City Council Meeting - December 09, 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
Charles Jordan with the Arroyo Grande Rotary Club led the flag salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
5.a
Closed Session Announcements
5.b
Ordinances read in title only
Moved by
Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by
Council Member Maraviglia
Move that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read by title only and all further readings be waived.
AYES (5)
Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Guthrie, and Council Member Loe Passed (5 to 0)
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a
Introduction and Oath of Office - Senior Officer Black
Police Chief Culver introduced Senior Officer Jacob Black and highlighted his educational and professional background. City Clerk Matson administered the Oath of Office. A badge pinning ceremony followed.
6.b
Honorary Proclamation Recognizing Fire Captain Quinlan, Engineer LoPresti, and Firefighter Vassaur
1. CC 2025-12-09 Honorary Proclamation_Life Saving Efforts.pdf Mayor Ray Russom presented the Honorary Proclamation recognizing Fire Captain Quinlan, Engineer LoPresti, and Firefighter Vassaur.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Dianna and Andrew Chestnut. No further public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
6.c
Honorary Proclamation Recognizing Fire Captain Paul Quinlan Upon His Retirement from Public Service
1. CC 2025-12-09 Honorary Proclamation Recognizing Fire Captain Paul Quinlan Upon His Retirement.pdf Mayor Ray Russom presented a Proclamation Recognizing Fire Captain Paul Quinlan Upon His Retirement from Public Service. Captain Quinlan addressed the Council and staff. Chief Hallett provided remarks.
Mayor Ray Russom wished all first responders a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
6.d
City Manager Communications
City Manager Downing provided updates on the Lopez Lake Litigation and the Ninth Circuit Court’s decision regarding water releases from Lopez; the Traffic Way Bridge scheduled to reopen and detours removed next week; Police Officers attendance at FBI training; current employment opportunities with the City; the Winter/Spring Activity Guide will be mailed December 12th; Tree Lighting and Snow event on December 14th at Elm Street Park; and the newest issue of the Arroyo Grande Gazette is available.
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 was Dean Castelino. No further public comments were received.
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.
Mayor Ray Russom declared a conflict of interest due to owning an ADU and requested items 9.k. and 9.l. be pulled for a separate vote.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Moved by
Council Member Maraviglia
Seconded by
Council Member Guthrie
Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.i., with the exception of Items 9.k. and 9.l., 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
Approval of Minutes
1. CC 2025-12-09 Approval of Minutes - Nov25_2025.pdf
Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of November 25, 2025, as submitted.
9.b
Cash Disbursement Ratification
1. CC 2025-12-09 Cash Disbursement Ratification.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Cash Disbursement Ratification.pdf
3. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 2 - Cash Disbursement Ratification.pdf Reviewed and ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period of November 1 through November 15, 2025.
9.c
Statement of Investment Deposits for October 2025
1. CC 2025-12-09 Statement of Investment Deposits.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Statement of Investment Deposits October2025.pdf Received and filed the report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande as of October 31, 2025, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b).
9.d
2026 City Council Regular Meeting Schedule
1. CC 2025-12-09 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Resolution Setting the CC Schedule.pdf Adopted a Resolution entitled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ESTABLISHING THE 2026 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE".
9.e
Selection of Council Member Maraviglia as Mayor Pro Tem
1. CC 2025-12-09 Selection of Mayor Pro Tem for 2026.pdf Appointed Council Member Maraviglia as the Mayor Pro Tem for the next one-year period, pursuant to City Council policy.
9.f
City Council Appointments to Regional and Local Boards and Committees
1. CC 2025-12-09 Review of Regional Boards and Committees Appointments.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Regional Boards Appointments.pdf
3. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 2 - Council_Committee Descriptions.pdf Reviewed the list of Council appointments currently serving on the various regional and local boards and committees and approve appointments for calendar year 2026.
9.g
Adoption of an Ordinance Granting to Phillips 66 Pipeline, LLC, a Pipeline Franchise Agreement
1. CC 2025-12-09 Adoption of an Ordinance Granting a Pipeline Franchise.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Ordinance(2).pdf
3. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 Exhibit A - Franchise Agreement.pdf
4. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 2 - Ordinance 613.pdf
5. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 3 - Letter of Understanding.pdf
6. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 4 - OSFM Letter.pdf
7. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 5 - Preliminary Post Inspection Findings.pdf 1) Adopted an Ordinance entitled:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE GRANTING TO PHILLIPS 66, LLC A PIPELINE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN PIPELINE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF OIL, AND OTHER SPECIFIED MATERIAL, IN THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE"; and
2) Found that adoption of the Ordinance granting Phillips 66, a pipeline franchise 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. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.);
9.h
Award Engineering Design Services for 2025 Streets Project
1. CC 2025-12-09 Award Engineering Design Services for 2025 Streets Project.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Resolution Award Eng Design.pdf
3. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 2 - PEI Professional Services Contract.pdf
4. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 2 Exhibit A - PEI Proposal Eng Design Services PW 2025-01.pdf 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES OF THE 2025 STREETS PROJECT (PW 2025-01) WITH PAVEMENT ENGINEERING, INC."; and
2) Found that awarding the contract for Engineering Design Services of the 2025 Streets Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline Section 15301(c) covering the repair and maintenance of existing streets, sidewalks, gutters, and similar facilities.
9.i
Award of Water Main and Service Project
1. CC 2025-12-09-25 Water Main and Service Award.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Resolution Award Water Main.pdf
3. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 2 - Construction Contract.pdf
4. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 3 - Water Main Bid Opening Log.pdf 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE WATER MAIN AND SERVICE PROJECT (PW 2024-04) TO R. BAKER, INC. AND APPROVE A BUDGET ADJUSTEMENT"; and
2) Found that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 2 exemption, which applies to the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced.
9.j
Agreement Amendment for Consultant Services with Miniter Harnish for the Comprehensive General Plan Update
1. CC 2025-12-09 Agreement Amendment for Consultant Services Comprehensive General Plan Update.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Resolution.pdf
3. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 2 - Original Agreement for Consultant Services.pdf 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT EXTENDING THE AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES WITH MINTIER HARNISH FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE"; and
2) Found that adopting a Resolution to extend the agreement is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act “(CEQA”) because the amendment has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.)
9.k
Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Title 16 Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
1. CC 2025-12-09 ADU Ordinance Adoption.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Ordinance(1).pdf
Moved by
Council Member Maraviglia
Seconded by
Council Member Guthrie
1) Adopted an Ordinance entitled:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING SECTION 16.52.150 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17"; and
2) Found that the Ordinance is statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code § 21080.17.
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)
9.l
Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Regarding Urban Lot Splits and Two-Unit Development
1. CC 2025-12-09 SB 9 Ordinance Adoption.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Ordinance.pdf
Moved by
Council Member Maraviglia
Seconded by
Council Member Guthrie
1) Adopted an Ordinance entitled:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING SECTIONS 16.20.180 AND 16.32.060 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING URBAN LOT SPLITS AND TWO-UNIT DEVELOPMENTS"; and
2) Found that the Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment (State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) and 15061(b)(3)).
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)
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.a
Community Development Block Grant Recommendations for Year 2026
1. CC 2025-12-09 2026 CDBG Preliminary Recommendations .pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - Cooperation Agreement.pdf
3. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 2 - 5CHC Application.pdf
4. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 3 - CAPLSO Application.pdf
Planning Manager Perez presented the Item.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Upon hearing no public comments, Mayor Ray Russom closed the public hearing.
Moved by
Council Member Loe
Seconded by
Council Member Maraviglia
1) Approve funding recommendations for the City’s allocation of 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds as shown in Table 1; and 2) Find that this action is exempt from CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 subd. (b)(3).
AYES (5)
Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Guthrie, and Council Member Loe Passed (5 to 0)
11. BUSINESS ITEMS
11.a
Study Session on Cannabis Regulation Policy Direction
1. CC 2025-12-09 Cannabis Regulation Policy Direction.pdf
2. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 1 - City of Arroyo Grande Retail Analysis.pdf
3. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 2 - Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Chapter 16.62.pdf
4. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 3 - Condition and Health of the Cannabis Industry.pdf
5. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 4 - Cannabis Locations - Eligible Properties.pdf
6. CC 2025-12-09 Attachment 5 - FlashVote Survey Results.pdf City Manager Downing introduced the Item. Management Analyst Bergam presented the Item. City Attorney Rosen, City Manager Downing, and Police Chief Culver responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Rachael Golding. No further public comments were received.
Council discussion ensued regarding regulatory options.
Council directed staff to
proceed with the preparation of a local cannabis tax ballot measure (and draft tax language) to be placed on a future municipal ballot, for consideration at a future City Council meeting; and upon passing of a tax ballot measure, proceed with drafting regulations to allow commercial retail cannabis uses and return with zoning, permit process and a draft ordinance.
Council also provided staff direction on the following regulatory options:
Allow both medical and adult use cannabis businesses.
Types of businesses: Allow retail and delivery. Do not allow cannabis events. Need more information on distribution, cultivation, manufacturing, and testing.
Location and Zoning: Freeway access areas and shopping centers. Keep out of neighborhoods and the Village.
Number of businesses: 1-2.
Types of permits: Merit-based is preferred, but research what other cities have done.
Permit processing: Discretionary approval by Council, not ministerial.
Revenue: 6% local tax on gross receipts of cannabis sales. Possibly a development agreement as well.
Only tax on recreational.
12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest commented on her service as Mayor Pro Tem over the past year.
Mayor Ray Russom commented on the Tree Lighting and Snow event.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the meeting at 7:31 pm.