
02:40:10,440 --> 02:40:12,500
Community action exists to eliminate poverty

1194
02:40:13,160 --> 02:40:16,380
and we do that in partnership with the city

1195
02:40:16,380 --> 02:40:18,720
of Watsonville and many other entities

1196
02:40:18,720 --> 02:40:21,120
and partners and CBOs in the community.

1197
02:40:21,660 --> 02:40:24,360
And so I wanna thank you, Maria, one,

1198
02:40:24,540 --> 02:40:26,600
I think that you bring a really important perspective.

1199
02:40:27,180 --> 02:40:29,160
You know the agency, you know people

1200
02:40:29,160 --> 02:40:30,840
who receive services from the agency

1201
02:40:30,840 --> 02:40:33,700
And it will make an incredible difference to have you on our board.

1202
02:40:33,860 --> 02:40:36,900
So thank you so much, which I was going to ask you as I went on to it just.

1203
02:40:38,280 --> 02:40:41,520
Thank you, Maria Lennon, congrats on your state recognition.

1204
02:40:44,980 --> 02:40:48,680
Councillor Bumber, do you have a couple of comments, no questions.

1205
02:40:49,740 --> 02:40:57,020
I first of all say, not that I have favorites, but a couple of my favorite organizations,

1206
02:40:57,020 --> 02:41:04,140
Both the Watsonville Wetlands Watch and Cab are both in the audience today, and Jonathan, you've done such a great job.

1207
02:41:04,660 --> 02:41:23,980
I mean, I've known you for a long time, and I'm I-2, I'm very excited for this new Nature Center, and I think it's gonna be just a wonderful asset to our community, so I'm here to always support you and your organization, so thank you for all the hard work that you've done, and it is a true partnership between all of us.

1208
02:41:23,980 --> 02:41:32,920
I look at a lot of our nonprofits as, you know, this partnership that can help uplift the city and you help us do things that sometimes we can't do.

1209
02:41:33,440 --> 02:41:41,460
So we're limited with the resources and the funding that we have, so we depend on you guys to really kind of take it that extra bit to help us out.

1210
02:41:41,560 --> 02:41:43,560
So I really do appreciate all of that.

1211
02:41:44,660 --> 02:41:51,240
And I wanted to say there was one more little comment I think I had, maybe I didn't.

1212
02:41:53,880 --> 02:42:20,560
I also wanted to say, I look forward, you know, everybody in the Franich area and in the bridge street, I look forward to supporting the landscaping candy increase today that will help clean the bridge street mediums that will, that will extend it, I know we've been having a lot of concerns about the overgrowth, so I am going to be very, very supportive of that.

1213
02:42:20,560 --> 02:42:21,540
So, thank you so much.

1214
02:42:22,360 --> 02:42:25,600
Council member Parker and then Roscoe.

1215
02:42:26,200 --> 02:42:26,520
Thank you.

1216
02:42:26,680 --> 02:42:28,860
Jimmy, you got that before I could.

1217
02:42:30,040 --> 02:42:34,160
I want to say thank you to Parks and Community Services

1218
02:42:34,160 --> 02:42:36,320
and Nick for taking that on.

1219
02:42:37,880 --> 02:42:45,640
Since 218, Vista, Montanya, the L-Mad there has struggled with their decision

1220
02:42:45,640 --> 02:42:47,160
and they're doing lots of things.

1221
02:42:47,160 --> 02:42:54,680
I want to say thank you not only for adding this to the scope of services that you're

1222
02:42:54,680 --> 02:43:02,840
doing, but also the pickup that's happening by weekly now, I hear, on a Friday, because

1223
02:43:02,840 --> 02:43:08,700
there's some people who are really charged in trying to do stuff, and it's nice that

1224
02:43:08,700 --> 02:43:15,160
we can support them, but in a way the support of, and it's not a major role, and also your

1225
02:43:15,160 --> 02:43:21,300
other conversations that you're having that are in regards to the L-MAD.

1226
02:43:21,800 --> 02:43:22,680
So I want to say thank you.

1227
02:43:22,740 --> 02:43:26,300
There's a lot of things going on that people don't know, but you guys are still working

1228
02:43:26,300 --> 02:43:26,840
on things.

1229
02:43:27,300 --> 02:43:29,060
And so greatly appreciate it, okay?

1230
02:43:32,210 --> 02:43:33,090
Councilmember Roscoe?

1231
02:43:33,570 --> 02:43:40,150
So in addition to everything that has been said, because I'm in support of all of that, I want

1232
02:43:40,150 --> 02:43:51,550
And all of the boys might support for item 11, point U, the appointment of Nancy Velasco to the Personnel Commission representing District 3.

1233
02:43:52,650 --> 02:43:57,510
Nancy brings about 16 years of human resources experience to this ruin.

1234
02:43:57,690 --> 02:43:59,870
I believe she will be a strong addition to the commission.

1235
02:44:00,250 --> 02:44:03,050
So I ask council for your support on this item.

1236
02:44:04,190 --> 02:44:04,890
Thank you.

1237
02:44:05,710 --> 02:44:06,450
Council member Parker?

1238
02:44:06,450 --> 02:44:10,670
I was going to say are any are either one of our point to use are they in the room?

1239
02:44:11,970 --> 02:44:12,050
Nope.

1240
02:44:12,490 --> 02:44:12,650
Okay.

1241
02:44:12,930 --> 02:44:13,170
All right.

1242
02:44:14,410 --> 02:44:15,010
Any other?

1243
02:44:15,330 --> 02:44:16,210
Have we made a motion?

1244
02:44:16,790 --> 02:44:17,490
We did not.

1245
02:44:17,650 --> 02:44:18,670
I would like to make a motion.

1246
02:44:18,670 --> 02:44:19,750
The head of the head.

1247
02:44:20,850 --> 02:44:21,450
I'll second.

1248
02:44:22,090 --> 02:44:22,290
I'll second.

1249
02:44:22,570 --> 02:44:24,330
We have a motion and a second.

1250
02:44:24,590 --> 02:44:25,650
Can I get a roll call?

1251
02:44:27,870 --> 02:44:28,310
Clark.

1252
02:44:28,770 --> 02:44:28,970
Hi.

1253
02:44:29,450 --> 02:44:29,770
Deutre.

1254
02:44:30,410 --> 02:44:30,630
Hi.

1255
02:44:31,030 --> 02:44:31,570
Want us to know?

1256
02:44:32,010 --> 02:44:32,270
Yes.

1257
02:44:32,690 --> 02:44:33,130
Orozco.

1258
02:44:33,770 --> 02:44:34,030
Hi.

1259
02:44:34,030 --> 02:44:34,070
Aye.

1260
02:44:34,410 --> 02:44:34,850
Parker.

1261
02:44:35,070 --> 02:44:35,270
Aye.

1262
02:44:35,670 --> 02:44:36,230
Gatos Carter.

1263
02:44:36,850 --> 02:44:38,230
No on 11 are.

1264
02:44:38,370 --> 02:44:39,390
I guess on everything else.

1265
02:44:39,990 --> 02:44:40,810
So I'll see you.

1266
02:44:41,130 --> 02:44:41,690
Aye.

1267
02:44:42,250 --> 02:44:43,070
The motion carries.

1268
02:44:49,170 --> 02:44:51,950
In moving on, there's no items removed from consent.

1269
02:44:52,190 --> 02:44:53,130
Reports to counsel.

1270
02:44:53,450 --> 02:44:54,450
The City Manager's update.

1271
02:44:55,290 --> 02:44:59,490
I have a very brief update today, but I wanted to kind of.

1272
02:45:00,000 --> 02:45:29,840
Celebrate the fact that this last Monday, we started a new academy in our fire department with four new recruits that are part of that academy that will go between now and December. And hopefully they will be set to graduate and join our firefighter team. So we're excited for their journey with us. We also concluded Battalion Chief Recruitment Process

1273
02:45:29,840 --> 02:45:38,400
of today, we are set to feel that position early in October, which is a remarkable achievement

1274
02:45:38,740 --> 02:45:46,020
just to kind of attract and be able to hire individuals to join our team in that capacity.

1275
02:45:46,980 --> 02:45:54,240
As an essential rank, there's basically three people that share the burden of 24-7 staffing.

1276
02:45:54,240 --> 02:45:59,820
So, when one is absent, it's a big heavy weight on the two that remain.

1277
02:46:00,100 --> 02:46:07,400
So, we are excited about that, and we're also very thankful to Captain Mahabirak,

1278
02:46:07,620 --> 02:46:14,120
who up to last week just really stepped in and kind of like helped us bridge the accent

1279
02:46:14,120 --> 02:46:20,300
of this vacancy that we had after Meet Us Shafers retirement.

1280
02:46:20,300 --> 02:46:21,700
So I'm excited for that.

1281
02:46:22,360 --> 02:46:28,220
I also learned today that there are three new police officers on the academy that are starting

1282
02:46:28,220 --> 02:46:28,800
this week.

1283
02:46:29,240 --> 02:46:35,860
So those efforts are just really exciting to be able to continue to regrow for our

1284
02:46:35,860 --> 02:46:36,860
public safety departments.

1285
02:46:37,580 --> 02:46:44,580
There's a kind of a short announcement with a flyer that was shared with us.

1286
02:46:44,580 --> 02:46:54,160
This is kind of a team effort that we are part of with a group of other organizations and

1287
02:46:54,160 --> 02:46:57,680
county agencies to do little cleanup.

1288
02:46:58,040 --> 02:47:03,480
So the community cleanup effort is happening this Thursday, August 27th.

1289
02:47:03,770 --> 02:47:11,740
We are going to focus on that area, on that pink around the lead road beach street area.

1290
02:47:12,920 --> 02:47:20,080
The cleanup starts at 9 a.m. until 12 and all volunteers are welcome to be part of it.

1291
02:47:20,440 --> 02:47:21,640
That concludes my report for now.

1292
02:47:22,140 --> 02:47:22,620
Thank you.

1293
02:47:23,880 --> 02:47:25,220
Any comments from council?

1294
02:47:26,760 --> 02:47:27,960
Seeing none moving on the board.

1295
02:47:28,900 --> 02:47:29,860
Council member.

1296
02:47:30,100 --> 02:47:30,320
Really?

1297
02:47:30,580 --> 02:47:30,940
It's really.

1298
02:47:31,460 --> 02:47:36,300
Can you give us back, you know, because I know we talked about, you know, street signs,

1299
02:47:36,800 --> 02:47:39,160
some time ago and an update on that.

1300
02:47:39,160 --> 02:47:45,920
Yeah, they're actually, the installation is beginning at the end of October.

1301
02:47:47,200 --> 02:47:52,000
All the sites are, you're going to start seeing some digging on the sites where the

1302
02:47:52,000 --> 02:47:56,520
signs are going to go and the manufacturing of the signs have all started.

1303
02:47:56,860 --> 02:47:57,940
So we're moving forward with that.

1304
02:47:57,940 --> 02:48:00,900
I think you're talking about way, finally, not talking about street signs.

1305
02:48:01,080 --> 02:48:08,620
That is also, I'm waiting for the street sign sample to come in and as soon as we get the

1306
02:48:08,620 --> 02:48:14,820
example and we can greenlight it, that effort will move forward and every street sign is expected

1307
02:48:14,820 --> 02:48:15,620
to be replaced.

1308
02:48:15,920 --> 02:48:16,300
Thank you.

1309
02:48:18,860 --> 02:48:21,060
And asking a question, Mary.

1310
02:48:22,580 --> 02:48:27,460
Can Hill Street in District 7 be the first street sign that you produce?

1311
02:48:27,800 --> 02:48:32,840
Because they've gone for three years with nothing on one side and the other side is kind

1312
02:48:32,840 --> 02:48:33,460
of gone.

1313
02:48:33,900 --> 02:48:38,000
So that will break my approach of going from A to Z, but yes, of course.

1314
02:48:38,000 --> 02:48:38,300
Right on.

1315
02:48:38,300 --> 02:48:39,020
Thank you very much.

1316
02:48:39,020 --> 02:48:40,540
Yes, not as good for my street.

1317
02:48:42,320 --> 02:48:56,520
All right, moving on to item 14A, actions pertaining to compliance with preemptory writ of mandate to set aside approvals for a 21 unit townhome development project located at 547 airport full of art.

1318
02:48:57,980 --> 02:49:00,420
Thank you Madam Mayor and good evening Council.

1319
02:49:01,740 --> 02:49:06,860
This will hopefully be a quick report because you're familiar with the facts.

1320
02:49:08,680 --> 02:49:16,020
The purpose of tonight's items is to take the actions required by the Santa Cruz County's Superior Courts,

1321
02:49:16,200 --> 02:49:17,740
preemptory writ of mandate.

1322
02:49:18,700 --> 02:49:23,220
Our deadline for compliance is September 8th, 2026.

1323
02:49:25,260 --> 02:49:34,200
The court ordered in its writ the city to set aside the approvals for the 21 unit townhome project of 547 airport boulevard.

1324
02:49:34,200 --> 02:49:40,460
As you may or may not recall, these approvals were issued in August of 2021.

1325
02:49:40,840 --> 02:49:49,740
The council approved a mitigated negative declaration, along with an MNRP, an amendment

1326
02:49:49,740 --> 02:49:57,380
to the general plan, adopted the first reading of an ordinance, approving a zone change,

1327
02:49:57,380 --> 02:50:00,680
approved a special use permit and design review

1328
02:50:01,420 --> 02:50:03,360
and approved a tentative map.

1329
02:50:03,820 --> 02:50:07,700
It then passed that ordinance in September of 2021.

1330
02:50:08,840 --> 02:50:12,380
Shortly thereafter, the Watsonville Pilots Association

1331
02:50:12,880 --> 02:50:14,800
challenged the project approvals

1332
02:50:14,800 --> 02:50:17,520
under the California Environmental Quality Act

1333
02:50:17,520 --> 02:50:19,160
and the State Aeronautics Act.

1334
02:50:19,740 --> 02:50:25,920
The city litigated that lawsuit shortly after,

1335
02:50:25,920 --> 02:50:31,240
Well, two years after that, the project permits actually expired, so the project was not built.

1336
02:50:31,960 --> 02:50:40,860
In July of 2026, the court entered judgment granting the Watsonville Pilot Association's petition, and issued a

1337
02:50:40,860 --> 02:50:44,700
parliamentary writ of mandate, which is essentially a direction to the city.

1338
02:50:45,320 --> 02:50:51,180
The direction ordered the city to set aside any and all approvals related to the development.

1339
02:50:51,180 --> 02:50:57,000
The rent was served on the city on July 9th, which started the deadline for us to comply.

1340
02:50:57,620 --> 02:51:00,740
Again, our deadline for compliance is September 8th.

1341
02:51:01,200 --> 02:51:06,740
And again, the action before you tonight is to adopt a resolution, rescending various

1342
02:51:06,740 --> 02:51:07,480
resolutions.

1343
02:51:07,480 --> 02:51:11,700
The resolution rescends all of the approvals that were issued by resolution.

1344
02:51:12,340 --> 02:51:18,500
And then to introduce for first reading only, waiting for the reading of the text, an ordinance

1345
02:51:18,500 --> 02:51:22,320
for sending ordinance number 1420-21.

1346
02:51:22,640 --> 02:51:23,600
Are there any questions?

1347
02:51:26,720 --> 02:51:28,880
Council clarifying your technical questions?

1348
02:51:29,180 --> 02:51:30,160
Seeing none.

1349
02:51:31,420 --> 02:51:32,960
Moving out to public comments.

1350
02:51:33,140 --> 02:51:34,920
Are there any public comments on this issue?

1351
02:51:36,800 --> 02:51:40,040
And seeing none, entertaining a motion.

1352
02:51:40,440 --> 02:51:41,940
Council Mayor Brotem Clark.

1353
02:51:42,200 --> 02:51:43,040
I'd like to make a motion.

1354
02:51:44,460 --> 02:51:48,020
And do you need that motion read allowed?

1355
02:51:48,020 --> 02:51:51,340
Yes, please, and if you could do two separate motions, that would be great.

1356
02:51:51,780 --> 02:51:52,440
Oh, Joy.

1357
02:51:52,680 --> 02:51:53,200
Do you have them?

1358
02:51:54,160 --> 02:51:54,960
No, yes.

1359
02:51:55,100 --> 02:51:56,000
I have them right here.

1360
02:51:56,260 --> 02:51:56,440
Okay.

1361
02:51:57,260 --> 02:52:11,200
I'd like to make a motion to adopt a resolution, rescinding resolution, numbers 236-21237-21238-21238-21 and 239-21.

1362
02:52:11,720 --> 02:52:15,540
And then I'd also like to make a motion to introduce by title only and wait for the reading.

1363
02:52:15,660 --> 02:52:16,060
Separate.

1364
02:52:16,340 --> 02:52:16,540
Oh.

1365
02:52:16,540 --> 02:52:16,580
No.

1366
02:52:16,820 --> 02:52:17,200
Separate.

1367
02:52:17,360 --> 02:52:18,700
We can't just put them together.

1368
02:52:18,860 --> 02:52:19,480
Let's do them separately.

1369
02:52:19,580 --> 02:52:19,800
Okay.

1370
02:52:20,740 --> 02:52:21,500
I'll second.

1371
02:52:21,940 --> 02:52:22,620
That first motion.

1372
02:52:25,840 --> 02:52:35,200
On the agenda, it says, setting aside approvals for a 21-unit townhome project number, pp2018-111, do you need that as well?

1373
02:52:35,480 --> 02:52:35,860
I do not.

1374
02:52:36,080 --> 02:52:37,400
I just need what's on the screen.

1375
02:52:37,660 --> 02:52:37,740
Great.

1376
02:52:38,080 --> 02:52:38,300
Sorry.

1377
02:52:38,800 --> 02:52:39,220
That's okay.

1378
02:52:39,520 --> 02:52:40,560
We have a motion in a second.

1379
02:52:40,860 --> 02:52:41,500
Can I get a roll call?

1380
02:52:42,860 --> 02:52:43,260
Clarke.

1381
02:52:43,620 --> 02:52:43,760
Hi.

1382
02:52:44,500 --> 02:52:44,960
Do you try?

1383
02:52:45,180 --> 02:52:45,300
Hi.

1384
02:52:45,820 --> 02:52:46,300
Want to see know?

1385
02:52:46,640 --> 02:52:46,860
Yes.

1386
02:52:46,860 --> 02:52:47,740
Yes. Orozco?

1387
02:52:47,940 --> 02:52:48,300
Aye.

1388
02:52:48,640 --> 02:52:49,040
Parker?

1389
02:52:49,320 --> 02:52:49,500
Yes.

1390
02:52:50,040 --> 02:52:50,660
Gidoz Carter?

1391
02:52:50,980 --> 02:52:51,160
Aye.

1392
02:52:51,560 --> 02:52:52,100
Anzacito?

1393
02:52:52,320 --> 02:52:52,460
Aye.

1394
02:52:52,840 --> 02:52:53,740
The motion carries.

1395
02:52:55,340 --> 02:53:06,040
And then I would like to make a motion to introduce by title only in a way further reading of an ordinance rescinding ordinance number 1-4-2-0-2-1.

1396
02:53:06,760 --> 02:53:07,760
I'll second.

1397
02:53:08,140 --> 02:53:09,340
Motion in a second.

1398
02:53:09,580 --> 02:53:10,300
Can I get a roll call?

1399
02:53:11,700 --> 02:53:12,000
Clark?

1400
02:53:12,440 --> 02:53:12,600
Aye.

1401
02:53:13,080 --> 02:53:13,380
Tietra?

1402
02:53:13,600 --> 02:53:13,780
Aye.

1403
02:53:14,180 --> 02:53:14,640
Montesino?

1404
02:53:14,880 --> 02:53:15,060
Yes.

1405
02:53:15,460 --> 02:53:15,920
Orozco?

1406
02:53:16,160 --> 02:53:16,580
Hi.

1407
02:53:16,980 --> 02:53:17,280
Parker?

1408
02:53:17,620 --> 02:53:17,800
Hi.

1409
02:53:18,120 --> 02:53:18,700
You get us, Carter?

1410
02:53:19,100 --> 02:53:19,280
Hi.

1411
02:53:19,660 --> 02:53:20,260
And I'll see you then.

1412
02:53:20,840 --> 02:53:21,000
Hi.

1413
02:53:21,560 --> 02:53:22,220
The motion carries.

1414
02:53:23,120 --> 02:53:28,800
There are no emergency items and item 16 requests and scheduling future agenda items.

1415
02:53:29,440 --> 02:53:30,480
Councilmember Parker.

1416
02:53:30,940 --> 02:53:40,680
I'd like to bring back for discussion and possible action regarding to our flock cameras in the

1417
02:53:40,680 --> 02:53:40,960
city.

1418
02:53:42,380 --> 02:53:43,520
Anything else?

1419
02:53:43,520 --> 02:53:48,500
Seeing none, thank you very much.

1420
02:53:49,780 --> 02:53:50,800
We are adjourned.

1421
02:53:51,520 --> 02:53:51,920
No, we're discussing.

1422
02:54:01,360 --> 02:54:02,680
Recording stopped.