AGENDA
GROVER BEACH CITY COUNCIL
GROVER BEACH CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBER
154 SOUTH EIGHTH STREET
GROVER BEACH, CALIFORNIA
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025, 6:00 PM
Next Resolution No .25-15
Next Ordinance No. 25-02
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in a City meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office (805-473-4567) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
CALL TO ORDER
FLAG SALUTE
ROLL CALL Council Members Kathy McCorry-Driscoll, Jules Tuggle, Clint Weirick, Mayor Pro Tem Robert Robert, and Mayor Kassi Dee
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
AGENDA REVIEW
At this time the City Council will review the order of business to be conducted and receive requests for, or make announcements regarding, any change(s) in the order of the day. The Council should adopt the agenda as presented or as revised by motion.
CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
1. Proclamation for National Police Week
2. Proclamation for Public Works Week
3. 2025 Beautification Awards
PRESENTATIONS
4. Update on Lopez Lake Water System
Meetings can be viewed on cable Channel 20 in Grover Beach and are live streamed on www.slospan.org. Members of the public may provide public comment via the phone during the meeting by calling (805) 321-6639 (the phone line will open just prior to the start of the meeting at 6:00 PM). Written public comments can be submitted via email to [email protected]. To ensure distribution to the City Council, please submit comments not later than 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. All correspondence will be distributed to the City Council, posted on the City’s website, and be made part of the official public record of the meeting. Please note, comments will not be read into the record.
Agenda: Grover Beach City Council Meeting Page 2
Monday, May 12, 2025
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Any member of the public may address the Council for a period not to exceed three minutes total on any item of interest within the jurisdiction of this Council. The Council will listen to all communications; however, in compliance with the Brown Act, the Council cannot act on, or discuss, items not on the agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following routine items listed below are scheduled for consideration as a group. Recommendations for each item are noted in parentheses. Members of the audience may speak on any item(s) listed on the Consent Agenda. Any Council Member, the City Attorney, or the City Manager may request that an item be withdrawn from the Consent Agenda to allow for full discussion. Items withdrawn from the Consent Agenda will be heard after the rest of the Consent Agenda is approved.
5. Minutes of the City Council Meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025 – City Clerk Sims (Recommended Action: Approve the minutes as submitted or revised.)
VOICE VOTE
6. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 12 (Fireworks) of Article III (Public Welfare, Morales & Conduct) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to Regulate Social Hosts Allowing Illegal Fireworks – Police Chief Munro and Police Commander Millard
(Recommended Action: Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 12 (Fireworks) of Article III (Public Welfare, Morales & Conduct); adding sections 3996.1 through 3996.7 of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to Regulate Social Hosts who allow Illegal Fireworks; and schedule a public hearing and second reading to adopt the Ordinance at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.)
VOICE VOTE
PUBLIC HEARING
7. City Vacancies Report Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561 – Assistant City Manager Eriksson (Recommended Action: Conduct a public hearing and receive a report on the City’s vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts, including any presentations from the City’s represented bargaining units, pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 2561.)
REGULAR BUSINESS
8. Update on the FY 2025-27 Budget and Draft Work Programs for Council Goals and Priorities; and Adopt a Resolution to Approve an Interfund Advance Policy – Administrative Services Director Szamet and Assistant City Manager Eriksson (Reommended Action: Receive a report on the FY 2025-27 budget development process and draft work programs for Council Goals and Priorities, and adopt a resolution to approve an Interfund Advance Policy; and provide input and direction to staff.)
ROLL CALL VOTE
Agenda: Grover Beach City Council Meeting Page 3
Monday, May 12, 2025
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
This item gives the Mayor and Council Members the opportunity to present reports to the other members regarding committees, commissions, boards, or special projects on which they may be participating.
SLO Council of Governments/SLO Regional Transit Authority Kassi Dee (Alt: Robert Robert) (SLOCOG / SLORTA)
South County Transit Committee Kassi Dee (Alt: Robert Robert) South SLO County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD) Kassi Dee (Alt: Clint Weirick) Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Kathy McCorry-Driscoll (Alt: N/A) REACH Kathy McCorry-Driscoll (Alt: Robert Robert)
Visit SLO CAL Advisory Committee Kathy McCorry-Driscoll (Alt: Robert Robert) Air Pollution Control District (APCD) Robert Robert (Alt: Kassi Dee) Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) Robert Robert (Alt: Kathy McCorry-Driscoll) Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC) Jules Tuggle (Alt: Clint Weirick) SLO County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) Jules Tuggle (Alt: Robert Robert) South County Chambers of Commerce Jules Tuggle (Alt: Robert Robert) Zone Three Advisory Committee Jules Tuggle (Alt: Robert Robert) California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Clint Weirick (Alt: Kathy McCorry-Driscoll) Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County Clint Weirick (Alt: Kassi Dee) (CAPSLO)
Five Cities Fire Joint Powers Authority Clint Weirick and Kassi Dee
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
This item gives individual Council Members the opportunity to seek consensus for scheduling a specific item on a future agenda, authorizing staff time to provide background information and prepare a staff report for a future agenda, or to comment on Council business, City operations, projects or other items of community interest.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS AND COMMENTS
CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORTS AND COMMENTS
CLOSED SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
* * * * *
Per Resolution No. 17-21, the public portion of City Council meetings will be scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. and conclude no later than 11:00 p.m. Any open session items remaining on the agenda at 11:00 p.m. that have not been discussed or considered by the City Council will be continued to an adjourned meeting of the City Council (scheduled before the next regular meeting). However, the City Council may choose to continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. upon a proper motion and a 4/5ths vote in favor of such an action.
* * * * *
Staff reports or other written materials relating to each item of business referred to on this agenda are available from the City website www.groverbeach.org and on file in the City Clerk’s Office. A public counter copy is available for public inspection and reproduction during normal business hours at City Agenda: Grover Beach City Council Meeting Page 4
Monday, May 12, 2025
Hall, 154 South 8th Street, Grover Beach, CA. Related materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available in the City Clerk's Office during normal business hours. If you have questions regarding any agenda item, please contact the appropriate City Department. Any writings or documents regarding any item on this agenda, not exempt from public disclosure, provided to a majority of the City Council and distributed subsequent to distribution of the agenda packet will be made available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office during normal business hours. * * * * *
Note: This agenda was prepared and posted pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2. This agenda is subject to amendment up to 72 hours prior to the date and time set for the meeting. Please refer to the agenda posted at City Hall for any revisions or call the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 473-4567 for more information.
* * * * *
The agenda and staff reports are also available on the City’s website: www.groverbeach.org
CITY OF GROVER BEACH
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCT AND DECORUM AT COUNCIL MEETINGS (Pursuant to Resolution No. 07-44, adopted 04-16-07, revised 02-18-2020) The City Council and staff welcomes and encourages civic participation and debate on issues. The Council values the public’s opinion and in every Council meeting invite and encourage the public to address the Council on any matter of interest. The Council adopted these policies and procedures for appropriate conduct and decorum at Council meetings and establish guidance for public participation during Council meetings.
These policies will foster and provide greater clarity to preserve the intent of open government and maintain a positive environment for public input and City Council decision-making.
1.0 DECORUM AND ORDER – IN GENERAL
1.1 The presiding officer is responsible for the maintenance of order and decorum at all times.
1.2 The presiding officer shall determine all points of order subject to the right of any Council member to appeal to the City Council by majority vote. If any appeal is taken, the question shall be “Shall the decision of the presiding officer be sustained” in which event a majority vote of the Council shall govern and conclusively determine such question of order.
1.3 All Council members, staff members and members of the public should speak respectfully and avoid the use of profanity, vulgarity and slanderous comments. Recognizing that the First Amendment precludes the City Council from prohibiting speakers from speaking based upon the content of their speech, the presiding officer shall use their best efforts, short of enforcement action, to remind and encourage all participating in the meeting to keep their speech respectful towards others and within bounds appropriate for children and persons of sensitivity toward course language as a courtesy to others present or otherwise viewing Council meetings.
2.0 DECORUM AND ORDER – COUNCIL MEMBERS
2.1 Manner of Speaking.
Any Council member desiring to speak shall first address the presiding officer. Upon recognition by the presiding officer, the Council member shall speak only to the question under debate.
U2.1(a) Questioning Staff.
A Council member desiring to question the staff should address his question to the City Manager, or, in appropriate cases, the City Clerk or City Attorney, who shall be entitled either to answer the inquiry or to designate some staff member for that purpose. Such a designation may be made at the time of any staff presentation or on the agenda listing for the item.
U2.1(b) Interruptions.
Once recognized, a Council member shall not be interrupted while speaking unless called to order by the presiding officer; unless a point of order is raised by another Council member, or unless the speaker chooses to yield to questions from another Council member.
3.0 DECORUM AND ORDER – STAFF
3.1 City Manager Responsibilities
The City Manager is responsible for ensuring that members of the administrative staff observe the rules of decorum and order set forth in this Policy.
3.2 AAddressing the City Council
Any administrative staff member desiring to address the City Council or members of the public shall first be recognized by the presiding officer. All remarks shall be addressed to the presiding officer and not to any individual Council Member or member of the public. Administrative staff members shall accord the utmost courtesy to the City Council, other administrative staff members and the public.
4.0 DECORUM AND ORDER – MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
4.1 AAddressing the City Council
Any member of the public desiring to address the City Council or members of the public shall first be recognized by the presiding officer at the appropriate place on the agenda. All remarks shall be addressed to the presiding officer and not to any individual Council Member, City Manager, City Attorney or member of the administrative staff or member of the public.
4.2 Time Limitation for Addressing the City Council
Public comment when addressing the City Council shall be generally limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. Depending on the extent of the agenda and the number of persons desiring to speak on an issue, the presiding officer may, at the beginning of the hearing, set a different time limit for each speaker. Any person may speak for a longer period of time upon approval from the presiding officer, when deemed necessary, for instance when a person is speaking on behalf of a group or has a graphic or slide presentation requiring more time.
4.3 Failure to Yield, Disruptions
Any person who refuses to relinquish the floor after their allotted time or while attending the City Council meeting engages in conduct or speech which disrupts the business of the meeting shall be brought to order and/or removed from the room if the sergeant-at-arms is so directed by the presiding officer.
Disruptive remarks from the audience, stamping of feet, clapping, whistles, yells and similar demonstrations shall not be permitted by the presiding officer who may direct the sergeant-at-arms to remove such offenders from the room.
4.4 Prosecution
Aggravated cases shall be prosecuted on appropriate complaint signed by the presiding officer.
5.0 ENFORCEMENT OF DECORUM
5.1 The Chief of Police or his designee shall be the ex-officio sergeant-at-arms of the City Council. The sergeant-at-arms shall carry out all legal and valid orders and instructions given by the presiding officer for the purpose of maintaining order and decorum in the Council Chamber. Upon instructions from the presiding officer, it shall be the duty of the sergeant-at-arms to remove any disorderly person from the Council Chambers or place the disorderly person under arrest or both.
5.2 As set forth in Government Code Section 54957.9, in the event that any meeting is willfully interrupted by a person or group of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of such meeting unfeasible or impedes the ability of the Council to hold the meeting, and order cannot be restored by the removal of individuals who are willfully interrupting the meeting, the presiding officer may order the meeting room cleared and continue in session. Only matters appearing on the agenda may be considered in such a session. Duly accredited representatives of the press or other news media, except those participating in the disturbance, shall be allowed to attend any session held pursuant to this Section. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the City Council from establishing a procedure for readmitting an individual or individuals not responsible for willfully disturbing the orderly conduct of the meeting.
No Documents for this Agenda Item
Proclamation for National Police Week
Agenda Item No. 1
Proclamation for National Police Week
(CC Mtg 5/12/2025)
No Documents for this Agenda Item
Proclamation for Public Works Week
Agenda Item No. 2
Proclamation for Public Works Week
(CC Mtg 5/12/2025)
No Documents for this Agenda Item
2025 Beautification Awards
Agenda Item No. 3
2025 Beautification Awards
(CC Mtg 5/12/2025)
No Documents for this Agenda Item
Update on Lopez Lake Water System
Agenda Item No. 4
Update on Lopez Lake Water System
(CC Mtg 5/12/2025)
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Dee called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 154 South Eighth Street, Grover Beach, California.
FLAG SALUTE The flag salute was led by Pearl Pavone, an 8 year-old, 3rd grade student at Grover Heights Elementary School.
ROLL CALL
City Council: Council Members Kathy McCorry-Driscoll, Jules Tuggle, Clint Weirick, Mayor Pro Tem Robert Robert and Mayor Kassi Dee were present.
City Staff: City Manager Matthew Bronson, Assistant City Manager Kristin Eriksson, City Attorney Rob Lomeli, City Clerk Wendi Sims, Police Chief Jim Munro, Public Works Director/City Engineer Greg Ray, Administrative Services Director Nick Szamet, Community Development Director Megan Martin, and Five Cities Fire Chief Scott Hallett.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
AGENDA REVIEW
Action: Upon unanimous consensus, the Council adopted the agenda as presented.
CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
1. Proclamation for National Foster Care Month read by Council Member McCorry-Driscoll and accepted by San Luis Obispo Social Services Program Specialist Christy Lounder.
2. Introduction of New City Employees introduced by City Manager Bronson – Recreation Coordinator Rosy Rodriguez and Maintenance Worker 1 Nathan Musick.
PRESENTATIONS
3. SLO Regional Transit Authority Update presented by Geoff Straw.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS The Mayor opened the floor to any member of the public for comment on items of interest which were within the jurisdiction of the City Council but were not listed on the agenda.
• Lynn Austin
• Richard Neufeld
• Bob Perrault
• Karl Blum
• William Rea
Agenda Item No. 5
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 2
Monday, April 28, 2025
No additional public comments were received at this time and the Mayor closed the public comment portion of the meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
Prior to consideration of the Consent Agenda, Mayor Dee opened public comment. • Loren Westphal
There being no additional public comments received; Mayor Dee closed public comment.
It was motioned by Council Member Tuggle and seconded by Council Member McCorry-Driscoll to approve Consent Agenda Item No.’s 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 as recommended. The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members – McCorry-Driscoll, Tuggle, Weirick, Mayor Pro Tem Robert and Mayor Dee
NOES: Council Members – None.
ABSENT: Council Members – None.
ABSTAIN: Council Members – None.
4. Treasurer’s Reports for the Period March 1, through March 31, 2025 Action: Approved the Treasurer’s Reports as submitted.
5. Treasurer’s Reports for the 2022 Streets Bond Account - $10,000,000 for the Period March 1, through March 31, 2025
Action: Approved the Treasurer’s Reports as submitted.
6. Minutes of the City Council Meeting on Monday, April 14, 2025 Action: Approved the minutes as submitted.
7. First Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending the Grover Beach Municipal Code to Incorporate the Updated State Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps Released by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Action: Conducted the first reading, by title only, and introduced an ordinance adopting Chapter 8 (Fire Hazard Severity Zones) of Article VI (Public Safety) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to formally adopt the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps as required by California Government Code Section 51179(a).)
8. City Technology Systems Upgrades Update
Action: Received an update on the City’s efforts to upgrade technology systems to promote efficiency and innovation for City operations.
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 3
Monday, April 28, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING
9. Development Application TE-25-001 - Request for a Two-year Time Extension for Development Application 10-03 for the Grover Beach Lodge Project Located at 55 West Grand Avenue
Mayor Dee read the title of the foregoing item and deferred to staff for a report.
Community Development Director Martin presented the staff report for the request for a time extension for the Lodge project. Also, available for questions was Brian Rodgers from Pacifica.
Mayor Dee opened the public hearing and invited public comment on this matter. • Bruce Van Vort
No additional comments were received at this time and the Mayor closed the public hearing.
Action: It was motioned by Council Member Weirick and seconded by Council Member Tuggle to adopt Resolution No. 25-13 to approve Development Application TE-25-001 granting a twoyear time extension for Development Application 10-03 (Grover Beach Lodge project) with a previously adopted Final Environmental Impact Report and Statement of Overriding Considerations (SCH# 2010051002). The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members – McCorry-Driscoll, Tuggle, Weirick, Mayor Pro Tem Robert and Mayor Dee
NAYS: Council Members – None.
ABSENT: Council Members – None.
ABSTAIN: Council Members – None.
Resolution No. 25-13: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Grover Beach, California Approving Development Application TE-25-0001 for a Two-Year Time Extension to Development Application 10-03 for the Grover Beach Lodge Project REGULAR BUSINESS:
10. Enterprise Fleet Management Agreement
Mayor Dee read the title of the foregoing item and deferred to staff for a report.
Assistant City Manager Eriksson and Dylan Goldsack with Enterprise presented the staff report on the proposed agreement.
Mayor Dee invited public comment on this matter. No comments were received at this time and the Mayor closed public comment.
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 4
Monday, April 28, 2025
Action: It was motioned by Council Member McCorry-Driscoll and seconded Mayor Pro Tem Robert to adopt Resolution No. 25-14 to approve the Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise FM Trust to allow Enterprise Fleet Management to manage the City’s vehicle leasing and maintenance. The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members – McCorry-Driscoll, Tuggle, Weirick, Mayor Pro Tem Robert and Mayor Dee
NAYS: Council Members – None.
ABSENT: Council Members – None.
ABSTAIN: Council Members – None.
Resolution No. 25-14: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Grover Beach, California, Approving a Master Equity Lease Agreement and Related Agreements with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. In Connection with a Fleet Management Program and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Lease Schedules for Vehicles up to Specified Parameters.
11. Policy Direction on Social Host Ordinance for Fireworks Activity Mayor Dee read the title of the foregoing item and deferred to staff for a report.
Police Commander Millard presented a PowerPoint presentation on the Social Host Ordinance Fireworks Activity.
Mayor Dee invited public comment on this matter.
• Cathryn Sells
• Loren Westphal
• David Ekbom
• Karen Bright
• Jim Joffee
No further comments were received at this time and the Mayor closed public comment.
Action: Council received the proposed regulatory framework for a Social Host ordinance related to fireworks activity and provided direction to staff on development of the ordinance.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Council Member McCorry-Driscoll reported on Visit SLO CAL Intro.
B. Council Member Tuggle reported on the South County Chambers of Commerce (SCCC) mixer.
C. Council Member Weirick discussed the Community Action Partnership of San Lus Obispo County (CAPSLO) meeting.
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 5
Monday, April 28, 2025
D. Mayor Pro Tem Robert stated as the alternate he attended the South County Transit Committee meeting.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member McCorry-Dricoll apologized for missing the last meeting and stated she is proud to be a part of the City Council.
Council Member Tuggle mention she attended the Rainwater Reclamation and the Community Park event. She said she is inspired to have community members who use their own time and energy and pour it into our community. She also stated that she is excited about serving food at Fin’s on May 6th for the Five Cities Homeless Coalition event and expressed interest in touching base with Lynn Austin regarding the homeless encampment and is willing to take a walk with him.
Mayor Pro Tem Robert mentioned the Pancake Breakfast is on Sunday at the Grange. He discussed that he noticed the fence that the State put up in Pismo Beach to keep out the unhoused. And lastly, he mentioned he attended the Rainwater Reclamation at the Discovery Center and was disappointed in the lack of attendance.
Council Member Weirick discussed he attended a few events in San Luis Obispo County; Coffee with Council, Spring Garden Tour, Rainwater Reclamation, People’s Self-Help Fundraiser, 17th Annual Walk for Autism, Town Hall Meeting at Cuesta College and he completed the 1st Grover Beach Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy.
Mayor Dee requested clarification on a comment made regarding the removal of an unhoused person with Police Chief Munro responding. Mayor Dee continued by stating she was able to attend the Rainwater Reclamation, Spring Garden Tour, Town Hall Meeting at Cuesta College and hosted the Monthly Mayor’s Meeting.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT AND COMMENTS
City Manager Bronson reflected on the City’s internal business process improvements. He also thanked Assistant City Manager Eriksson for heading the Enterprise Fleet Management item.
CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
City Attorney Lomeli confirmed to Council that the City did have a ruling in the case of Grover H2O v. City of Grover Beach motion for Attorney Fees. The court issued a ruling denying the request seeking over $150,000.00 in Attorney Fees and ultimately finding that petitioners had failed to demonstrate that there was any significant benefit that had been conferred on the general public and therefore denied their claim.
CLOSED SESSION
None.
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 6
Monday, April 28, 2025
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Dee adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
_____________________________
KASSI DEE, MAYOR
Attest:
______________________________
WENDI SIMS, CITY CLERK
(Approved at CC Mtg ______)
Agenda Item No. 6
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: May 12, 2025 FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Bryan Millard, Police Commander
Jim Munro, Police Chief
SUBJECT: Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 12 (Fireworks) of Article III (Public Welfare, Morals & Conduct) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to Regulate Social Hosts Allowing Illegal Fireworks
RECOMMENDATION
Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 12 (Fireworks) of Article III (Public Welfare, Morals & Conduct), adding sections 3996.1 through 3996.7 of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to Regulate Social Hosts who allow Illegal Fireworks; and schedule a public hearing and second reading to adopt the Ordinance at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
BACKGROUND
On April 28, 2025, the Council received a presentation regarding the framework of a proposed ordinance that would regulate social hosts (property owners, renters, hosts) who allow illegal fireworks to be used on properties in their control within the City of Grover Beach. The Council directed staff to bring back this Ordinance to the Council for a first reading at the May 12, 2025, meeting. This Ordinance is shown in Attachment 1 and would amend Chapter 12 of Article III in the Grover Beach Municipal Code and would add sections 3996.1 through 3996.7 to the Chapter.
The Ordinance would adopt a new regulation within Chapter 12 of Article III regarding social hosts who allow illegal fireworks to be used on the property they are in control of.
As presented to the Council on April 28, “social hosts” are defined in the Ordinance as: (a) Any owner of private property as listed on the most recent assessment roll; and/or (b) Any person who has the right to use, possess, or occupy public or private property under a lease, permit, license, rental agreement, or contract; and/or (c) Any person who hosts, organizes, supervises, officiates, conducts, sponsors, or accepts responsibility for a gathering on public or private property.
Sections 3996.1 through 3996.7 seek to hold social hosts responsible for the use of illegal fireworks at the property they are in control of, or on a public sidewalk or street adjacent to the property within their control. Observed violations of this Ordinance could result in a $1,000 fine for each violation. Violations would be considered misdemeanors. Every illegal firework ignited would constitute a new violation of the Ordinance with no cap on the amount of fines issued. Staff would note that the policy intent of the Ordinance is to hold the host(s) responsible who are in control of the property at the time of any observed violation of the ordinance, whether they are the property owner or renter/lessee as defined in the ordinance. The Ordinance also incorporates provisions to acknowledge good faith efforts made by property owners such as notifying tenants and contacting the Police Department and/or the Five Cities Fire Authority as part of addressing this issue both proactively and after a reported occurrence.
Staff Report: Ordinance Regulating Illegal Fireworks and Social Hosts May 12, 2025
This Ordinance has been introduced to assist in reducing illegal firework activity within Grover Beach and is not intended to be an additional revenue source. Any revenue generated from violations of the Ordinance--after the required distribution to the Controller of the State of California for deposit in the State Fire Marshal Fireworks Enforcement and Disposal Fund pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 12726-- would be used to cover the costs of administrative and enforcement activities (staff time & equipment) related to illegal fireworks.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Ordinance would require some administrative costs related to the processing and data entry of citations and payments collected on behalf of this Ordinance as well as education about the Ordinance. These costs are not known at this time but likely to be minimal. Citations/fines issued to violators would likely offset these costs to the City related to enforcement of the Ordinance and illegal fireworks activity in general.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1. Introduce and conduct a first reading, by title only, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 12 (Fireworks) of Article III (Public Welfare, Morals & Conduct), adding sections 3996.1 through 3996.7 of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to Regulate Social Hosts Allowing Illegal Fireworks; and schedule a public hearing and second reading to adopt the Ordinance at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting; or
2. Do not introduce and conduct a first reading of the Ordinance; or
3. Provide alternative direction to staff.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Attachments
1. Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. 25-_______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GROVER BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 12 (FIREWORKS) OF ARTICLE III (PUBLIC WELFARE, MORALS & CONDUCT) OF THE GROVER BEACH
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT SUBSECTIONS TO REGULATE SOCIAL
HOSTS WHO ALLOW ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
WHEREAS, the discharge of illegal fireworks is a common problem faced by many jurisdictions in California, including the City of Grover Beach (“City”) and surrounding communities.
WHEREAS, effective June 19, 2020, the public discharge period of “Safe and Sane” fireworks (legal ground-based fireworks approved by the State Fire Marshal) was limited to only occur on July 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
WHEREAS, since June 19, 2020, the Grover Beach Police Department (“GBPD”) has focused enforcement efforts on illegal fireworks being used in the City, which comprise a majority of the fireworks complaint calls the GBPD responds to.
WHEREAS, the City wishes to adopt this Social Host Ordinance to help deter illegal fireworks activity.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GROVER BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Sections 3996.1 through Section 3996.7 of Chapter 12 (“Fireworks”) of Article III (“Public Welfare, Morals & Conduct”) of the Grover Beach Municipal Code are hereby adopted to read as follows:
Sec. 3996.1. SOCIAL HOST LIABILITY – PURPOSE.
A. This Chapter authorizes the imposition of administrative fines on any person, including any “Social Host” who violates any provision of this ordinance in order to encourage and to obtain compliance with the provisions of this ordinance for the benefit and protection of the entire community. This Chapter governs the imposition, enforcement, collection, and administrative review of all administrative fines, related to: the possession, use, storage, sale, and/or display of those fireworks classified as “dangerous fireworks” in California Health and Safety Code section 12500, et. seq., with the exception of a pyrotechnic licensee when operating pursuant to that license; and the use of “safe and sane fireworks” as defined in California Health and Safety Code section 12500 et seq on or at dates, times and/or locations other than those permitted by this Chapter. Said administrative fines are imposed under authority of Government Code Section 53069.4, Health and Safety Code Section 12557, and the police power of the City.
B. The issuance of citations imposing administrative fines may be performed at the discretion of the officials of the City authorized hereunder; and the issuance of a citation to any responsible person constitutes but one remedy for the City to redress violations of this Code.
Attachment 1
By adopting this Chapter, the City does not intend to limit its ability or authority to employ any other remedy, civil or criminal, to redress any violation of this Code by any responsible person.
C. The imposition of fines related to “dangerous fireworks” under this Chapter shall be limited to host(s) who possess, sell, use and/or display, or the seizure of, twenty-five (25 lbs) pounds or less (gross weight) of such dangerous fireworks. Each violation observed would amount to a $1,000 citation issued.
D. Fines collected pursuant to this chapter related to “dangerous fireworks” shall not be subject to Section 12706 of the Health and Safety Code, which provides that certain fines collected by a court of the State be deposited with, and disbursed by, the County Treasurer.
Instead, fines collected pursuant to this Chapter related to “dangerous fireworks” shall be subject to Health and Safety Code Section 12726, which section provides that 65 percent of all administrative fines or penalties collected by the City shall be forwarded to the Controller of the State of California for deposit in the State Fire Marshal Fireworks Enforcement and Disposal Fund, as described in Health and Safety Code Section 12728.
E. This Chapter imposes a duty upon the owners of all real property to ensure that there are no violations of this Code related to “dangerous fireworks” on such real property.
Each violation of this Code, whether on the same day or different day, shall constitute a separate violation and shall be subject to a separate administrative fine.
Sec. 3996.2. DEFINITIONS.
The following definitions apply to the use of these terms for the purposes of this section relating to social host liability:
A. “Citee” means any person served with an administrative citation charging him or her as a responsible person for violation.
B. “Citation” means an administrative citation issued pursuant to this section to remedy a violation.
C. “Code” means the City of Grover Beach Municipal Code or any law, rule, regulation, or Code that is adopted by reference.
D. “Code Enforcement Officer” means any person duly authorized to enforce the provisions of this Code.
E. “Person” means a natural person or a legal entity that is also an owner, tenant, lessee and/or other person with any right to possession or control of the property where a violation of this code occurred.
F. “Responsible Person” means a person or host who causes a code violation to occur or allows a violation to exist or continue, by his or her action or failure to act, or whose agent, employee or independent contractor causes a violation to occur, or allows a violation to exist or continue. There is a rebuttable presumption that the record owner of a residential parcel, as shown on the County’s latest equalized property taxes assessment rolls, and a lessee of a residential parcel has a notice of any violation existing on said property. For purposes of this Chapter, there may be more than one responsible person for a violation. Any person, irrespective of age, found in violation of any provision of this Chapter may be issued a citation in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. Every parent, guardian or other person, having the legal care, custody or control of any person under the age of 18 years, who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is in violation of this Chapter, may be issued a citation in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, in addition to any citation that may be issued to the offending minor.
G. “Social host” or “host” means a person who is:
a. Any owner of private property as listed on the most recent assessment roll; and/or
b. Any person who has the right to use, possess, or occupy public or private property under a lease, permit, license, rental agreement, or contract; and/or c. Any person who hosts, organizes, supervises, officiates, conducts, sponsors, or accepts responsibility for a gathering on public or private property.
H. “Violation” or “Violates” refers to any violation of any provision of this code.
Sec. 3996.3. ISSUANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION.
A. Whenever a Code Enforcement Officer determines that a violation of the code has occurred, the officer may issue an administrative citation on a City-approved form listing the code violation(s) and the amount of the administrative fine required to be paid by the responsible person(s) in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and Chapter 4 of the Code.
Sec. 3996.4. HOST LIABILITY.
A. Except as may be permitted by State law, no host shall permit or fail to prevent the possession, sale, use, display, explosion, or discharge of any dangerous firework on the host’s property, or an adjacent public of private street or sidewalk, within the City of Grover Beach.
B. A host who permits or fails to prevent any discharge of dangerous fireworks on a property under their possession or control, or on adjacent public or private street or sidewalk, shall be deemed to have actual or constructive knowledge that dangerous fireworks have been discharged if the host has not taken all reasonable steps to prevent the discharge of dangerous fireworks.
C. There is a rebuttable presumption that the record owner of a private property, as shown on the County’s latest equalized property taxes assessment rolls, and a lessee of the property have notice of any violation existing on or from said property.
D. It is the duty of any host to take all reasonable steps to prevent the discharge of dangerous fireworks on the host’s property, or on an adjacent public or private street or sidewalk, within the City of Grover Beach.
E. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
a. The possession, manufacture, storage, display, sale, use, or discharge of safe and sane fireworks as permitted under Federal or State law. b. A host who initiates contact with law enforcement or fire officials to assist in removing any person, or dangerous fireworks, from the host’s property or terminating the activity in order to comply with this chapter, if the request for assistance is made before any other person contacts law enforcement or fire officials to complain about the violation of this chapter. c. No person who has the right to use, possess, or occupy a unit in a multifamily residential property under a lease, rental agreement, or contract shall be liable for dangerous fireworks violations occurring in the common areas of the property, unless such person is determined to be a Responsible Person.
Section 3996.5. ADMINISTRATIVE FINES FOR FIREWORKS VIOLATIONS.
A. Each person who violates any provision of this Code as it relates to the possession, use, storage, sale and/or display of “dangerous fireworks” shall be subject to the imposition and payment of an administrative fine or fines as provided below.
B. Administrative fine(s) issued pursuant to this ordinance shall be due and payable in accordance with Chapter 4 of the GBMC and the Citee shall be required to abate the violation and immediately surrender all illegal fireworks to the law enforcement personnel, and/or fire personnel. For penalties not paid in full within that time, a late charge in the amount set by resolution of the City Council may be imposed and must be paid to the City by the Citee.
C. Payment of the administrative fine shall not excuse or discharge a Citee from the duty to immediately abate and correct a violation of the Code, nor from any other responsibility or legal consequences for a continuation or a repeated occurrence(s) of a violation of the Code.
Section 3996.6. APPEALS. Appeals for administrative citations issued in conjunction with this chapter will be handled in accordance with Chapter 4 of the GBMC.
Section 3996.7. MISDEMEANOR. Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor which shall be enforced pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 4 of the GBMC.
SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY. Each provision of this ordinance is severable, and the invalidity of any section or part thereof shall not affect the validity of its other provisions.
SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days from and after its final passage.
SECTION 4. PUBLICATION. Within fifteen (15) days after passage, the City Clerk shall cause this ordinance to be published in a newspaper of general circulation.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on May 12, 2025. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council at a regular meeting held on ___________, on the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members –
NOES: Council Members –
ABSENT: Council Members –
ABSTAIN: Council Members –
RECUSED: Council Members –
KASSI DEE, MAYOR
Attest:
WENDI B. SIMS, CITY CLERK
Approved as to Form
ROBERT LOMELI, CITY ATTORNEY
Agenda Item No. 7
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: May 12, 2025 FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Kristin Eriksson, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: City Vacancies Report Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561
RECOMMENDATION
Conduct a public hearing and receive a report on the City’s vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts, including any presentations from the City’s represented bargaining units, pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 2561.
BACKGROUND:
AB 2561 was enacted in 2024 and requires public agencies to report on staffing vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts, including any challenges and potential policy obstacles to recruitment. AB 2561 also provides that if vacancy rates in any recognized employee bargaining unit exceed 20% of positions, agencies must provide further specified information if requested by the bargaining unit. Further, AB 2561 requires agencies to provide an opportunity to bargaining units to present their perspectives at the hearing.
Recruitment and retention of staff is important to the City consistent with our organization’s Purpose and Principles. The City prioritizes a positive workplace culture and investment in staff development and training along with competitive compensation packages commensurate with other local agencies. The City has two represented bargaining groups, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing 21 full time equivalent positions (FTEs), as well as the Police Officers Association (POA), representing 23.5 FTEs. Additionally, the City has
30.5 unrepresented management and confidential FTEs and one temporary part-time position.
This report provides data on City employment vacancies as of December 31, 2024.
Vacancies
Position vacancies may occur for various reasons throughout any given year, including internal promotion or transfer of a staff member, retirements, resignations, terminations, or due to approval of a new position. When vacancies occur, the City’s Human Resources Officer works with the affected department to fill the position(s) to maintain operations; ensure continued quality, efficient services to the community; and to reduce the need for overtime. Total vacancies by bargaining group as of December 31, 2024, are listed in the chart below.
Employee Bargaining Group Total Number of
Vacancies
Vacancy Rate
SEIU 4 19%
POA 0 0%
Unrepresented 1 3%
Total 5 7%
Staff Report: City Vacancies Report Pursuant to AB 2561 Page 2 May 12, 2025
Staff would note that while there were four vacancies among positions in the SEIU bargaining group as of December 31, 2024, there have been several recruitments since then and there are now only two vacancies in that group, or a 9.5% vacancy rate.
Recruitment and Retention of Staff
The City employs various recruitment strategies, including posting vacancies on the City’s website and recruitment portal as well as industry-specific job boards; reaching out to known potential candidates in the area; and advertising open positions on the City’s social media platforms and the Grover Gazette monthly newsletter. In 2024, the City recruited for 18 positions.
The City also employs various strategies for retaining existing staff, including maintaining competitive compensation; investing in staff training and development; counseling staff on promotional avenues available at the City and regular engagement with and recognition of staff.
The City prioritizes making staff feel appreciated, supported and valued in the organization. The City’s retention rate for 2024 was approximately 93%.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with his report.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1) Conduct a public hearing and receive a report on the City’s vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts, including any presentations from the City’s represented bargaining units, pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 2561; or
2) Provide alternative direction to staff.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. The City’s recognized bargaining groups were notified of this hearing and informed that they may provide a presentation up to 10 minutes at the conclusion of this report.
Agenda Item No. 8
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: May 12, 2025 FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Nick Szamet, Administrative Services Director Kristin Eriksson, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Update on the FY 2025-27 Budget and Draft Work Programs for Council Goals and Priorities; and Adopt a Resolution to Approve an Interfund Advance Policy
RECOMMENDATION
Receive a report on the FY 2025-27 budget development process and draft work programs for Council Goals and Priorities; and adopt a resolution to approve an Interfund Advance Policy; and provide input and direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
The upcoming Fiscal Year 2025-26 marks the beginning of the next two-year budget cycle and staff is currently developing the FY 2025-27 Proposed Budget for a hearing with the Council on June 9. The Proposed Budget will be posted on the City’s website in late May in preparation for the budget hearing. The process to develop the budget began on February 10, 2025 when the Council received an updated five-year General Fund financial forecast along with a mid-year budget review. The forecast indicates that the General Fund is in a positive position over the next five years with modest surpluses projected along with reserves above the Council’s policy goal of 25% of the operating budget (the Council subsequently increased the minimum reserves percentage from 15% to 25%). Stable and prudent financial management is a priority for the City under the policy leadership of the City Council.
However, there are broader and potentially significant economic uncertainties affecting local governments which has added a degree of caution to budget development. The economic effects of federal funding changes as well as trade and tariff policies are undetermined at this time but could affect City revenues in various ways. These economic factors as well as the City’s continued needs in service delivery and capital improvements reiterate the importance of developing a balanced budget for FY 2025-27 that maintains sufficient reserves.
FY 2025-27 Budget Development
The City budget is developed in a two-year planning and budgeting cycle which includes quarterly budget status reports and a mid-year review provided to the Council. In addition, since budgets are only appropriated for a single fiscal year, the budget for the second year (FY 2026-27 in this next cycle) is a projection that is reviewed the following year to determine if any adjustments are needed prior to appropriation. The following page shows a summary of key City revenues over the next two years:
Staff Report: FY 2025-27 Budget Update and Major City Goals Work Programs Page 2 May 12, 2025
General Fund Revenue
• Sales Tax - Projections use reports from the City’s sales tax consultant and local data to assess the ongoing condition of taxable sales in Grover Beach. For FY 2025-26, staff estimate a slight increase of 2.5% over the year-end estimate amount for FY 2024-25 of $5.96 million. General sales tax revenues are showing less growth compared to local sales tax measures X-06 and F-20 which is largely due to the reallocation of general sales tax receipts to counties with distribution centers.
Property Tax – Property tax revenues have been a consistent revenue source for the City with annual increases of 4% over the past several years. Based on data from the San Luis Obispo County Tax Assessor’s Office along with the timing of new developments within the city in FY 2026-26, staff is estimating annual property tax revenue increases of 5% with total property tax revenue for FY 2025-26 projected to be $6.46 million. • Cannabis Tax – As outlined in the February 10th financial forecast, staff estimates cannabis tax revenue to be $1.07 million in FY 2025-26 or $154,000 lower than the FY 2024-25 budget. However, staff believes the local cannabis market is showing signs of stabilizing and monthly receipts are trending similar to FY 2023-24. • Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) - TOT is on target to exceed its revenue projections for the current fiscal year 2024-25 with revenues totaling approximately $1 million. For FY 2025-26, TOT is projected to increase to $1.3 million with anticipated completion and opening of the hotel project at 950 El Camino Real.
• Franchise Tax – Franchise fees for FY 2024-25 are estimated to be lower than projected given delays in the transoceanic fiber optic cable operations outside of the City’s control.
Staff is projecting $965,000 in franchise fees in FY 2025-26 with the expectation of cable operations commencing. There are also slight increases given the Waste Connections recent solid waste fee increase.
General Fund Expenses
In terms of General Fund expenditures, staff will be recommending a budget for FY 2025-27 that will continue to meet community needs in alignment with the adopted Council Goals and Priorities shown in Attachment 1. Costs for employee salaries and benefits for next year include approved Cost of Living Adjustments of 3% for all employee bargaining units and groups. Staff will recommend a General Fund contribution to the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of $100,000 though next year’s CIP includes numerous projects funded with General Fund carryover and non-General Fund sources. The draft CIP was presented to the Council on March 24 and the final version will be presented as part of the FY 2025-27 Proposed Budget. The budget will also include $433,000 in funding for the Equipment Reserve Fund which will allow the City to lease nine Public Works and Police replacement vehicles as part of the new Enterprise fleet management contract approved by the Council.
The Proposed Budget for FY 2025-27 will include a limited number of recommended General Fund increases though does not recommend adding new positions or expanding services or programs at this time given economic uncertainties. The following page shows a list of proposed General Fund budget increases that will be included with all but two items one-time costs:
Staff Report: FY 2025-27 Budget Update and Major City Goals Work Programs Page 3 May 12, 2025
Department Name FY 25-26 FY 26-27
Administrative Services Cost Allocation Plan Development 20,000 Community Development Permitting System Data Migration 12,000 Community Development General Plan Housing Element 200,000 Police Lease Costs for 45 Newport Avenue* 34,000 34,000 Police Police Station Restroom Remodel 50,000
Police Taser Replacement* 36,978 36,978
Public Works New Dump Truck 87,500
Public Works HVAC Replacement at Police Station 100,000 Total $340,478 $270,978
*Ongoing costs
Overall, the proposed General Fund budget for FY 2025-26 is balanced with revenues and expenditures equaling $18.7 million with an estimated surplus of $61,303. The proposed General Fund budget for FY 2026-27 is also balanced with revenues and expenditures equaling $19.3 million with an estimated surplus of $47,155. The budget produces ending reserves of approximately 30% of operating expenditures ($5.4 million) in FY 2025-26 and 28% ($5.2 million) in FY 2026-27 compared with the Council’s reserve minimum of 25%.
Water and Wastewater Funds
The budget for both the Water and Wastewater funds factor in additional revenue from the final rate increases under the current 2021 rate structure will go into effect on July 1, 2025 (4% for Water and 2% for Wastewater). Also included are a limited amount of capital improvements in FY 2025-26 in the Water Fund. This includes $100,000 needed electrical paneling work for Well 4 and additional $300,000 for a Water Resiliency study to address long-term water supply needs.
However, other necessary water projects in the CIP are not budgeted at this time given a lack of sufficient funding and there are also no wastewater capital projects in the CIP given a similar lack of funding. However, if the proposed wastewater rate structure is adopted by the Council through the Proposition 218 process, staff will amend the FY 2025-27 budget to allocate funding for wastewater CIP projects beginning in the next fiscal year.
Interfund Advance Policy
The Proposed Budget for FY 2025-27 includes $187,000 in annual payments from the General Fund to the Wastewater Fund to fully pay off remaining interfund loans by FY 2029-30. Per Council’s direction at the March 24, 2025, meeting, staff has prepared a policy (Attachment 1) for review and adoption governing any future interfund advances. The policy sets forward parameters defining short-term (less than 12 months) and long-term advances (more than 12 months).
Additionally, the policy provides for greater clarity around requirements for an interfund advance and formalizes the Council’s role as the authority to approve, amend, suspend, or discharge any interfund borrowing. Staff is seeking Council direction to incorporate this policy with policies previously approved by Council on February 10 to include with the Proposed Budget.
City Council Goals and Priorities Work Programs for FY 2025-27 On March 3, 2025, the Council held a workshop to discuss governance norms, long-term city vision, and goals and priorities for FY 2025-27. After agreeing upon governance norms, the Council considered, discussed and adopted broad multi-year goals as well as biennial Council priorities for FY 2025-27, as listed below:
Staff Report: FY 2025-27 Budget Update and Major City Goals Work Programs Page 4 May 12, 2025
• Broad Multi-Year Goals. These represent goals that the City’s budget is geared toward and what provide a foundation for the day-to-day work of the City. o Public Safety and Community Services – Provide a range of services that foster a sense of safety, enjoyment and well-being for community members. o Economic Development and Housing – Support businesses attraction and retention, revitalization of commercial areas, and development of housing opportunities.
o Community Infrastructure – Provide for long-range planning and well-maintained infrastructure, including streets, water and sewer facilities, sidewalks, City facilities and parks.
o Financial and Organizational Sustainability – Ensure fiscal responsibility, organizational viability and promote a culture of innovation and customer service. • Biennial Council Priorities. These represent those goals that the Council selected for focused attention and resources in the next two years.
o Water and Sewer Infrastructure and Needed Resources – Plan for the future, ensure appropriate funding levels, address aging infrastructure and educate the community on the systems’ needs.
o Community Engagement and Rebuilding Community Trust and Civility in Public Discourse – Provide education to the community, use various methods of communication, proactively initiate communication and broaden the audience for City communications.
These goals were formally adopted by the Council on March 24, 2025. The final report from the workshop shown in Attachment 2 shows these categories of goals and biennial priorities for FY 2025-27 along with the governance norms, results of the visioning exercise, and other topics.
Staff has identified work programs to effectuate the Council’s priorities so that appropriate resources are allocated in the FY 2025-27 budget, and progress can be measured in achieving the goals. Staff is seeking the Council’s input and direction on these work programs which will be incorporated in the FY 2025-27 Proposed Budget presented to the Council on June 9. The proposed work programs are included in Attachment 3.
Summary
Staff is seeking Council’s input and direction on the FY 2025-27 budget development update and draft FY 2025-27 Major City Goal work programs. This input and direction will be used in finalizing the proposed budget for FY 2025-27 which will be presented to the Council at the June 9th budget hearing. The Council’s adoption of the final budget in June will serve as the final approval for work programs for the Major City Goals and staff will then begin implementing these work programs in the new fiscal year and report back to Council on progress throughout the year.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from this agenda item.
Staff Report: FY 2025-27 Budget Update and Major City Goals Work Programs Page 5 May 12, 2025
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1. Receive a report on the FY 2025-27 budget development process and draft work programs for Council Goals and Priorities; and adopt a resolution to approve an Interfund Advance Policy; and provide input and direction to staff.; or
2. Provide staff with alternative direction.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Attachments
1. Resolution to Approve Interfund Advance Financial Policy
2. FY 2025-27 City Council Goals and Priorities
3. FY 2025-27 Draft Major City Goals Work Programs
RESOLUTION NO. 25-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GROVER BEACH,
CALIFORNIA ADOPTING A POLICY FOR REGULATING INTERFUND ADVANCES WHEREAS, the City of Grover Beach (“City”) maintains multiple funds established by law, ordinance, or administrative action to ensure financial transparency, accountability, and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); and WHEREAS, the City Council and City staff are committed to prudent and responsible financial management of the City; and
WHEREAS, interfund advances involve the temporary borrowing of financial resources between funds to address short-term cash flow needs, temporary deficits, or to facilitate timely completion of projects and activities; and
WHEREAS, clear and transparent guidelines governing interfund advances are necessary to maintain fiscal responsibility, accountability, and to ensure timely repayment to the originating funds; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that adopting a formal policy on interfund advances will support effective financial management practices and protect the City’s financial health.
NOW, THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Grover Beach as follows:
1. The City Council hereby adopts the Interfund Advance Policy attached hereto as Exhibit A, which sets forth standards, procedures, repayment terms, responsibilities, and documentation requirements for interfund advances.
2. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
On motion by Council Member _____, seconded by Council Member ____, and on the following roll-call vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members –
NOES: Council Members –
ABSENT: Council Members –
ABSTAIN: Council Members –
RECUSED: Council Members –
the foregoing Resolution was PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Grover Beach, California this 12th day of May 2025.
KASSI DEE, MAYOR
Attest:
WENDI B. SIMS, CITY CLERK
Attachment 1
Exhibit A
FINANCIAL POLICIES
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL – RESOLUTION NO. 25-
INTERFUND ADVANCES
A short-term interfund advance is a temporary transfer of cash from one City fund to another and will be repaid within 12 months or the same fiscal year for purposes of cash flow needs. By contrast, a long term interfund advance extends beyond 12 months, and is used for capital projects or some major and unforeseen financial impact.
All advances require City Council approval via resolution and must be accompanied by a recognized obligation and payment schedule (ROPS). Only the City Council shall have the authority to amend, suspend, or discharge an approved ROPS. Advances shall not be used to fund recurring operating deficits.
Loans cannot be made to or from restricted or legally encumbered funds (e.g., bond proceeds, grantrestricted accounts) without legal authority from City Attorney. Interest shall be charged at a rate equal to the City’s average pooled investment return, unless otherwise specified by law or funding restrictions; alternatively, Local Area Investment Funds (LAIF) rates of return can also be used.
The Administrative Services Department shall record all interfund loan receivables and payables in accordance with GAAP as either assets or liabilities in fund balance sheet to effect transparent recognition both payable and receivable source of funds. Administrative Services shall report outstanding interfund loans in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
City Council Strategic Planning
Workshop Report
Held March 3, 2025
City of Grover Beach
Attachment 2
City of Grover Beach, California Page 1
City Council Strategic Planning Report
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
The City of Grover Beach, CA, held a City Council Strategic Planning Workshop on March 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Ramona Garden Park Community Center. The session was facilitated by Raftelis.
The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating.
The paths are not to be found but made.
And the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination.
John H. Schaar, Loyalty in America
Summary Results
The results of the strategic planning session (detailed further in this report) were:
• Agreement on a set of Council norms
• Sharing of long-term visions
• Agreement on four broad goals and two top priorities
Goals:
Top Priorities:
• Water and sewer infrastructure and needed resources
• Community engagement, rebuilding community trust, and civility in public discourse
Participants
The following City Council and Executive Team participated in the strategic planning session:
• Mayor Kassi Dee
• Mayor Pro Tem Robert Robert, District 1
• Council Member Jules Tuggle, District 2
• Council Member Kathy McCorry-Driscoll,
District 3
• Council Member Clint Weirick, District 4
• Matthew Bronson, City Manager
• Rob Lomeli, City Attorney
• Kristin Eriksson, Assistant City Manager
• Greg Ray, Public Works Director
• Megan Martin, Community Development
Director
• Nick Szamet, Administrative Services Director
• Jim Munro, Police Chief
• Scott Hallett, Five Cities Fire Chief
• Wendi Sims, City Clerk
Facilitators: Jan Perkins and Julie Gieseke of Raftelis.
Workshop Objectives
• Discuss norms and roles
• Share visions for the future
• Establish multi-year goals and biennial Council priorities • Strengthen the team
Public Safety
and Community
Services
Economic
Development
and Housing
Community
Infrastructure
Financial and
Organization
Sustainability
City of Grover Beach, California Page 2
City Council Strategic Planning Report
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Agenda
• Welcome from Mayor Kassi Dee
• Public comments
• Comments from City Manager Matt Bronson
• Review of today’s objectives and agenda
• Icebreaker
• Discussion of effective governance
• Share long-term visions
• Review accomplishments and key challenges
• Public comments
• Discuss and establish goals and priorities
• Recap on how best to achieve our priorities
• Wrap-up
Icebreaker Activity
Participants then engaged in an icebreaker activity involving sharing each individual’s first paid job.
Governance
Achieving important results for the
community requires effective governance as
well as clear goals. In this part of the
workshop, the City Council, along with the
City Manager, City Attorney and Assistant
City Manager, discussed governance.
The group discussed the attributes of an
exceptional council, referencing an article by
the Institute for Local Government. Comments
made are shown in the graphic on the right.
Comments included:
• We are one team: public, staff,
Council
• Having a sense of team is important
• Accountability and systems, as well
as continuous conversations with our
community, are key
• We know and operate within our
roles
• Stability is important in attracting
businesses and for jobs and economic
development
City of Grover Beach, California Page 3
City Council Strategic Planning Report
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Roles within the Council/Manager form of government were also discussed. • Mayor: Chairs Council meetings, represents the City and serves as spokesperson, assists in creating consensus on Council, is one member of the City Council, communicates with the public
• Council: Sets policy as a body, appoints the City Manager and City Attorney, communicates with the public
• City Manager: Serves as chief executive officer of the organization (appoints, directs, and supervises all City staff), manages operations, offers policy advice to the Council, communicates with the public
• City Attorney: Provides advice to the Council and staff on City matters, approves legal documents, handles litigation
The Council discussed the importance of respecting the roles and staying within lanes. The following graphic illustrates the discussion.
“Policy” was described as the “what” (the overall direction), and “administration” was described as “how” to execute the direction.
City of Grover Beach, California Page 4
City Council Strategic Planning Report
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Citywide Governance Resolution
The Council adopted a Governance Resolution on June 27, 2022, as part of transitioning to election of Council Members by District. Through the Resolution, the Council:
• Affirmed the value of Citywide governance regardless of the method by which Council Members are elected
• Considered that Citywide governance allows for the continuation of accessible customer service, the most effective use of taxpayer resources, and consistency of City services Norms for Governing
The Citywide Governance Resolution was referenced as foundational for a discussion of norms for governing. Many City Councils in other cities have adopted a set of norms that state their expectations for themselves in governing. Such adopted norms communicate to the community and staff, as well as each other, how they intend to work together on behalf of the City.
Through discussion, the City Council agreed to the following norms for governing:
1. Maintain a Citywide perspective while being mindful of our districts and communicate with our community.
2. Work together as a body, modeling teamwork and civility for our community.
3. Disagree agreeably and professionally.
4. Listen to one another. Communicate with each other. Seek to understand.
5. Assume good intent.
6. Demonstrate respect, consideration, and courtesy to others.
7. Share information and avoid surprises.
8. Keep confidential things confidential.
9. Respect the Council/Manager form of government and the roles of each party.
10. Communicate concerns about staff to the City Manager; do not criticize staff in public.
These norms are to be followed within the confines of applicable laws.
Visioning: Looking to the Future
The Council and the executive team then engaged in a visioning exercise, responding to the following questions:
1. What is true today about Grover Beach that you hope will still be true in 10 years?
2. What is not true now about Grover Beach that you hope will be true in 10 years? Responses are captured in the graphic below.
City of Grover Beach, California Page 5
City Council Strategic Planning Report
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Key themes were:
• Having an exceptional
culture
• Good streets and parks
• Being a vibrant
community
• Being a destination
community
Accomplishments and Challenges
The Council and staff reviewed key accomplishments over the past year. The key question was what contributed to these
accomplishments. The group also discussed key challenges the City is facing. Highlights of comments are shown in the graphic.
Contributing factors for accomplishments included:
• Teamwork
• Everyone knowing their role
• Council vision and staying true to our North Star
• Having an open mind
• Fulfilling the community’s vision
• Seizing opportunities
• Staff
City of Grover Beach, California Page 6
City Council Strategic Planning Report
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Key challenges highlighted included:
• Factors outside the City’s control
• Balancing resources
City Manager’s Key Areas of Focus
To provide further context for priority-setting, the City Manager shared his key areas of focus for the coming year. These are:
• Council onboarding, support, and goal setting
• FY2025-27 budget development and implementation
• Water and sewer system needs and funding issues
• Community engagement
• Business support
• Regional cooperation for water supply and fire/EMS
• Enhance
organizational
performance
The discussion with the
Council is captured in the
graphic.
Strategic Plan Framework
A new Strategic Plan framework was introduced. It includes the following elements:
• Vision, Mission, Values
• Broad Multi-Year Goals
• Biennial Council Priorities
• City Manager’s Operational Plan
• Departments Work Plans
The visioning exercise held will be a starting point for creating a vision statement for the City.
A purpose statement (or mission) already exists, as does a set of principles (values). These are:
Purpose (Mission): Enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and play in Grover Beach
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City Council Strategic Planning Report
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Our Principles (Values):
• Provide exemplary City services and experiences
• Encourage innovation and a culture of constant improvement • Foster a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve • Strengthen community connections to promote an ethical and transparent City government • Advance policies that support regional cooperation through teamwork and action-driven leadership
Broad Multi-Year Goals
The next element of the new Strategic Plan framework is a set of four broad, multi-year goals. These will be what the City’s budget and services are directed toward in pursuit of the City’s mission and vision.
Four goals were proposed for discussion, and the Council agreed. The proposed goals were based on input from pre-workshop interviews with the Council. The final wording is shown below:
Public Safety and
Community
Services
Provide a range of
services that foster a
sense of safety,
enjoyment and well
being for community
members.
Economic
Development and
Housing
Support business
attraction and
retention,
revitalization of
commercial areas,
and development of
housing
opportunities.
Community
Infrastructure
Provide for long
range planning and
well-maintained
infrastructure,
including streets,
water and sewer,
sidewalks, City
facilities and parks.
Financial and
Organization
Sustainability
Ensure fiscal
responsibility,
operational viability,
and a culture of
innovation and
customer service.
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City Council Strategic Planning Report
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
Discussion
of these
multi-year
goals is
captured in
the
graphic.
Top Priorities
Following the discussion of the multi-year goals, priorities for the coming year were discussed.
The focus for determining priorities is to select the items intended for significant and additional progress.
The list shown below was discussed. It was generated through pre-workshop interviews, and one item (police facility) was added during the workshop.
The City Manager noted that work being done on all items, depending on resource availability. He said it is helpful to know which among these are most critical to the Council.
City of Grover Beach, California Page 9
City Council Strategic Planning Report
Trusted Advisors Transforming Communities
A dot voting exercise was used to ascertain
which of the issues were of most
importance to the Council as a body.
Agreed Upon Priorities
The two items gaining five dots each were:
• Water and sewer infrastructure
and needed resources
o Plan for the future
o Ensure appropriate
funding levels
o Address aging
infrastructure
o Educate the community
• Community engagement,
rebuilding community trust, and
civility in public discourse
o Provide education to the
community
o Use various methods of
communication
o Proactively initiate communication
o Broaden the audience for City communications
How to Best Achieve Our Priorities
As the session ended, the City Manager said he would be reporting progress on the top priorities, as well as other important work plan items. The Council agreed that it was important to stay focused on the agreed-upon priorities so that the City could make progress and achieve results.
Wrap-Up
The next steps out of the workshop are:
City of Grover Beach, California Page 10
City Council Strategic Planning Report
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• The City Manager will present a staff report to the Council for adoption of the Council’s governance norms, four multi-year goals, and top priorities.
• The City Manager and staff will continue working on the budget and bring that forward to the Council this spring.
Closing Comments
As the strategic planning session came
to a close, each member of the
Council and executive staff offered
some closing comments about the
day’s session, as captured in the
graphic.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES
DRAFT FY 2025-27 WORK PROGRAMS
MULTI-YEAR GOALS
Major Plans and Initiatives Lead Department
Public Safety and Community Services: Continue delivering a variety of community events, including the Summer Concert Series, Holiday events and other community gatherings City Manager’s Office Public Safety and Community Services: Achieve 100% compliance with weed abatement and defensible space requirements along with 100% compliance of State mandated fire inspections Five Cities Fire Authority Public Safety and Community Services: Respond to all Fire and EMS related emergencies within 6 minute or less 90% of the time Five Cities Fire Authority Public Safety and Community Services: Continue to enhance technology in the Police Department by deploying e-citations, additional community cameras, and new Tasers and bodycams.
Police Department
Public Safety and Community Services: Focus on community traffic concerns and deploy one full-time motorcycle officer. Police Department
Economic Development and Housing: Prepare the 7th Cycle Housing Element (2026-2028) following identification of updated Regional Housing Needs Allocation Community Development
Department
Economic Development and Housing: Promote reopening of West Grand Avenue and the “West End” businesses following the completion of the streetscape project City Manager’s Office Public Safety and
Community
Services
Provide a range of
services that foster
a sense of safety,
enjoyment and well
being for community
members.
Economic
Development and
Housing
Support business
attraction and
retention,
revitalization of
commercial areas,
and development of
housing
opportunities.
Community
Infrastructure
Provide for long
range planning and
well-maintained
infrastructure,
including streets,
water and sewer,
sidewalks, City
facilities and parks.
Financial and
Organization
Sustainability
Ensure fiscal
responsibility,
operational viability
and promote a
culture of innovation
and customer
service.
Attachment 3
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES
DRAFT FY 2025-27 WORK PROGRAMS
Economic Development and Housing: Pursue additional opportunities for affordable housing building on the success of the Cleaver and Clark Commons project and “Cabins for Change” and “Balay Ko on Barca” temporary housing facilities.
City Manager’s Office
Economic Development and Housing: Expand tourism and visitor opportunities in Grover Beach through hotel development, short-term rental permitting, and Visit Grover Beach marketing platform.
City Manager’s Office
Community Infrastructure: Update Utility and Streets Master Plans to identify infrastructure improvements and maintenance programs designed to assure reliable system operations as well as upgrades to support economic development and housing Public Works Department
Community Infrastructure: Update the Circulation Element of the General Plan to assure City roadway and transportation infrastructure effectively supports multimodal transportation including the needs of future development
Public Works Department/
Community Development
Department
Community Infrastructure: Work on potential locations and funding plans for new or renovated City facilities with initial priorities for the Corporation Yard and Police Station.
Public Works Department/Police
Department/City Manager’s Office
Financial and Organizational Stability: Implement Equipment Replacement Fund funding of vehicles and Enterprise Fleet Management to facilitate more streamlined vehicle acquisition and maintenance
Administrative Services
Department and Public Works
Department
Financial and Organizational Stability: Conduct Cost Allocation study to better assess and allocate City costs and charges for services and across funds.
Administrative Services
Department
Financial and Organizational Stability: Implement software to streamline and more efficiently manage Public Records Act requests and make such requests transparent to the public. City Manager’s Office
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES
DRAFT FY 2025-27 WORK PROGRAMS
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY: WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE AND
NEEDED RESOURCES
Major Plans and
Initiatives
Lead
Department Key Milestones for
FY 2025-26
Key Milestones for
FY 2026-27
Budget Allocation
Implement new sewer rate
structure for billing (pending
Council adoption through Prop
218 process)
Administrative
Services
Department
• Update year 1 sewer rates
beginning July 1, 2025 with
new billing after effective
date
• Update year 2 sewer rates
beginning July 1, 2026 with
new billing after effective
date
Staff Resources
Develop and execute capital
bond financing for sewer
upgrade project (pending
Council adoption through Prop
218 process)
Administrative
Services
Department
• Prepare bond financing for
Council approval and issue
financing
• Implement sewer upgrade
project CIP 5002
• Incorporate bond financing
cost into sewer financial
plan
$126,000 from
Wastewater Fund
Update Sanitary Sewer
Management Plan (SSMP)
Public Works
Department
• Audit SSMP and begin first
draft of updated Plan
• Prepare final draft of SSMP
for Council approval
$32,000 from
General Fund
Develop water supply and
demand study
Public Works
Department
• Review draft scope with
Council as part of water
system update
• Conduct RFP process for
qualified water consultants
and approve contract with
selected consultant
• Update supply and demand
analysis including supply
resiliency information
$300,000 from
Water Fund
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES
DRAFT FY 2025-27 WORK PROGRAMS
• Implement study process
including public outreach
and engagement
• Present initial results and
subsequent final report to
Council for approval
Develop water rate study for
updated rate structure
Administrative
Services
Department
• Review draft scope with
Council as part of water
system update
• Conduct RFP process for
qualified rate consultants
and approve contract with
selected consultant
• Develop rate study with
presentation to Council
following water supply
study
• Implement new rate
structure if adopted by
Council through Prop 218
process
$40,000 from
Water Fund
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES
DRAFT FY 2025-27 WORK PROGRAMS
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY: REBUILDING COMMUNITY TRUST, COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT AND CIVILITY IN PUBLIC DISCOURSE
Major Plans and Initiatives
Lead
Department Key Milestones for
FY 2025-26
Key Milestones for
FY 2026-27
Budget Allocation
Continue regular community
engagement events
City Manager’s
Office
• Host periodic “Coffee
with Council” events
• Host quarterly “City Talk”
community forums
• Host periodic “Coffee
with Council” events
• Host quarterly “City
Talk” community forums
Staff Resources
Installation of informational
boards at City parks
City Manager’s
Office
• Install two additional
information boards at
various City parks in
addition to initial three
• Monitor and regularly
update information
boards
$1,000 from
General Fund
Implement program for
distributing key development
project mailers to nearby
properties
Community
Development
Department
• Define “key projects”
(i.e., major zone
changes, multi-family
projects, mixed-use)
• Draft templates and
process (300-foot
mailing lists)
• Send out public
notices/outreach letters,
• Collect year-end
feedback and make
necessary
improvements
$1,000 from
General Fund
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES
DRAFT FY 2025-27 WORK PROGRAMS
and pre-construction
letters for key projects
(300 feet)
Implement program for
distributing City capital project
mailers to nearby properties
Public Works
Department
• Continue to audit
noticing efforts and
public feedback. Update
efforts as necessary.
• Continue to audit noticing
efforts and public
feedback. Update efforts
as necessary.
$1,000 from
General Fund
Develop “Grover Beach 101”
community outreach sessions
with initial focus on planning and
building
City Manager’s
Office/
Community
Development
Department
• Develop session
framework and potential
schedule
• Develop specific topics
for initial planning and
building sessions and
review with Planning
Commission
• Implement initial
sessions and review
results for future
iterations
• Consider expanded
version of planning and
building sessions
• Consider other service
areas for potential
sessions
Staff Resources
Implement 2025 biennial
community survey
City Manager’s
Office/
• Work with survey
research consultant to
update survey
questionnaire
• Implement survey to
statistically valid sample
of residents
• Present results to
Council
N/A $20,000 from
General Fund