MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Special Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
and the Successor Agency to the Guadalupe Redevelopment Agency Board Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 6:00 pm
City Hall, 918 Obispo Street, Council Chambers
1. ROLL CALL:
Council Member Christina Hernandez
Council Member Gilbert Robles
Council Member (Vacant)
Mayor Pro Tempore Eugene Costa Jr.
Mayor Ariston Julian
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. All four (4) were present.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Julian requested that the following order of the agenda change under Regular Business:
• Item 9 becomes 12
• Item 10 becomes 13
• Item 11 becomes 9
• Item 12 becomes 10
• Item 13 becomes 11
• A letter from the Department of Transportation was received and distributed to Council regarding Main Street / State Route 166 Intersection Stop Controls Proposals. (Note) There was no item on the agenda regarding this matter.
4. CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
Mayor Julian read out loud a Proclamation on Human Trafficking Awareness Month - January 2023.
Rachel Hurd, Counseling Services Advocate went to the Podium and stated that, "Good evening, Mayor Julian, and members of the City Council. My name is Rachel, and I am the Counseling Services Advocate for the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center. Our agency provides services in all of northern and mid Santa Barbara County, but tonight I come to you as a member of the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Awareness Month and sadly, our January 17, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes
pristine piece of heaven on earth is not immune to this terrible from of victimization. Human Trafficking is an issue that is pervasive in our community, but few people talk about it. The County Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in 2013 because we realized that none of us can do this work in a vacuum, and we had to unite. We engage and rely on the expertise that each entity brings to the table. It is a true collaborative effort as we work to assess the scope of the problem locally, offer access to training opportunities, develop protocols, and improve law enforcement and victim service response. We are a group of organizations with a common goal of educating, intervening, advocating, and changing the landscape of trafficking.
So, just how bad is it? Well, in my opinion, and I say this about any form of violence... one is too many and human trafficking is a crime that knows no boundaries and everyone, and I mean everyone, is at risk. In Santa Barbara County since January 2017, there have been 243 new human trafficking investigations with 217 new survivors having been identified. Of those, 27% have been minors, with an additional 33% between the ages of 18-24; 42% were Santa Barbara residents prior to trafficking; and 91% were sex trafficking.
Keep in mind that human trafficking is difficult to measure. Fear of harm to self or others, language barriers, lack of personal freedom, and fear of law enforcement often prevent victims from reporting their victimization or seeking services, so the number has the potential to be much higher.
As a City Council you have taken a step by acknowledging the work with this Proclamation. But what now? Your work isn't done! learn more. Call us and we'll provide you with more information that / can in the three minutes I have at this podium. We love talking to people, because honestly, we need you. Imagine how much stronger we are when we present an educated, uniformed front to fight this insidious form of violence. What if you knew what the red flags were and had the tools to act on them? What if you were able to confidently have conversations with young people to educate them as well? The trafficking task force has a lot to offer, and we encourage each of you to visit our website of trafffickstopsb.org to learn more. We'd also like to make you aware of an upcoming vigil being held on January 18th at 5:30 p.m. in De La Guerra Plaza. This Vigil for Freedom will shine an even greater light on our work and those we help.
Thank you again for honoring each of us with this Proclamation and for your work in our community to keep this issue on the forefront.
5. 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.
Albert Nunez Jr. Board Member, Rancho de Guadalupe Historical Society approached the podium to say, "thank you for the time to speak tonight. I'm here representing the Rancho de Guadalupe Historical Society to ask the city council to support our application for a 'Monetary Reduction or Waiver' on our rental of the American Legion Hall in March. For a bit of history, we are the non- profit association that curates our town's Historical Museum and staffed entirely by volunteers. Our January 17, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes
doors stay open because of donations and various fundraising efforts throughout the year. For many years, we held a St. Patrick's Day Spaghetti dinner. A few years ago, we Switched to holding an annual 'Treasures' sales, selling items donated from our members and the public. Last year, the Treasurers sale was one of the more successful and made about $700. Now, this event consists of setting up tables in the hall, and a few chairs for staff like myself who can't stand for too long. When we're done for the day, we put all the tables and chairs back ourselves, we sweep and dispose of any trash. Essentially, we have left the hall as clean or even cleaner than we found it. This year, while applying to reserve the hall, we learned two things: There was a $500.00 cleaning fee for the hall and the cleaning fee is based on the type of facility, rather than the type of function. The Historical Society respectfully asks that the City Council consider either of these options regarding our rental application for our event:
1. Grandfather in our previous fee of $50
2. Consider waiving the cleaning fee altogether (with the understanding that we will continue to put away all the tables and chairs, sweep, dispose of refuse, after the event).
Now, there might be some that asks, if the City was to do this for one group, would the City have to do it for other groups?' I would submit that each event, regardless of the group, is different in scope, needs, history and pattern of behavior. A 'one size fits all' approach is not the only path, nor the most equitable. For example, an event with food and a crowd of one hundred is different, than an event with a group of 10 people holding a meeting around a table' or an event like ours, with a few chairs, some tables and light foot traffic. But right now, the cleaning fee would be the same for all these events because of the venue. The Historical Society has been a responsible presence in the city since 1989 and we have been part of the American Legion building since 2002. We hope to keep this event in the Hall because of its proximity to the museum but with the new lock-in fee of $100, the new fee facility rental fee of $50 and the cleaning fee of $500 minus the refundable amount of $250, the total to use the hall is now $400. And now, our event may not be feasible to use the hall. And while we recognize the fiscal needs of he city, and the necessary oversight required to ensure a well- maintained facility, our pattern of responsible use since we've held the event, should ensure the hall will be well-maintained during our event. Further, I wholly encourage the city council to revisit the fee schedule and consider a different approach. Apply cleaning fees as they relate to the type of function and even the city's history with the group, rather than the size of the facility. I hope the information I have shared is beneficial to any discussions on the matter. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight."
The application information was then submitted to city staff for review and follow up.
6. 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.
January 17, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes
Ratify payment of warrants for the period ending January 2, 2023 and December 15, 2022.
C. Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of December 13, 2022.
D. Continuance of second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2022-506 amending Chapter
18.53 (Accessory Dwelling Units) to the regular City Council meeting to be held on January 24, 2023.
Adopt Resolution No. 2023-01 accepting a donation of nine (9) cases of soda and water to the Guadalupe Fire Department from the Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling Company to assist the "City of Guadalupe Armed Forces Holiday Gathering" for military personnel from Vandenburg Space Force Base.
Adopt Resolution No. 2023-02 accepting a donation of $1,100.00 to the Guadalupe Fire Department from the Santa Maria Elks Lodge No. 1538 toward the purchase of candy for the 2022 Guadalupe Christmas Parade.
G. MONTHLY REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS
1. Planning Department report for December 2022
2. Building Department report for December 2022
3. Public Works/Engineering report for December 2022
Motion was made by Council Member Robles and seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Costa Jr. to approve the Consent Calendar. 4-0 Motion passed.
7. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: (Information Only)
City Administrator Bodem stated that city staff learned a lot following the recent storm event. He also asked if the City Council had any questions about the written City Administrator report. There were no follow up questions asked.
8. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT: (Information Only) Public Safety Director gave an extensive overview of the storm event and the impacts on several displaced citizens who were moved into short term housing located at the Pioneer Apartments near their homes that were flooded.
Courtney Cazenave mentioned that the city did a wonderful job responding to the storm event. "Nobody panicked and Marcus was awesome."
Lenny Lizalde said this was "a wake-up call" and thanked everyone. "We need to get organized as a city and ensure our connections to outside agencies in case there is an earthquake or larger disaster." Megan Lizalde would like to see if staff can develop a flyer with instructions on how citizens can sign up to the emergency alert system. Staff will develop a flyer and insert it in the next utility billing cycle.
January 17, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes
REGULAR BUSINESS
9. City Council Vacancy.
A written report was provided by Todd Bodem, City Administrator recommending that the City Council interview all three (3) interested city residents and select one (1) finalist to fill the remainder of Tony Ramirez'term, effective immediately.
Mr. Bodem gave a summary of his staff report and ended the discussion laying out the interview process.
The City Council interviewed three (3) interested residents to fill the seat of the Tony Ramirez's term.
They are as follows:
1. Courtney Cazenave
2. Clemente Moreno
3. Megan Lizalde
The City Council was extremely impressed with quality of applicants and from the answers provided by those who were interviewed.
After careful consideration, it was the consensus to appoint Megan Lizalde. Mayor Julian thanked the other interested people and said, "I wish we had a 7-member council so that all of you could be seated."
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to appoint Megan Lizalde to fill the remainder of Tony Ramirez' term, effective immediately. 4-0 Motions passed.
10. SWEARING IN OF NEWLY APPOINTED OFFICIAL.
Deputy City Clerk, Todd Bodem administered the oath of office to Megan Lizalde.
11. APPOINTED OFFICIAL TO BE SEATED AND GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
Newly appointed City Council Member Megan Lizalde thank the City Council.
12. Resolution ratifying and proclaiming the existence of a local state of emergency.
A written report was provided by Todd Bodem, City Administrator recommending that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2023-03 ratifying and proclaiming the existence of a local state of emergency.
City Attorney Philip Sinco provided some background detailing the need for the City Council to adopt a resolution ratifying and proclaiming the existence of a local state of emergency. The City was January 17, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes
adversely impacted by the strong winds and rain causing massive flooding and the displacement of several people who were ultimately sheltered in the H2A Pioneer Apartments complex. Sinco mentioned that on the night of January 9, 2023, and the early morning go January 10, 2023, the City Administrator/Director of Emergency Services declared a state of emergency; soon thereafter, the Emergency Operations Center was activated by the Public Safety Director. Meeting the seven (7) day window to declare, Sinco stated that the governing body must now proclaim a local emergency tonight which will then enable the city to receive state and federal funding to repair and make whole those impacted by the storms.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve Resolution No. 2023-03 ratifying and proclaiming the existence of a local state of emergency.
Motion passed 5:0 by a roll-call vote.
13. Emergency Occupancy Agreement for displaced residents.
A written report was provided by Philip F. Sinco, City Attorney recommending that the City Council either:
a. By motion, decline to ratify a proposed "emergency occupancy agreement" to provide temporary housing for City residents displaced from their homes because of flooding; and b. By motion, ratify a payment of $7,000 paid to provide temporary housing for displaced City residents from January 10-17, 2023.
City Attorney Philip Sinco provided the City with a long staff report that summarized why the city must ratify an "emergency occupancy agreement" between the owner of the 824 Pioneer Apartments (Owner: Steve Simoulis) and the City executed by the property owner and the Mayor during the storm crisis. The Public Safety Director felt this was the best solution to work with Steve to temporarily shelter the displaced people so that they were safe and secure. The City Attorney stated that a resolution (No. 2020-04) giving department heads the authority to enter into contracts under $50,000 as long as it is budgeted. However, since the amount is over $50,000 in the agreement, the agreement needs an action of the City Council.
LADG representative Alejandra Mahoney stated that, "this is what leaders do, they lead by making the difficult decisions. LADG has already received up to $25,000 in post recovery funds." Interim Finance Director Robert Perrault suggested that he will return to a future meeting with an appropriation report that these costs be paid out of the reserve fund. He also suggested that the agreement be amended to include language that rent shall not be paid if any of the units are vacated before the end of the term. This was verbally agreed upon by the property owner and the City Council.
According to the City Attorney, at the January 24, 2023, City Council meeting, Council must adopt a Resolution finding that the expenditure of public funds for temporary lodging of City residents January 17, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes
displaced due to flooding during the local emergency services a public purpose and to confirm ratification of an emergency occupancy agreement as revised this City Council meeting.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to negotiate the emergency occupancy agreement with the modifications requested by the City Council and approved by the Owner for final ratification at the January 24, 2023 City Council meeting. 5-0 Motion passed.
14. Appointment of Councilmembers to various boards and committees.
A written report was provided by Todd Bodem, City Administrator recommending that the Mayor nominate, and the City Council ratify the Mayor's nominations, having to do with appointments to various boards and committees which require Council representation.
The City Council tabled the appointment of Council Members to various boards and committees to a future meeting (yet to be determined).
15. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tempore would like to discuss closing of certain streets near the school during daytime hours and to make room for parking, etc. in a future agenda.
Mayor Julian would like to see an update regarding the Cannabis and the CUP process. This item will be presented at the February 14 City Council meeting.
16. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Hernandez talked about the "Daddy & Daughter Dance" and wanted to know more about it but understands that the information is in the Recreation and Parks Newsletter and flyer.
Mayor Julian gave additional 'real time' testimony of the flooding situation. He also made a statement thanking everyone (from top to bottom) who helped during this crisis.
17. ADJOURNMENT TO SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD MEETING
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to adjourn to the Successor Agency Board Meeting at 8:02 p.m.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
18. Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule and Administrative Budget for the July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, Period.
January 17, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes
A written report was provided by Joy Otsuki, Special Counsel to the Successor Agency recommending that the Successor Agency adopt SA Resolution No. 2023-01 entitled "Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Guadalupe approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for the July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, period".
Joy Otsuki, Special Counsel to the Successor Agency, was virtually present at the meeting, and provided an overview of the ROPS with the following recommended motion.
Motion was made by Agency Board Member Costa Jr. and seconded by Agency Board Member Hernandez to approve the Successor Agency Resolution No. 2023-01 which is a Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Guadalupe approving the Recognize Obligation Payment Schedule for the July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 Period. 5-0 Motion passed.
19. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to adjourn. 5-0 Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Prepared by: Approved by:
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Todd Bodem, Deputy City Clerk iston Juli
January 17, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes