MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at 6:00 pm
City Hall, 918 Obispo Street, Council Chambers
1. 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. Absent were Council Member Ramirez and Council Member Cardenas. All others were present. (Note: The abbreviation, "CM", will be used for "Council Member" in these minutes.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AGENDA REVIEW
There were no requests to change the agenda order.
4. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
There were no requests to speak on any subject not on the agenda.
5. 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.
Approve payment of warrants for the period ending August 15, 2022 Approve the Minutes of the City Council Regular Meeting of August 9, 2022, to be ordered filed.
August 23, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 1 of 8 D. Approve the agreement for Animal Control Services between County of Santa Barbara and the City of Guadalupe for fiscal years 2022-2027.
Approve the Annual Fiestas Celebration Parade scheduled for September 11, 2022, from Club Comité Cívico Mexicano de Guadalupe.
F. Adopt Resolution No. 2022-76 approving an update to the City's Conflict of Interest Code.
G. Adopt Resolution No. 2022-77 approving the filing of a Notice of Completion for the West Main Street Waterline Replacement Project and authorizing the City Clerk to file it with the County Recorder.
H. Adopt Resolution No. 2022-78 accepting as complete the Public Improvements required for Tract 29,061 (Lot 5N) of the Pasadera Development (DJ Farms) and authorize the release of the remaining cash funds deposited to secure construction of the required public improvements.
1. MONTHLY REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS
1. Public Safety Department:
a. Police Department report for June and July 2022
b. Fire Department report for July 2022
c. Code Compliance report for July 2022
2. Human Resources report for July 2022
3. City Treasurer's report for July 2022
4. Recreation and Parks report for July 2022
Item #5.D. was pulled by CM Robles. Item #5.H. was pulled by Mr. Todd Bodem.
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar. 3-0 Absent: Ramirez, Cardenas Motion passed.
Item #5.D. Animal Control Services Agreement: CM Robles asked if there was any update, any feedback or concerns from staff relating to this agreement and the fees involved. Mr. Bodem said, There was no feedback from the County after the presentation at the last meeting. The Animal Controls Services said that amount of the fees is locked in. They have no authority over the County Board of Supervisors. We can always work with Santa Maria after they do their internal analysis and maybe use the '60-day out clause'."
Item #5.H. Mr. Bodem said that on the signature page of the resolution, the 'fiscal impact' section towards the bottom should be completely removed. This clerical change is the only change. The resolution doesn't change.
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve Item #5.D. and Item #5.H, with revisions. 3-0 Absent: Ramirez, Cardenas Motion passed.
August 23, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 2 of 8
6. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: (Information Only)
Mr. Bodem said that there was an update from Craig Smith, Pasadera. By May 2023, the Obispo Bridge should be completed. Bridge parts should be here in six (6) months and three (3) months after that, complete the head/wing walls and road. The second bridge, Arroyo Seco, will follow.
Craig Smith added, "We're in the process of getting the agreements and check into the railroad.
Should be into them in a few weeks. The railroad will take another two (2) months to issue their permit on it. We've ordered bridge parts...running about six (6) months on production. The agreement with the farmers is for one (1) year period. We don't want to start now and only have a few months to finish. When parts are installed, construction will begin to build the walls around the bridge and the wing walls...grating will then finish up the road. It should be about nine (9) months before the road will be completely through."
Another item that Mr. Bodem mentioned was that there will be one (1) staff member short in the Finance office for about two (2) months or so.
7. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT: (Information Only) Chief said, "Mr. Smith, thank you for the signage for the big rigs parking there at Pasadera, the same signage we have for the City so we can do enforcement out there. We're in the final stages of residential parking permits. We had to design the permit... we should have that done fairly soon.
We understand that we will relook the whole budget in six (6) months concerning personnel. In the meantime, I'd like to continue recruitment, at least for public safety, because it takes between six to seven months just to get somebody. Then we have to do this extensive background, so we want to hit the road running when, and if, we have the funds so we an continue to get our departments up- to-speed.
CM Costa, Jr. said, "Thank you, Chief, for being out there helping direct traffic. The 11th & Peralta Street traffic flow makes it easier for parents and kids to cross the street."
MAYOR'S REPORT- UPDATES
Mayor Julian mentioned that there was a lot of information in the Mayor's Report. He highlighted Item #6., the Boys & Girls Club submitted an agreement with some updates to the City and we're sending to City Attorney Sinco to move forward and bring to the Council for a vote. The mayor said that it looks good.
Also mentioned as Item #7. Post 371 Personal Property. Mayor Julian said, "On the third paragraph, it reads that 'The city is not sure at this time what our next step will be if the Post does not remove its personal property...' To clarify, our next steps are to make the building available to the community of Guadalupe. I didn't want that 'next step' not defined. We're moving forward with it all." August 23, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 3 of 8
REGULAR BUSINESS
9. Approve the Cooperative Dispatch Agreement with the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District.
Written report: Michael Cash, Director of Public Safety Recommendation: That the City Council:
a. Receive a presentation from staff;
b. Adopt Resolution No. 2022-79 approving the Cooperative Dispatch Agreement with the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District.
The Regional Fire Communications Center (RFCC) is throughout Santa Barbara County which shows how important it is and how important Guadalupe is.
On August 18, 2018, Guadalupe entered into a Dispatch Service Agreement with the City of Santa Maria, for both police and fire dispatching. The County Board of Supervisors authorized the County Fire Department to establish an RFCC on October 1, 2018. The RFCC is currently run by Sheriff's Department for Sheriff, Fire and Ambulance service. The City of Santa Maria agree to discontinue fire dispatching and use RFCC by FT 2024. This agreement has been vetted by Ms. Lorena Zarate, Finance Director, City Attorney Sinco, and Mr. Todd Bodem, City Administrator.
All Fire agencies have committed to the RECC with five-year contracts, with three-year renewal terms after the initial five (5) years. It will take $65,000 to ensure adequate funding from the City. Chief Cash showed a slide showing final costs for all agencies (7) participating. For Guadalupe, total calls of 609 have an annual cost for service of $43,3421; annual fixed expense of $20,286 for a total of $63,628. (The calls per service rate is $71.17.)
For the period 2017 to 2022, averages for total calls, 561; EMS calls, 401; Fire calls, 22; Hazardous conditions, 22 and Miscellaneous calls, 116. In 2017, total calls were 530 versus 609 in 2022. The current cost for Santa Maria fire dispatching services is $2,013.08 (annually $24,156.96). Portable and mobile radios were purchased from Santa Maria. Equipment will be programmed over.
Under the current contract with City of Santa Maria, the monthly cost for Santa Maria Police dispatching services is $6,210.25 (annually $50,367).. for both Fire and PD, $74,503. City of Santa Maria is amending the contract dissolving fire dispatching. Guadalupe police dispatching will still continue under the current contract.
All fire departments will function as one. When there's a call, three (3) stations will be able to respond for Guadalupe. This system will be automatic where other fire departments will be able to hear all calls at the same time. All 37 fire stations will hear 911 calls for improved response time.
Currently, if a 911 call goes to Santa Maria Dispatch, it's determined not be a police call. It then goes to Fire/EMS where service starts. With the proposed new system, a 911 call goes to RFCC, service starts.
August 23, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 4 of 8 The RFCC will be staffed with 24 full-time employees with dedicated call takers and dispatcher, with no distracting law duties. Tactical radio operators-incident dispatcher follows each call with no distracting duties. The Locution fire station alerting system has been in use in the county since 2019 and will carry over to the RFCC and be fully operational.
General fund monies will need to be placed into the Fire Department's budget to offset the payments to the RFCC. Chief Cash cited the continuing funding services for public safety as 1) Measure V2014, public service protection; 2) Measure W2014, public service preservation; 3) Measure X2014, public service preservation, and 4) Measure N2020, essential services transaction. Chief also mentioned Fund 76 and the Guadalupe/Chevron Program grant.
Costs broken down are as follows:
• Current Fire dispatching yearly budget: $24,000
• Current Fire dispatching actual yearly cost: $24,156
• Last five years - fire calls for service average: 550-620 • New average cost per service rate: $71.17
• New average yearly cost for fire calls for service: $39,143 to $44,125 • New Fire dispatching fixed yearly expense: $20,000
This represents an additional cost of about $40,000 annually. Note: this agreement is not for the current fiscal year and does not have a fiscal impact for the current fiscal year's budget. However, costs for the fire department will increase about $40,000 more annually starting in 2024. The agreement is for five (5) years, which may include annual increases for inflation.
Discussion was turned to the City Council. Mayor Julian said, "Kudos to all fire departments responding to our needs You know we're shorthanded. So, when there's a call for mutual aid, you're always there. We appreciate that." CM Robles said, "This should have been worked on many years ago. Such a streamlined system. it's pretty common sense and seems like a good deal." CM Costa, Jr. added, "We should have stuck with the County instead of Santa Maria if they were going to go down. We have to have a dispatch. There will still be a delay. How soon do we need to get into this?" Chief Cash said, "We're looking for approval now, but this doesn't take effect for another year...but we want to get in on the ground floor." At this point, Rob Heckman, Deputy Fire Chief from Santa Barbara County FD added, "Right now, the process is in place. We're at 50% design schematic review. By December 2023, it will be out to bid with the hope of going live by April 2024." CM Costa, Jr. said, "I asked 'how soon' because / want to see what our budget is going to be before we vote and make that decision." Chief Cash said, "There are funds in Fund 76 available now to take care of this. When the County would actually need it, I do not know. But, currently, without affecting the General Fund, we do have the funds to make this happen." Mayor Julian asked, "For the area on Division Road in SLO County, and also the Oso Flaco area, what station from SLO responds? Do we know that?" Chief said, "Cal Fire on the mesa...by the refinery." The mayor said that we need this.
August 23, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 5 of 8 CM Robles said, "I want to hear from our Finance Director." Ms. Zarate said, "When Chief presented this to Todd and me, / was concerned for this year and thought we had to switch right away. I had no idea of this timeline. But it wasn't for this fiscal year, so it's a bit okay. Sustainability of ongoing services is always a question when the budgets have been so tight, historically....$40,000 more every year, going forward. That will need to be carved in at the next budget time. Fund 76 will run out... not an ongoing revenue source. It's split between public safety and public infrastructure. That fund was allocated this fiscal year to be used up. However, could be changes where we don't use it up and there'd be some funds available for next year. But we need to think about years after that when Fund 76 is done. This should come out of the General Fund as an ongoing Fire expenditure that we need to think about next budget year."
Mayor Julian said, "I'm optimistic about our future and our finances. The residents passed the four (4) tax measures to support our General Fund and public safety, recreation and our downtown. This needs to happen. Is there a motion to approve Resolution No 2022-79 or are there any more questions/comments?" CM Costa, Jr. then said, "I want to hold off on this decision for our next Council meeting with our other two (2) council members here, and they can hear from Lorena. Our budget is tight right now and I know that this won't impact our budget this fiscal year. But it will be next year...so we can see where we're at. I know we'll have to do it, regardless, but / want a full council on this vote. Lorena said this will come from the General Fund. We want to make sure we have the money for this and not looking to scrounge for it. I know with the tax measures and all we're looking to get better. But those are my concerns." CM Robles commented, "I enjoyed the presentation and support it. We can table if we don't need to vote tonight and get the other two (2) council members on board and take another look. But this is something that has to be done." Mayor Julian's final comment was, "We know this has to be done. We have a council, and we have the ability to make decisions. Are there any emails regarding this?" There were no emails. The mayor then said, "I move that we approve Resolution No. 2022-
79. I'm looking for a second."
Motion was made by Mayor Julian and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve Resolution No. 2022-79 to approve the Cooperative Dispatch Agreement with the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District. Roll Call: Ayes: Costa, Jr. Robles, Julian Absent: Ramirez, Cardenas 3-0 Motion passed.
Mayor Julian added, "This was a hard decision. What's even harder is not having the support of the other entities we're talking about. We need fast response. If we had to provide this on our own, we wouldn't be able to do it. So, we appreciate the gentlemen in the back of the chambers there for being here. And I know it's hard, and I appreciate Gene, as an ex-firefighter, keeping an eye on us and what we need to do for fire and our public safety. Thank you all."
10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
August 23, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 6 of 8 Mayor Julian asked to schedule "FRESA", food program for the Sept. 13th meeting. They want to provide a farmers' market in Guadalupe. "FRESA" stands for 'Food, Resilience, Equity, sustainability, and Action'. They will give a presentation on their program.
11. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
CM Robles: There have been two (2) meetings on Sunday at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts & Education Center. They had a bonsai class.
I'll have more information on this but in October at Morro Bay Rock, there will be a celebration of the landing of the first Filipinos in the United States. One of the Spanish galleons, running the Acapulco-Manila galleon trade, accidentally landed in Morro Bay. There's a lot of unknown history, but there will be a celebration in October commencing that. There's a huge plaque that was put out there in 1995...Joe and Margie Talaugon were a part of that. The group handling this celebration is the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS).
CM Costa, Jr.: Youth football started. There will be four (4) home games. There isn't a schedule yet.
On September 18"h, there will be a "corn hole tournament" at O'Connell Park to raise money for the Bulldogs.
Mayor Julian: I attended Air Pollution Control District and SBCAG meetings. State Route 1-the Santa Maria River Bridge replacement is a $33.OM project. It's currently in the design phase with a construction timeline of 2023-2025. Also, State Route 166/1-Guadalupe ADA pedestrian infrastructure improvements. This is in the design stage with a construction cost of $12.9M. The timeline for completion is 2028.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
12. ADJOURNMENT TO THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD MEETING
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to adjourn to the Successor Agency Board Meeting. 3-0 Absent: Ramirez, Cardenas Motion passed.
13. Biennial Update to Successor Agency Conflict of Interest Code.
Written report: Wendy Stockton, Assistant City Attorney Recommendation: That the Successor Agency adopt SA Resolution No. 2022-02 updating its Conflict-of-Interest Code and rescinding Resolution No. 2014-01.
Ms. Stockton mentioned that this resolution for the Successor Agency is the similar as Resolution No. 2022-76 that the City Council approved tonight. Each year the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) asks us to take a look at our Conflict-of-Interest Code to make sure that it's according to Hoyle. The FPPC gives a lot of input on exactly what the code should be and what they should say.
August 23, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 7 of 8 I've put together a couple amendments to each of these codes so they're real close to what the FPPC is asking for. You can then look at it and know what has to go on the Form 700, Statement of Economic Interest.
Motion was made by Council Member Robles and seconded by Council Member Costa, Jr. to adopt SA Resolution No. 2022-02 updating its Conflict-of-Interest Code and rescinding Resolution 2014-
01. Roll Call: Ayes: 3 Absent: Ramirez, Cardenas 3-0 Motion passed.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to adjourn the meeting. 3-0 Absent: Ramirez, Cardenas Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 6:47 Prepared by:
Queliadies
Amelia M. Villegas, City Clerk
August 23, 2022 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting MINUTES Page 8 of 8