City Council Meeting - May 13, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ray Russom called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Matson took roll call.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
5.a
Closed Session Announcements
None.
5.b
Ordinances read in title only
None.
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a
Honorary Proclamation - National Foster Care Month 2025
1. CC 2025-05-13 Honorary Proclamation - Foster Care Month.pdf Mayor Ray Russom read the Honorary Proclamation Declaring May 2025 as " National Foster Care Month"
. Amanda Briley, San Luis Obispo County Social Services, accepted the proclamation.
No action was taken on this item.
6.b
Introduction and Oath of Office for New FCFA Engineers Steven Hensley, Jeff Lane, and John Penner Chief Hallett introduced FCFA Engineers Steven Hensley, Jeff Lane, and John Penner, and highlighted their educational and professional backgrounds. Board Clerk Meyers administered the Oaths of Office.
6.c
City Manager Communications
City Manager Downing provided information regarding the April 30 th
Boil Water Notice; encouraged all to sign up for Reverse 911 notifications through ReadySLO.org; provided information on the Fair Oaks Traffic Circle; gave an update on the Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project and detours that will go into affect at 7 a.m. on Monday, May 19 th
; and provided information on the application period for service on the Measure E-24 Citizens’ Sales Tax Oversight Committee (CSTOC) through June 30 th
.
No action was taken on this item.
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
None.
Reports are made during the Second Council Meeting each month.
8. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Gary Borsos, and Alexandria Davis. No further public comments were received.
City Manager Downing responded to comments from the public.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Ray Russom asked the Council if there were any questions or any items to be pulled from the consent agenda for further discussion. There were none.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Moved by
Council Member Guthrie
Seconded by
Council Member Maraviglia
Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.e., with the recommended courses of action.
AYES (5)
Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Guthrie, and Council Member Loe Passed (5 to 0)
9.a
Cash Disbursement Ratification
1. CC 2025-05-13 Cash Disbursement Ratification.pdf
2. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 1 - Cash Disbursement Ratification.pdf
3. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 2 - Cash Disbursement Ratification.pdf Reviewed and ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period of April 1 through April 15, 2025.
9.b
Statement of Investment Deposits for March 2025
1. CC 2025-05-13 Statement of Investment Deposits.pdf
2. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 1 - Statement of Investment Deposits March 2025.pdf Received and filed the report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande as of March 31, 2025, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b).
9.c
Approval of Minutes
1. CC 2025-05-13 Approval of Minutes_Apr22_2025.pdf
Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 22, 2025, as submitted.
9.d
Modifications to the Citywide Records Retention Schedule
1. CC 2025-05-13 Updated Records Retention Schedule.pdf
2. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 1 - Retention Schedule Update 2025 Resolution.pdf
3. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 1 Exhibit A - Retention Schedule.pdf 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING A MODIFIED CITYWIDE RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE AND AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN CITY RECORDS"; and
2) Determined that adopting the Resolution is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060 (c)(2) and (3), 15378.)
9.e
Resolutions Ordering the Preparation of Annual Engineer’s Reports for Assessment Districts for FY 2025-26
1. CC 2025-05-13 LLAD Assessment Districts Order Annual Reports.pdf
2. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 1 - Resolution_Parkside Village TR 2310.pdf
3. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 2 - Resolution_Grace Lane TR 2236.pdf
4. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 3 - Resolution_Parkview TR 1769.pdf 1) Adopted Resolutions entitled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ORDERING THE PREPARATION AND FILING OF THE ANNUAL ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR THE PARKSIDE VILLAGE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026"; "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ORDERING THE PREPARATION AND FILING OF THE ANNUAL ENGINEER’S REPORT FOR THE GRACE LANE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026"; "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ORDERING THE PREPARATION AND FILING OF THE ANNUAL ENGINEERS REPORT FOR THE ARROYO GRANDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1, WITHIN TRACT 1769, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026"; and
2) Determined that adopting the Resolutions ordering the Engineer's reports is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines,§§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)-(3), 15378.)
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.a
Tourism Business Improvement District Public Hearing to Levy Annual Assessment and FY 2025-26 Budget
1. CC 2025-05-13 TBID Annual Assessment and Proposed FY 2025-26 Budget.pdf
2. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 1 - Proposed Resolution.pdf
3. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 2 - Proposed Resolution AGTBID FY 25-26 Budget.pdf
4. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 3 - AG 2024-2025 Annual Report.pdf
5. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 4 - Resolution of Intention.pdf Mayor Ray Russom declared a conflict of interest due to owning a short-term rental and left the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Secrest presided.
Recreation Services Director Bohlken presented the Item. City Attorney Rosen and Administrative Services Director Valentine responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public was Sean Dasmann. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest closed the public hearing. City Clerk Matson reported that as of the close of the public hearing, no protests were received.
City Council discussion ensued regarding support for the TBID and broadening the use of TBID funds; results of the marketing effort; evaluating the 2% assessment before the TBID assessment public hearing next year; and evaluating the possibility to spend down the fund balance.
City Manager Downing and Director Bohlken responded to questions from Council.
Council Member Maraviglia made a motion to adopt the operating budget and give direction to the TBID Board to expand the usage of TBID assessments; find the action exempt from CEQA; and accept the annual report and levy the assessment. Mayor Pro Tem Secrest seconded the motion.
Council Member Guthrie requested the motion be amended to request staff to bring back a revised budget with the potential for spending down the fund balance. Council Member Maraviglia and Mayor Pro Tem Secrest concurred.
Moved by
Council Member Maraviglia
Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
1) Conduct a public hearing to receive public comment and protests regarding the City Council’s intention to continue the Arroyo Grande Tourism Business Improvement District (AGTBID), confirm the annual report (the “Annual Report”), and levy an annual assessment for FY 2025-26; 2) Adopt a Resolution entitled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE CONFIRMING THE ANNUAL REPORT AND ASSESSMENT TO BE LEVIED WITHIN THE ARROYO GRANDE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26"; 3) Adopt a Resolution entitled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET FOR THE ARROYO GRANDE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT"; 4) Determine that conducting a public hearing to adopt a Resolution confirming the Annual Report and to levy and collect assessments, and adopting a Resolution to approve the AGTBID operating budget is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060 (c)(2) and (3), 15378.); and 5) Directed staff to look at the boundaries, consistent with State Law, to expand the usage of TBID assessments; and to bring back a re vised budget that includes a potential to spend down the fund balance.
AYES (4)
Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Guthrie, and Council Member Loe ABSENT (1)
Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (4 to 0)
11. BUSINESS ITEMS
11.a
Tourism Marketing Services Agreement Extension
1. CC 2025-05-13 Tourism Marketing Services Agreement Extension.pdf
2. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 1 - Proposed Resolution for Contract Extension.pdf
3. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 2 - Contract Service Agreement with Commune Communication (1).pdf
4. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 3 - Contract Service Agreement Amendment No.1.pdf
5. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 4 - 6-Month Marketing Review by Commune Communication.pdf
6. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 5 - AGTBID Marketing Services RFP .pdf Mayor Ray Russom returned to the meeting.
Recreation Services Director Bohlken presented the Item and responded to questions from Council. Ryan La Rosa, Commune Communications, responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Alexandria Davis, and Sean Dasmann. No further public comments were received.
Sean Dasmann, Agrarian Hotel and TBID Chair; and Ryan La Rosa, Commune Communications, responded to questions from Council.
Council discussion ensued regarding support for extending the agreement for tourism marketing services; and receiving a report on what is provided with the $25,000 contract amount.
Moved by
Council Member Loe
Seconded by
Council Member Guthrie
1) Adopt a Resolution entitled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT EXTENSION WITH COMMUNE COMMUNICATION TO PROVIDE MARKETING SERVICES FOR THE ARROYO GRANDE TOURISM AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT"; and
2) Find that executing the contract extension is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)-(3), 15378.) AYES (5)
Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Guthrie, and Council Member Loe Passed (5 to 0)
11.b
Operational and Organizational Assessment
1. CC 2025-05-13 Receive and File Org Assessment and Approve Incorporating Select Recommendations into FY 2025-27 Budget.pdf
2. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 1 - Raftelis Operational and Organizational Assessment Project Report.pdf City Manager Downing introduced the Item. Human Resources Officer Garcia introduced Emily Uselton and Rebekah Hosken with Raftelis. Ms. Uselton and Ms. Hosken presented the report and responded to questions from Council. City Clerk Matson responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Council discussion ensued regarding current staffing levels, workloads, and retention; the staffing proposal and timing; and other operations recommendations.
Following Council action, discussion ensued regarding next steps in the process.
City Manager Downing responded to questions from Council.
Moved by
Council Member Loe
Seconded by
Council Member Maraviglia
1) Receive the Report and Recommendations in the Operational and Organizational Assessment; and 2) Direct staff to move forward with staff's recommendations for the FY 2025-27 Biennial Budget and to provide variations regarding advancing or delaying the Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Coordinator positions for consideration during the budget process.
AYES (3)
Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, and Council Member Loe NOES (2)
Mayor Ray Russom, and Council Member Guthrie
Passed (3 to 2)
11.c
Ten Year Capital Improvement Program, Measure E-24 Local Sales Tax Fund Expenditure Program, and Measure O-06 Local Sales Tax Fund Expenditure Program
1. CC 2025-05-13 10-Year CIP.pdf
2. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 1 - Resolution.pdf
3. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 1 Exhibit A - Capital Improvement Program.pdf
4. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 2 - 10-Year Measure O-06 Sales Tax Fund Expenditure Program.pdf
5. CC 2025-05-13 Attachment 3 - 10-Year Measure E-24 Sales Tax Fund Expenditure Program.pdf Mayor Ray Russom called for a brief break at 8:50 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:57 p.m.
City Manager Downing introduced the Item. Administrative Services Director Valentine presented the Item. Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Robeson, City Manager Downing, and Director Valentine responded to questions from Council.
Council discussion ensued regarding staff's recommendation for use of Measure O-06 funds.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was No Name Provided. No further public comments were received. City Manager Downing responded to questions from the public.
Moved by
Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by
Council Member Guthrie
1) Adopt a Resolution entitled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING THE CITY’S 10-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2034-35" with the exception of changes to Fund O-06
;
and
2) Find that the approval of the Resolution is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under State CEQA Guidelines, Section §15061(b)(3), as such approval does not have the potential to result in an effect on the environment. The approval does not commit the City to any of the identified projects in the CIP. Each individual project in the plan will be subject to CEQA review as required by law. Secondly, this action constitutes an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in a physical change in the environment and is therefore not subject to CEQA pursuant to Section §15378(b)(5).
AYES (3)
Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Guthrie, and Council Member Loe NOES (2)
Council Member Maraviglia, and Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
Passed (3 to 2)
12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Ray Russom commented on the upcoming Five Cities Repair Café on May 17th at the Oceano Community Services District.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the meeting at 9:46 p.m.