MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 6:00 pm
City Hall, 918 Obispo Street, Council Chambers
ROLL CALL:
Council Member Liliana Cardenas
Council Member Gilbert Robles
Council Member Eugene Costa Jr.
Mayor Pro Tempore Tony Ramirez
Mayor Ariston Julian
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. All members were present.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
Prior to the "Moment of Silence", Mayor Julian asked that we continue to offer thoughts and prayers for those in Ukraine living and fighting in the undeclared war.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. AGENDA REVIEW
5. CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
• Recognizing June 2022 - Pride Month Proclamation
• Juneteenth Proclamation
Mayor Julian read the above proclamation (s) included in the city council packet but stated that a correction needs to be made to the Juneteenth Proclamation in the second "WHEREAS" changing the date from June 19, 1895, to June 19, 1865.
6. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
Each person will be limited to a discussion of three (3) minutes or as directed by the Mayor.
Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on these matters unless they are listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. City Council may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future City Council meeting.
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 1 of 20 Mayor Ariston Julian
Mayor Julian stated that the Community Participated at Le Roy Park where the City celebrated a new park for a new era at the Ribbon Cutting event on June 12, 2022. He goes on to say, "that did you know in 1871 Theodore Le Roy donated several acres along the Guadalupe River to establish a park....today's Le Roy Park hopes to meet the ever-changing needs of our growing community with a focus on recreational and health activities for all ages." Mayor Julian provided an overview of this historic event:
• A Blessing by Father Masseo Gonzales was provided.
• Color Guard and presentation of colors/4 guard units to include Chumash Color Guard (Deek Segovia, Mathew Cepeda, Charlie Centeno & Louie Espinosa) • Boots and Shoots: Mr. Louie Navarro, Veterans and 86-year resident of Guadalupe Vietnam Veterans of America Post #982 (James May, Ray Espinoza, and Dennis Hennisey)
• National Anthem by Mr. Dennis Paduganan
Guest Speakers were:
• US House of Representative, Salud Carbajal ($1.7 million Phase 2) • Carson Link, District State Senator Limon (State Sponsoring Royal Theater project along with Representative Cunningham)
• Mayor Ariston Julian
Entertainment was provided by the Los Compass De Guadalupe.
Mayor Julian thanked the Los Amigos de Guadalupe Staff/Board, City Staff and Departments, Knights of Columbus (BBQ), Nicole Segovia, Steve Lavagnino 5th District Supervisor, Joan Hartman, 3rd District County Supervisor and the designers and contractors (Andrew Goodwin Design, Quincon Construction, Cannon Engineering in coordination with Public Works Director, Shannon Sweeney).
And, thanked to Council Member Liliana Cardenas who translated the itinerary for Spanish speaking attendees.
Joslynn Flowers Stated:
"Good evening, Mayor and council members
My name is Joslynn Flowers, I am a resident here in Guadalupe and have been a member of the community for 3 years.
Tonight, I come to you with a concern for the regarding the speed at which cars travel in a residential area specifically on Las Flores, Obispo Street, Arroyo Seco and Buena Vista Road.
There is no posting of the speed limit on Las Flores, and I live directly across the park and have witnessed numerous times people driving well over the speed limit of 25 sometimes closer to 50.1 June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 2 of 20 have placed "slow down signs" and even yell at them to slow down as the speed pass as speeds that they would not be able to stop if there was an emergency and a reason to stop. The streets are not wide as it is and with cars along the sidewalk it could obstruct the view of the children playing.
I, along with other neighbors in my community believe speed humps are necessary for the streets with long straightway, such as the ones mentioned above.
I request that the city put this into action as it could be a life-or-death situation. I am not sure of the next steps, but I am more than willing to assist the council in any way I can to make sure this can happen in an appropriate time.
Please note, 1 am truly willing to work alongside the city to help in whatever capacity needed.
Thank You,"
Ryan Danger Mack Stated:
"Mr. Mayor, Council, esteemed members of the public,
Thank for this time to speak, I do not use it lightly. I want to first off congratulate the City for a spectacular Le Roy park event this weekend. The turnout was exceptional. / wish I had been able to interact with you all on that day.
Tonight, is a big night in my book, because tomorrow you all will be making decisions that will affect people's lives, their livelihoods, their families and the future of the City. I do not presume to know other battles, personal or public, but / do know that like you, the council, represent the people and their wishes, just as when I put on my fire department uniform, I am representing you. So tonight, should be a night of reflection.
Something happened today that made me pause and reflect personally. I was at the laundromat washing my clothes when a homeless man (I presume) walked in and began yelling obscenities at the patrons and dumping soap all over the floors. Well, the cops were immediately called, and 30 minutes later do you know who showed up? No one. Nobody ever came. The manager ended up kicking him out. This was in a city of 100,000 people so / imagine they had more pressing matters.
My point is this...
In three minutes when a Guadalupe resident calls 9-11, PD or Guadalupe Fire Department are there in an average of 3 minutes. Pd even responds to medical calls because of our low staffing. I stand tall side by side with my fellow first responders. We need to make it The truth is that staffing at the fire department is at an all-time low. When I started (as a volunteer) 14 years ago, we had 15 personnel with a daytime firefighter, Alice. Now we have 8. Two of which, Michael Ambrosio, and David Bonifacio are volunteers. How many more will we lose before somebody steps up and does the right thing? I hope none. The first step starts tomorrow. Guadalupe deserves an end to wasteful spending and start making the community Safer. Dissolve the Emergency Manager position and use that money to pay for a full-time fire chief who is trained to June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 3 of 20 do that job already! A Battalion Chief changes nothing. Guadalupe Deserves a Real Fire Department and a Real Fire Chief.
Thank you,"
Melanie Backer Stated:
"Dear Mayor, City Council, and everyone here:
I really want to thank you all for the very moving and stunning opening of Le Roy Park on Sunday. It was such a hopeful, special day — the Park and what everyone put into revitalizing it - really an amazing feat and such Memorial Day. All the work and planning that went into it, greatly appreciated. Such a special day!
In terms of keeping Guadalupe a safe place, a safe place for families, kids, teenagers, older people, all people and all animals, reckless driving has been happening in the Pasadera neighborhood. More people are moving into the neighborhood and people are driving faster, ignoring stop signs and they don't know that the speed limit is 25 miles an hour.
Last Wednesday evening (June 8th at 10:30 a.m., on the corner of Buena Vista and Arroyo Secco, a truck was doing donuts and went up on the curb and almost hit a fence and then proceeded to drive incredibly fast up and down Arroyo Secco, several times disturbing neighbors. You can see the truck tire marks in the street at the corner of Buena Vista & Arroyo Secco, plus tire marks where the truck went up on the curb.
Then, last Thursday, early evening, on June 9th more cars and trucks were trying to speed on Arroyo Secco, neighbors went out and watched them, stared them down. Plus, on my street, Ladera Dr., last Thursday evening, 2 kids, not yet 16 were driving a car up and down the street incredibly fast.
We need speed bumps; we need a large police sign on Arroyo Secco saying the speed limit. We need Police and public safety and fireman too, to be the top priority of City. We don't want any fatalities, and the way these people are driving, we will have one.
I was just in Los Angeles yesterday, Monday, and Brentwood has speed bumps everywhere. Why can't we? Brentwood is not sued for having speed bumps.
The police should give out tickets to those speeding or driving recklessly. I got a speeding ticket on HWY 1 between Guadalupe and Orcutt the first month I moved here in November 2020. Best thing that happened to me because I had to take the online traffic course to not increase my insurance and I was reminded of rules I had not thought about for 30 years. For example, like the speed limit on a 2 lane HWY is 55 miles an hour. Residential 25 miles in the City of Guadalupe -is 35 miles an hour. Getting a speeding ticket made me a better, more prepared, and aware driver. Not a bad thing.
A priority for this town should be balance the budget and public safety next when speaking about the Order of the City Council priorities of goals for the next few years June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 4 of 20 With the goals of the City, isn't it confusing? It Shouldn't be 1.2. 3? IE: Budget first, public safety next then public parks — or do all three have the same priority? As they were discussing 1a., 1b., 1c."
Shelia Marie C. Cepeda Stated:
"Good Evening, Mayor Julian and our distinguished City Council Members. My name is Sheila Marie Costa Cepeda. For those of you wondering, yes, Council Member Costa is my brother. Having grown up in Guadalupe, I love living in our small community.
I was surprised to see posted on the city's website a public comment memo from a new resident in Pasadera regarding a Council Members previous position as a PCF volunteer with our fire department. That position was held more than 10 years ago. Having a Council Member who has worked in the fire department should be looked at as an asset. This gives some insight to those who are unfamiliar with the operations of the fire department.
It was also mentioned that using the $100,000 allocated for "Emergency Manager Coordinator, that grant money would be used to restore the fire chief position. We need someone who can devote their attention to researching and applying for grants. Grant writing is not an easy task and requires someone's full attention. I took a grant writing class offered through Hancock and realized how much work was truly involved in the application process.
Has anyone considered diverting the overtime pay our fire fighters are earning and using that for either, a Battalion Chief, Fire Chief, or another position within the Department? Our City has paid $102,345 in overtime for the 2019/20 fiscal year and $209,699.43 year-to-date, per the Budget Report for calendar period 06/21 and FY 12/21. The 2019/20 figure was found in the 2021-2022 proposed budget posted on the city website. The Budget Report was received pursuant to my public records request. I'm sure some community members are not aware that some fire fighters received as much as 43-45% of their base salary in overtime pay. Is the overtime necessary? I truly believe if we pay this much in overtime, another position is needed. Let's use these funds to fulfill that void.
Instead of making it seem as though the City Council is not in support of our Fire Department, let's look at realistic ways to utilizing city funds for the better good of our community.
Thank you for your time."
Denise Swangin Stated:
Hello, my name is Denise, and I am a resident of Pasadera. I have come before you to address some concerns I have with how the City is allocating our financial resources.
Police Department
a. I understand our Police Department is utilizing 41% of our budget. Whereas most cities utilize between 25-40%. Why are we using this much for our small City?
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 5 of 20 b. I understand our Chief of Police position is also responsible for overseeing our Fire Department, with a salary that is compensated for this. This is an impossible task for today's Chief position to take on with both Departments being successful. As we can see from the current position of our Fire Department, our needs are not being met. This may have been a successful merge years ago, but it is not effective today.
Fire Department
a. Our Fire Department utilizes 18% of our budget. This seems to be a pretty wide gap for our emergency personnel budget.
b. It is extremely clear we need better leadership for our Fire Personnel. We need an experienced Fire Chief to manage, supervise and train our fire staff. This position could also be used to secure grants to improve the current need of a new Fire Truck as well as improve overall wellbeing of the fire house.
City Administrator
I know our City Administrator has a huge responsibility; however, I feel a 20% pay increase is excessive. Are additional duties being added to this job to warrant the added pay incentives?
Parks and Recreation
a. I understand the Le Roy Park is a huge accomplishment for our city and we are grateful to have such a beautiful park.
b. I also understand that we are allocating an additional 20% increase to the Parks and Recreation Department. A new position is being recruited and a new truck is on the wish list. With all the money put into the park, weren't nay of these items allocated for?
City Personnel
I understand we need to have dedicated personnel; however, I feel a COLA raise every year is not necessary. This encourages staff to promote and widen their horizons and growth. Also encourages new staff and new ideas to be brought in to enhance our growing city.
I am proud of our City and all the changes we have seen and will be seeing. I am proud of the choices we have made and excited for the years to come. However, I am concerned about the above-mentioned topics. When our emergency personnel are being compromised, I don't feel we have adequate funds to use on other things that may jeopardized our lives and those visiting us. We need to hire a Fire Chief and the additional staff positions that are vacant.
Our Fire Department needs to have the resources to save our lives, our children's lives, and our homes. We need to hire a Police Chief that manages his department effectively; without the burden of an entire additional department that is not in his line of experience.
Thank you for listening to me. I hope some of my points will be addressed and open for further discussion."
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 6 of 20 Simon Lopez Stated
"I am concerned with the people speeding in the Pasadera development. I believe speed bumps should be constructed to slow down the speeding vehicles."
CONSENT CALENDAR
The following items are presented for City Council approval without discussion as a single agenda item in order to expedite the meeting. Should a Council Member wish to discuss or disapprove an item, it must be dropped from the blanket motion of approval and considered as a separate item.
A. Waive the reading in full of all Ordinances and Resolutions. Ordinances on the Consent Calendar will be adopted by the same vote cast as the first meeting unless City Council indicates otherwise.
B. Approve payment of warrants for the period ending June 8, 2022.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting of May 24, 2022, to be ordered filed.
D. Approve the City Council Special Meeting of May 31, 2022, to be ordered filed.
E. Adopt Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2022-501 adding Chapter 8.14 of the City of Guadalupe Municipal Code to implement AB 1276 Single-Use Foodware Accessories and Standard Condiments.
F. Accept the Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling Requirements - for informational only.
G. Adopt Resolution No. 2022-45 approving new pedestrian bridge signage.
H. MONTHLY REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS
1. Planning Department Report for May 2022
2. Building Department Report for May 2022
3. Public Works/Engineering Report for May 2022
Item #7C, 7D and 7G were pulled. Motion was made by Council Member Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. 5-0 Motion passed.
Item #7.C. Mayor Julian said that a correction is needed to the May 24, 2022 minutes shown on page 11, third paragraph where by the first name needs to be changed from 'Chausey' to 'Chachi.' Item #7.C. Mayor Julian said that a correction is needed to the May 31, 2022 minutes shown on page 9, second paragraph, second sentence Royal Theater for about $20A4 $7M or $8M.
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 7 of 20 Motion was made by Council Member Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Cardenas to approve Item #7C and #7D on the Consent Calendar. 5-0 Motion passed.
Item #7.G. Adopt Resolution No. 2022-43, initiating proceedings for the annual levy of assessments for the Pasadera Landscape and Lighting District for Fiscal Year 2022/2023 and Resolution No. 2022- 44, approving the Engineer's Report for the Pasadera Landscape and Lighting District and declaring the City Council intent to levy assessments.
Motion was made by Council Member Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Cardenas to approve Item #7G on the Consent Calendar. Council Member Ramirez recused himself: Ayes: 4. 1 Recusal: 4-1 Motion passed.
8. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: (Information Only)
The City Administrator highlighted the following items:
• W. Main St. Water Main Replacement started June 13 and is scheduled to be completed the first week of July. This project involves replacing a 4-inch water main with a 12-inch water main. Expect short delays and possible detours for the duration of this project. • Fifth Street - Southern California Gas Company replaced a gas main on 5th Street just before the 2021 Sewer Trunk Main Improvement Project. The contractor left the street in poor condition. They have returned and made repairs.
The O'Connell Park play structure installation was completed on June 6. • The City is still on track for new bus service starting July 1. On July 1, shuttle service will be discontinued. In its place will be a local fixed route that runs every half hour to all stops in Guadalupe and an express route that runs hourly from the Amtrak station to the Santa Maria transit station. Both routes will meet at the bottom of the hour at the Amtrak station. New schedules are available at the Finance Department.
9. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT: (Information Only) The Director of Public Safety Michael Cash stated that on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, during the "Community Participation Forum" of the Guadalupe City Council Meeting, Robert and Teresa Doty and Joslynn and Sheldon Flowers publicly commented and submitted written comments regarding their support for the Guadalupe Fire Department. They asked for a written response to their questions. Below are his responses:
First, I wish to thank and commend our citizens of Guadalupe for not only attending our City Council meeting but commenting and supporting our Fire Department. Your community participation is much appreciated by not only our city employees but by our community residents.
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 8 of 20 I listened to your public comments and read your letters that you sent into the city. I want you to know and understand my responses will be and can only be based on information not rumors or innuendos.
Chief cash read the following letters and responded:
LETTER FROM
Robert and Teresa Doty
Guadalupe, CA 93434
My wife and I are writing you today about a grave concern of ours. That is our Guadalupe Fire Department. As citizens of our community, it has been brought to our attention that our members of the fire department are being threatened with massive pay cuts, having to give up their overtime limits in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) and attempts to change their work schedule to favor the city while having to work half days, sporadic shifts with the threat hanging over their heads so "OR ELSE". Our firefighters have faced harassment at the workplace, retaliation, investigations, and have no representation. They are literally fighting to keep their jobs.
a. Factual Information - The firefighters' negotiated base salaries are not being affected. There is no pay cut. The issue is excessive overtime usage. Overtime is allocated at the discretion of management for use to address unforeseen circumstances not as a part of their regular pay. The department is budgeted yearly with a set amount of overtime dollars to address emergencies and unforeseen incidents. The yearly budgeting by the Director of Public Safety is to address and decrease unnecessary and excessive overtime expenditures and to use the funding in other areas of the department and city to improve the department and its operations. b. Factual Information - The Director of Public Safety has explored additional work schedules to better utilize personnel, improve firefighter safety by resting our employees, provide better service to our citizens, and decrease cost to city taxpayers. c. Factual Information - As the City of Guadalupe and the Department of Public Safety do not discuss individual personnel investigations and discipline, general, non- identifying, specific public information can be provided. Members of the Fire Department did have an outside individual file a complaint of harassment in the workplace, retaliation, and investigations lodged against Fire Department employees. An outside investigative agency conducted several investigations of Fire Department employee misconduct for impartiality reasons.
Under YOUR direction, the city has stated that they are fine with downgrading our fire department to volunteer status. if this were to happen, lives will be lost due to vastly June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 9 of 20 increased first responder response times from surrounding agencies. This is simply not acceptable. As a 36-year veteran (retired) fire captain of a very large fire department near here, I can personally state that volunteer fire departments in the western USA simply do NOT WORK. During the normal M-F workday you will rarely see a response from volunteers.
Same with nights. Same with weekends. That is why the trend statewide is to disband all volunteer and go to full time paid professional. Not to mention the level of training, care, and professionalism you receive. Anyone can jump in and drive a vehicle to an emergency scene, but the care stops there when comparing full time paid, highly trained, and certified, sworn fire personnel vs volunteer who have limited training. WE ARE NOT FINE WITH THIS CARELESS DECISION OR THREAT from this council to disband and switch to volunteer status.
Lives and property will be lost and also all homeowners insurance rates will skyrocket. It all comes down to the simple fact that quick response times, and trained professionals save lives! We will not have that with volunteer firefighters! a. Factual Information - I have never presented and or provided information to the Mayor and City Council about the option of reverting the full-time Fire Department to its former status of a "Volunteer Fire Department". The option of reverting to a volunteer fire department is an option that / would be remiss not to present along with other options if / were asked. Any decision by City Council would include community input.
b. Factual Information - The Mayor and City Council in the past four (4) years has authorized and funded a 100% increase in staffing for the Fire Department. The Director of Public Safety was authorized to not backfill a police officer position and transfer the budgeted monies to increase staffing for the Fire Department by hiring three (3) new Fire Engineers.
c. Factual Information - The Guadalupe Department of Public Safety has the fastest dispatch response times of any "First Responder" agency in the County of Santa Barbara. This fact is due to the unique working relationship between police and fire.
The police department is usually the first, First Responder to arrive for citizen aid. This relationship produces the quickest response times in the county. d. Factual Information - The Guadalupe Department of Public Safety is similar in the staffing model of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety. Sunnyvale, with a population of 150,000, is considered one of the safest cities in California and its personnel are crossed trained to provide the best First Responder service to its community. Under the direction of a Public Safety Director, Police, Fire, and EMT services are provided in a seamless response to residents. Budgets are shared, training is optimized, and critical response times are low.
It has also been brought to our attention that the city is going through the hiring process and creating a new "emergency manager- grant money coordinator" position or something along June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 10 of 20 those lines. From what I also understand, this position would be well north of $100,000 in salary. I ask, would it not be better served to restore the fire chief position and give him or her the added responsibility of pursuing all the federal grants that are out there? Has there ever been an attempt by the city to obtain any grant money in support of our fire department? Starting with new equipment such as a new fire engine to replace the 22-year- old front line engine and a new fire station for our firefighters? Also, I am aware that our fire department sends crews out on strike teams as mutual aid to the state during fire season.
What happens to the "6% admin fee" fund acquired for these services? Have any of you visited our "fire station" recently? To say we need upgrading is an understatement and needs to be addressed. Do we have a fund in place to replace old worn-out equipment? What are your future plans? Is ANYTHING along these lines budgeted? Factual Information - The Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, position is a full- time position specifically dedicated to emergency management. My training and experience, prior Emergency Manager experience, Chief of Police experience, and experience as a Director of Public Safety, the position of Emergency Coordinator is more urgently needed in the City of Guadalupe than a Fire Chief or a Fire Battalion Chief. The duties and responsibilities of this position would not allow time for a Fire Chief or Fire Battalion Chief to do their assigned duties of supervising personnel and administratively managing a Fire Department. No Fire Chief in the County of Santa Barbara double duties as an Emergency Preparedness Manager. The position of Emergency Managers is spread throughout Santa Barbara County by separate agencies including some Fire Departments. The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management is a separate agency that is the lead for the county. They are not attached to or run by the Fire Department.
b. Factual Information - On the issue of pursuing grants, in the past four (4) years, the Department of Public Safety has pursued and obtained grants each year for fire equipment. One Fire Captain, the prior Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, and the Director of Public Safety have located, written, and obtained grant funding for the Fire Department the past four (4) years. The grants have allowed the department to purchase and obtained equipment that had not been previously identified through the yearly budget process. Pursuing grants are time consuming, labor intensive, and needing an expertise of knowing and understanding the grant writing process.
1. 2019 Cal State Firefighters' Association Scholarship Grant - $8,762
2. 2019 Cal Fire, VFA (Volunteer Fire Assistance) Grant - $5,197
3. 2020 Cal Fire, VEA Grant - $13,507
2021 Rural Fire Capacity Grant - $15,782
5. 2021 One805, Santa Barbara County Grant - $7,000
2022 Federal Assistance to Firefighter Grant - $20,500
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 11 of 20 e. Factual Information - The Director of Public Safety has identified the need and funding source to replace the ageing 22-year-old fire engine. The estimated purchasing cost has been identified as approximately $600,000 to $800,000 to purchase and equip a fully loaded fire engine. California Proposition 172 funding, "The Public Safety Augmentation Fund", is specifically being saved to purchase a fire engine as not to adversely affect the General Fund to assist other city departments. f. $20,000 dollars of Proposition 172 funding was recently made available, Fiscal Year 2022, to retrofit the "Type 6 - Wildland Fire Vehicle" utility bed to better prepare the department to respond to state mutual aid assistance requests. The Director of Public Safety and a Fire Captain completed and approved the five (5) year, "2020-2025 - Fire Equipment Replacement Plan". The list has identified 39 separate pieces of equipment. Currently, we are behind on the replacement schedule for only one (1) item, the "light box flashlights" for the fire engine.
g. The Fire Department station is currently the most recent remolded and up to date office space within City Hall. The kitchen area and office space were newly remodeled in 2021. The grand opening was attended by the mayor and Director of Public Safety.
The City Council allotted $5,000 dollars funding to complete this project. The remodeling of the new fire sleeping quarters is currently on hold as the City Council directed emergency funding to repair the faulty electrical system, build a female locker room, repair the roof, and restore
running water within the police department.
With the addition of the Pasadera tract to the city along with the additional tax revenue that comes with it, why are we even having this discussion of lack of funding or cutting of services.... especially when it comes to our public safety. When Pasadera was approved many years ago, it was supposed to SAVE the city.
My advice to all of you:
1. CEASE AND DESIST the harassment of our firefighters. I'm sure there are many civil attorneys out there that would lick their chops at the chance to go after the deep pockets of a city jurisdiction.
2. Change the recruitment and job of the so called newly created position of emergency manager to Fire Chief and federal grant coordinator and let them do their job of bettering our fire department and city services.
3. Do not even consider downgrading our fire department to volunteer.... this is not acceptable, and lives will be lost.
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 12 of 20 In closing, it is obvious to us that what the fire department needs in this city is an advocate and someone to represent them. This will ensure that the citizens of this community will be safely taken care of.
LETTER FROM
Joslynn and Sheldon Flowers
Guadalupe, CA 93434
Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to speak tonight please see below for what I said, as 1 know you had requested that I send you an email, so you were personally able to answer the questions.
Good evening, Mayor, and Council Members
My name is Joslynn Flowers, I am a resident here in Guadalupe and have been a member of the community for 3 years.
I am here tonight not to make accusations or read off a heated statement. I am here tonight to ask questions to which I am hopeful you will be willing to provide me with truthful and clear answers.
I am very aware there are two sides to every story and perhaps some information that we, the community, are not privy to since we are not a part of the council.
However, in situations like these I find myself not placing blame but questioning why. Why, if a city's FD is asking for a chief to support them in their role and to speak on their behalf are we, or shall I say the city denying it?
Is it due to city funding?
If that is the case, where are the funds from the builders' tax from Pasadera community? Is that not a thing? Are there not grant funding available? Surely there must be, especially since I know there have been many other grants available to this community in the last few years.
Is it since there will be someone who will then be speaking up on their behalf? Perhaps holding the city accountable to make sure all PPE and equipment are up to code, to help them do their job to the best of their abilities?
I am also hoping you can shed some clarity on a more serious issue- that being the accusation made regarding the firefighters being pushed to leave and "create a volunteer-based FD, as a city-wide cost saving measure."
I question, at what cost? Community members waiting additional time if in a life-or-death emergency. A volunteer FD may work in an extremely small town but how much have a grown in the last 5 years, and we are still growing. So where does that leave us? Hoping Cal Fire up June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 13 of 20 the way isn't on their own call when we need them? Hoping that in an emergency we, the city of Guadalupe, don't become an afterthought!
Perhaps this has all been "exaggerated or misinterpreted-spread like a wildfire" if you will.
Maybe this is an ongoing thing, history from 6-7 years ago and 1 am missing the facts because I am new to town, but it seems to me that maybe the issue is the lack of transparency and clarity to the community.
What I am clear on is that the FD are the first to show up in an emergency and deserve to be treated as such. If statements such as "you need to take a pay cut", "you need to work less overtime" and "dismantling the FD" are true, we are on a fast track to serious issues in this community as we continue to grow.
It can't be both ways council members, you can't approve more growth of a community without the growth of vital components to keep this community safe.
I am requesting a written response to these questions / have asked tonight. I look forward to hearing from you all.
Thank you again,
10. MAYOR'S REPORT- UPDATES
Mayor Julian asked if there were any questions about the written Mayor's report, please feel free to ask. No one asked for any clarification.
REGULAR BUSINESS
11. Adoption of Goals to Guide the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget.
Written report: Robert Perrault, Facilitator
Recommendation: That the City Council receive the results of the survey, entertain further public comment, revise the draft goals as may be necessary and then adopt Resolution No. 2022-46 approving the goals for completion of budget development.
After a brief overview from Facilitator Mr. Robert Perrault, the City Council made some clarifying modifications to the original Council goals after reviewing the community goals. The amendments will read as follows:
Develop and maintain a balanced budget for FY 22-23 Budget providing priority municipal services and securing the City's financial future with adequate reserve funds. -Identify and allocate funds to be used to meet the General Fund Reserve Goal of 15% -Implement a monitoring program to ensure contracted cannabis Commitments are met.
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 14 of 20 -Review revenue generation options for General Fund including possible Transient Occupancy Tax increase.
- Provide staffing and complete implementation of new finance software program. -Develop and provide for Council review a quarterly report on City finances and goal progress. 1a. Continue to develop and grow the Recreation Department by providing sustainable programs and facilities for the Community.
Adequately fund and allocate staff for Recreation and Parks Department including a permanent recreation manager and maintenance positions
Develop facilities master plan for current park improvement and maintenance of existing parks and those in the pipeline
Increase recreational programming for use of facilities utilizing community priorities and coordinating with recreation/sports entities
1b. Ensure Public Safety staffing and facilities are sufficient to maintain the delivery of quality Public safety services to the community.
Complete the implementation of a staffing plan for both Fire and Police including the addition of a Battalion Chief in the Fire Department as budget permits across the board Continue to update facilities and equipment as budget permits 1c. Ensure that Public Facilities and Infrastructure (streets, water, wastewater) are capable of Meeting current and future needs of the city
Continue to maintain and update facility master plans including streets wastewater, water, and Capital Improvement Plan.
Prioritize City facilities in urgent need of City repair and identify costs and timing for all municipal facilities including the library
Seek grant funding to assist with the above
Develop and implement an adequate staffing plan for the Department of Public Works 1d. Ensure that American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds are maximized to ensure That initially funded staffing and services are met and where feasible converted to General Support
Revisit ARRA line items to ensure that the allocation of funds to needed positions and services is justifiable and achieves goals set by City Council.
On a quarterly basis, revisit the items supported by ARRA in comparison to quarterly expenses and revenues for the entire city budget.
Require justification of the remaining ARRA budget items requested to ensure allocation amount and intent are realized
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 15 of 20
2. Create and implement economic development strategies for the city of Guadalupe that will promote the development and maintenance of a strong business sector including business retention, attraction, tourism marketing, and revenue generation.
Work cooperatively with the Guadalupe Business Association to identify a strategy for business retention and attraction.
Identify and apply for grant funding for the creation and Staffing of a business support program
3. Support the efforts to attract businesses to Pasadera Commercial Area to help, create employment opportunities, provide local services identified by Residents and generate tax revenue.
Develop a team comprised of a council member, planning staff, City Administrator, and consultants to support project proponents in their efforts to attract potential businesses to the commercial Area.
Advocate for the completion of the necessary infrastructure to support the development of -
the commercial area using communication between CalTrans, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), the City's Development Team, and DJ Farms.
4. Coordinate with Santa Barbara County Parks Master Plan to acquire property adjacent or near Guadalupe for Camping and recreational facilities. - Establish a core team to include city council representation, city staff, and existing business groups, who will collaborate with Santa Barbara County Parks Department in developing the Santa Barbara County Park Master plan.
City representatives will include the City Administrator, Public Works Department, Recreation Department, city council representative, and a representative of the business community.
5. Develop and implement a communication strategy focused on improving flow of information between constituents, city staff and Council members.
- Cultivate a relationship with community-based organizations to disseminate information - Develop and implement social media policies for the City - Increase the usage of Zoom to broadcast City Council meetings Mr. Perrault suggested that the goals between the Council and the City be synthesized in a final goal statement and resolution for consideration under the consent calendar at the June 28, 2022 City Council meeting.
12. Urban Drought Response.
Written report: Shannon Sweeney, Public Works Director/City Engineer Recommendation: That the City Council provide guidance to City staff on actions to address current local and statewide water conditions.
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 16 of 20 Shannon Sweeney, Public Works Director provided information about the current local and statewide water conditions. Afterwards, there were several questions comments from the City Council, City Staff, and the Citizenry for which guidance was stated.
Mayor Julian understands from Ms. Sweeney that the water supply levels are decreasing and mentioned there are various golf courses designating certain course areas to start a pilot project on drought resistance watering methods. Mayor Julian asked if the water use calculation comparisons percentage ratio of 60 to 90 gallons per person/per day are calculated once the commercial property is removed? Ms. Sweeney stated that it is data from residential only.
Council Member Ramirez inquired about turf replacement for businesses and would likes the idea of sensing devices to maximize water usage and if there is a way to find a nexus for nonfunctional turf for commercial properties.
Council Member Robles stated that City staff needs to develop a flyer to be mailed out with the utility bill to educate the citizenry about water saving tips.
Ms. Shirley Boydstun asked if the new trees being planted are on a drip system. Ms. Sweeney stated that they are on drip systems.
Below are summary responses from Council questions about urban drought:
Sweeney let Council know that the State Water Resources Control Board passed emergency regulations prohibiting nonfunctional turf for commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, but that these regulations do not apply to us because we do not meet the definition of Urban Water Supplier.
• Sweeney shared that our groundwater levels are remaining steady, but that the water supply for the last 10 years has been less than the long-term average. • Sweeney provided several alternatives for addressing current conditions. • Council requested that Sweeney resubmit the flyer to our customers in a water bill insert, that code compliance educate the public when violations of our water wastage ordinance occur, that I add information about not watering during the afternoon to the water bill insert, and that Sweeney continue working with the County on being part of the potential turf rebate grant, with matching funds provided out of the enterprise fund.
Council is interested in water sensors for our irrigation systems in our parks, and perhaps converting a portion of our City Hall landscaping to drought tolerant vegetation if budget allows, and especially if Sweeney can find nexus to paying for it out of enterprise fund.
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 17 of 20
13. Introduction of an ordinance of the City of Guadalupe, California, amending portions of Chapter
3.20 of Title 3 of the Guadalupe Municipal Code related to Transient Occupancy Tax to increase the tax rate from 6% to 10% as well as increase the types of occupancy categories subject to the tax.
Written report: Philip F. Sinco, City
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce, for the first reading, and continue to the next meeting for second reading and adoption, an ordinance to increase the transient occupancy tax rate from 6% to 10% as well as increase the types of occupancy categories subject to the tax to specifically include short-term rentals, RV parks, and campground.
After Mr. Sinco provided his overview of the first reading to the Ordinance, a note was read out loud from Ms. Shirley Boydstun' stating, "The amending of the Municipal Code (Chapter 3.20 Title 3) expected to raise $20,000 to $30,000 annually by changing the TOT tax rate from 6% to 10% is commendable as is the change in Hotel to more inclusive lodging. But a large portion of the newly anticipated revenue has been lost by the costs of making this change due to staff time, attorney time and printing, that could have been avoided had the Council listened to the small voices— not the loud ones---saying that 10% TOT has been standard for many years as noted in the survey of neighboring cities, and in place at the time of the setting the rate originally. It usually is good to look to the future in planning potential revenue sources."
Motion was made by Council Member Ramirez and seconded by Council Member Cardenas for the first reading for an ordinance to increase the transient occupancy tax rate from 6% to 10% as well as increase the types of occupancy categories subject to the tax. Ayes: 5-0 motion passed.
14. Calling and Giving Notice of the General Municipal Election to be held on November 8, 2022, and consideration of submitting to the Voters a Measure to increase the Transient Occupancy Tax Rate from 6% to 10% and increase the types of occupancy categories subject to the Tax.
Written Report: Philip Sinco, City Attorney
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the following resolutions required in conjunction with the general municipal election to be held on November 8, 2022, and submission to the voters a measure to increase the transient occupancy tax rate from 6% to 10% as well as increase the types of occupancy categories subject to the tax to specifically include short-term rentals, RV parks, and campgrounds:
• Resolution No. 2022-47 calling and giving notice for the holding of a general municipal election on November 8, 2022, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of the law of the State of California, and for submission to the voters for approval of a question relating to the increase of the local transient occupancy tax from 6% to 10% until ended by the voters, as well as increase the types of occupancy categories subject to the tax to specifically include short-term rentals, RV parks, and campgrounds; and
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 18 of 20 • Resolution No. 2022-48 requesting that the Board of Supervisors consolidate the City's general municipal election with the statewide general election and requesting services from the County for election of the Mayor, two Council members, and the City Treasurer, and submission to the voters for approval of a question relating to the increase of the local transient occupancy tax from 6% to 10% until ended by the voters as well as increase the types of occupancy categories subject to the tax to specifically include short-term rentals, RV parks, and campgrounds; and
• Resolution No. 2022-49 establishing regulations for candidates' statements; and • Resolution No. 2022-50 setting priority to the City Council for filing a written argument in favor of the measure relating to the increase of the local transient occupancy tax from 6% to 10% until ended by the voters as well as increase the types of occupancy categories subject to the tax to specifically include short-term rentals, RV parks, and campgrounds, and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis.
Resolution No. 2022-51 providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments.
Motion was made by Council Member Ramirez and seconded by Council Member Costa Jr. to approve the above Resolution (s) Nos. 2022-47, 2022-48, 2022-49, 2022-50 and 2022-51. Ayes: 5- 0 Motion passed.
Motion was made by Council Member Cardenas and seconded by Council Member Costa Jr. to authorize Mayor Julian to work with staff on a written argument in favor of the measure relating to the increase of the local transient occupancy tax from 6% to 10% until ended by the voters as well as increase the types of occupancy categories subject to the tax specifically include short- term rentals, RV parks and campgrounds. Ayes: 5-0 motion passed.
15. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
The City Council and Staff listed none.
16. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Ramirez: Ramirez asked how the task force is coming on graffiti? Are we going to redirect code compliance by complaints, and is there a procedure in place and a community meeting advancing? Public Safety Director Michael Cash stated that they are not going to be handling code compliance solely on a complaint basis, but we will be more proactive.
Council Member Robles: Robles said it was fun playing volleyball during open gym last Wednesday.
He also noted that there are six games of basketball scheduled for open gym at in the Auditorium from 5 to 7 p.m.
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 19 of 20 Council Member Robles also stated his concerns about speeding all over the City not just in Pasadera.
There is a new generation of drivers today, running stop signs.
Council Member Costa Jr.: Costa Jr. Participated in last Thursday's first softball matches and said it was very enjoyable.
Council Member Cardenas: Cardenas said she is so thankful for the playground structure at Jack O'Connell Park.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Cardenas and seconded by Council Member Costa Jr. to adjourn. 5-0 Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Prepared by: Approved by:
Todd Bodem, Deputy City Clerk
June 14, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 20 of 20