Minutes
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, November 14, 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 Megan Lizalde
Mayor Pro Tempore Eugene Costa Jr.
Mayor Ariston Julian
Mayor Julian called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council Members Costa, Jr. and Lizalde were absent. (Note: The abbreviation, "CM", for "Council Member", will be used in these minutes.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. MOMENT OF THANKS, APPRECIATION OR CONDOLENCES.
Mayor Julian briefly commented on the continuing dilemma in the Middle East. The people there remain in our hearts. Hopefully, they will soon find peace.
4. AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes to the agenda.
5. CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
A. Swearing-in Gabriel Matsuura, Paid Call Firefighter
PCF Matsuura's brother, Sam, pinned the badge on him. His parents provided the epaulets. He then said, "It's definitely odd being behind the microphone after years of being with the City, starting off as an intern three (3) years ago, was just still figuring what I wanted to do with life... found this wonderful opportunity with the City. You all have been welcoming. It's an honor to train with the Fire Department here and work with all of you. I'm happy to continue to serve the City. Thank you." Mayor Julian said, "We're fortunate to have someone like you and your family...their support to be here. You've set an example for other firefighters and other community members. Thank you."
6. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
Requests to Speak
November 14, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Agenda Page 1 of 9 Mike Rochlin
Head Librarian, Dawn Jackson's contact is 805-925-0994, x2319. Council should call Librarian Jackson and tell her to change the policy regarding children using computers at the library. During the last session it was explained that children are not using library computers appropriately. Two (2) days later, because of continued inaction, there was another incident at the library which resulted in yet another request for reassignment of a qualified assistant librarian. Library administration informed the library assistant that she could sue.
This is an ongoing issue. It is not viable to expect library assistants to be able to administer the library alone when the head librarian's policies encourage misbehavior. If students are allowed to congregate at a bank of screens...gruesome details while shooting machine guns, what does library administration expect will happen?
This behavior is not permitted at Santa Maria or other branches. Jackson has said that, by allowing students access to these games, maybe they'll use the library. This is a reflection of disdain on the community. Guadalupe students do not need to be bribed with interactive machine gun war games in order to use the library, and the town does not need the youths' good behavior undermined.
This is a petition, and it reads: At the Guadalupe Library, children should be encouraged to read, check out books, do homework, and study. Children should not be using library computers to play interactive machine gun war games. If children want to use a computer for school related tasks, they should be required to have a library card with verified parent contact information. The Guadalupe Library does not need to be under the jurisdiction of any other agency and should reside in City Hall as is done in other municipalities. There, policies can be appropriate for our residents instead of being an object of Head Librarian's disdain. Your constituency wants appropriate behavior in the library. In the meantime, the Council should call Head Librarian Jackson and tell her to change her policies regarding children using computers. Jackson's number is 805-925-0994, x2319.
Mayor Julian said, "Mike, you said there's a petition?" Mr. Rochlin asked if the mayor would like a copy. The mayor said, "Yes... we're part of what's going on over there, in terms of the facility. Who is that directed to if I may ask?" Mr. Rochlin responded, "I'm busy collecting signatures, and I haven't prepared myself to answer a number of questions on the petition. I'm busy collecting signatures." Mayor Julian said, "Okay, we have your phone number... we have the phone number for the head librarian." Mr. Rochlin then said, "You have my contact number. Whenever you're prepared to discuss it, as in the past, you're free to call." The mayor thanked him.
Alhan Diaz
I just want to invite everyone and give an update on the Air Quality Monitoring project. We had our Clean Air Fair on September 24th with family activities and free food from the Lobos Butcher Shop on that day. We have an upcoming event on Friday (November 17"), from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We will be hosting our annual report. We'll be able to share, in English and Spanish, the report from air quality data for this past year. We'll have some family activities. If you haven't seen, we'll also be hosting the Route 1 mobile farmers' market. The GBA, along with FRESA and the Family Service Agency, have been coordinating with Route 1 to bring a mobile market this Friday. It's the first one, it's a limited series...but we're trying to get community involvement to turn out and really show November 14, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Agenda Page 2 of 9 support for the market and to show support for Guadalupe's air quality. We'll again be sharing a presentation and also be debuting a video where several community members were interviewed, including Christina Hernandez on the City Council. The video will feature her and a few others. It' talk about not only air quality but also pesticides that affect our community. Again, it'I be this Friday, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
CM Hernandez added, "This flyer says use your EBT card at the farmers market and get 50% off for local families." Mr. Diaz said, "One of the goals of the market is that it will accept 'CalFresh'... the local market will accept 'Calfresh' and EBT cards to get an extra discount on the day." He added that the air quality for the year was good.
Albert Nunez
I wasn't really going to speak. I was just here for the museum item on the Consent Calendar. But in response to my fellow resident who spoke about the library situation, / went to the School Board last year. This is just my two cents. I'm sure this has been trotted over this landscape.../ went to the School Board last year in November, and I relayed what I saw. I use the library very frequently.
Luckily, I can work in a busy environment. Kids are gonna be kids as I told the School Board. The Superintendent responded wonderfully. He showed up the next day at the library...he sat there...he watched, and he assigned an officer from the school to come over and do as much as that safety officer/maintenance person can come over to do to mitigate any situation.
But it really is...! don't believe the video games are the problem. I believe that creating a space for kids to congregate in a safe environment that lets them have freedom and not so much that they hurt each other and impact each other's lives in a negative way is necessary. It's unfortunate that the Boys & Girls Club is way on the other side of the City, and the library is right there. I've seen it become a madhouse. The poor little librarians...they're just...the only thing they can do is ask somebody to leave. I wrote that on Facebook about what happens when they do that. They kick them out, and the kids still congregate and make problems. So, the problem isn't so much the video games as it is providing a safe play space, an after school space that's closer to the school. That's my experience. Thank you.
Mayor Julian said, "There's been some concern that there are a lot of individuals just hanging around on the outside. That negative energy starts to spill out internally and externally. That's an actual private property. We need to delve deeper into this. So, Todd, if you'll just call the librarian and also Mr. Handa!.. how we can make sure the people are safe and do useful things. Thank you for your comments, Albert."
7. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-J)
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.
November 14, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Agenda Page 3 of 9 B. Approve payment of warrants for the period ending November 2, 2023.
C. Approve the Minutes of the City Council special meeting of October 24, 2023.
D. Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of October 24, 2023.
E. Approve a new 5-year lease extension with the Rancho de Guadalupe Historical Society for the historic one-room jail on 10th Street and authorize the Mayor to sign on behalf of the City.
Approve the Employment Agreement with Michael Cash previously approved with a minor, clerical correction (change from 40 hours of administrative leave per year to 80 hours of administrative leave per year).
G. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-90 authorize the Public Works Director to execute applications, certifications and assurances, authorized agent forms, requests for reimbursement, and any other documents required to receive financial assistance through the US Department of Transportation (administered by the California Department of Transportation) associated with the 5311 and 5339 programs.
H. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-91 approving an agreement with Urban Planning Concepts, Inc. for contract planning services in Guadalupe.
I. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-92 approving an agreement with Filippin Engineering, Inc. to provide construction management services for the Royal Theater renovation project.
Adopt Resolution No. 2023-93 approving corrections to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Guadalupe Police Officers Association (GPOA) that was approved by City Council on October 24, 2023.
No items were pulled. Motion was made by Council Member Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve the full Consent Calendar. 3-0 Absent: Costa, Jr. and Lizalde Motion passed.
Mayor Julian mentioned that there was an individual here to speak on Item. H. Ms. Laurie Tamura, from Urban Planning Concepts, said, "I brought forth a proposal to provide planning services to the City of Guadalupe. We look forward to providing those services and working with staff. I believe this is the third time our company has provided these services over the last 35 years. We're glad to step into that role again and look forward to, hopefully, a smooth transition between Larry Appel and Bill Scott. Thank you very much for considering us, and we look forward to working for your team."
CM Hernandez commented that she had worked with Brian Tetley, a member of Urban Planning Concepts, for eight (8) years when he was on the Dunes Center Board. She said that he's a great guy to work with.
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MANAGEMENT REPORTS
8. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: (Information Only)
A. City Administrator's report for November 14, 2023
B. Planning Department report for October 2023
C. Building Department report for October 2023
A. Since the city opened its money market account, $25,965 in interest has been earned. He gave a "shout out" to Janice Davis, Finance Director, who took the initiative to bring this to the City Council. Ms. Davis said, "This is only for half-a-month. We'll see more income in three (3) months.
CM Hernandez mentioned the grand opening of the new Santa Maria Office. She said, "This is the first time in two (2) decades that two legislators will share a district office helping residents connecting with their representatives. They will be helping with resources for the community." The median price in September for a home is $843,000, down 1.9% from August and up 3.2% from a year ago.
A sizeable FEMA reimbursement is anticipated for early 2024.
The City applied for and received a total project funding amount of $116,476 for the purchase of one (12) electric van for demand response for ADA service.
City Attorney Sinco is working with the RDA attorney regarding "Al's Union" property. There was interest expressed previously for the City to retain ownership for public purpose, possibly a new fire house.
Documents for the Hwy 1/166 Consolidation project are being routed for signatures. Most documents have been signed.
Guadalupe Senior Center - grant funding is available to hire a staff person, a City employee who would be at the Center to expand meal and other senior services here in Guadalupe.
Met with 151 Obispo regarding the odor issue. They're working with Air Pollution Control District (APCD). They filled out an application for a District permit for a cannabis processing facility and are working with APCD to address odor system. Mayor Julian said "The smell is out of our hands.
The company is working with APCD. Hwy 1/166 - huge structure, bridge on Obispo Street.
Project will take 2-2.5 years. The project will happen in 25/26 - $31M project." CM Hernandez said, "The Climate Action Plan - I'm excited for that. The Central Coast Processing Facility - they failed to obtain a permit from APCD?" Mr. Bodem said that the facility wasn't November 14, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Agenda Page 5 of 9 initially aware the application was required. City Attorney Sinco added, "They got a memo from APCD long after. They spoke with specialist - no bad faith." CM Hernandez then asked, "Who needs to apply for a APCD permit" City Attorney Sinco said, "Any processing facility." Mayor Julian said, "Because of the large volume of wet pot, it will smell. There were 150 employees working several shifts but that will go down." Mr. Bodem said that some residents complained but when told that APCD was involved, they were happy.
B. There were three (3) zoning clearances; five (5) ADU approvals, and two (2) business license approvals. There will be three (3) short-term rental approvals for November.
C. For building inspections, there were 218 for October vs 189 the prior month. (Pasadera isn't building now.) Building permits were up at 21 in October vs 15 in September. Minor decrease in visitors with 35 in October vs 37 in September.
9. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT: (Information Only) A. Police Department report for September 2023
B. Fire Department report for September 2023
C. Code Compliance report for September 2023
Chief Cash has been out for a period of time and commented that he "wasn't fully back yet". He thanked all the well wishes while being out.
Nothing outstanding to report for Police, Fire and Code Compliance. Gearing up Code Compliance for the holiday.
CM Hernandez asked, "There were two (3) children that were hit at Masatani's (crosswalk). Do we keep stats on hits?" Chief said, "On January 1st, Governor Newsom signed legislation saying there's "no longer jaywalking". People forget that this (Guadalupe Street) is a highway. Hard to enforce.
We look at mitigations. Obispo and Main Streets caused problems, i.e., school. We've had limited problems at Masatani's. Maybe more than flashing lights are needed there due to the parked cars near the crosswalk."
CM Hernandez then asked, "Is it difficult to decrease the speed limit?" Mayor Julian said, "It's 30mph now...was 25mph. We're working with Cal Trans to find some mitigation...put stop sign on gth Street." Chief Cash then said, "Main Street to Masatani, that's a straight away and by the Royal Theatre. A lot of people cross and live at 9th Street. A stop sign would slow things at the theatre." Mayor Julian said that this needs to be brought up with Cal Trans.
CM Robles asked, "Do we have an actual sign with the speed limit on it?" Chief Cash said, "Good for a week or two...then there's a lax attitude toward things." November 14, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Agenda Page 6 of 9 Mr. Chisam added, "Traffic control devices are the responsibility of the State. There's the issue with parking...remove bulbouts...capabilities to reduce speed. Put a stop sign where there's industrial traffic."
CM Hernandez asked, "Amtrak is getting a grant. Does that include a crosswalk?" The mayor said it didn't include that. CM Hernandez continued saying, "There are a lot of strollers on Hwy 1. There's a crosswalk further down the street."
REGULAR BUSINESS
10. Adoption of the June 2023 City of Guadalupe Emergency Response and Procedures Manual.
Written report: Michael Cash, Director of Public Safety Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the June 2023 City of Guadalupe Emergency Response and Procedures Manual.
Chief Cash mentioned that this item had been brought up before by CM Hernandez. He gave a brief background on the Emergency Response and Procedures Manual (ERP) and its purpose. The manual provides guidance to the Guadalupe community for responding to and managing emergency incidents. For those emergencies of a longer duration, higher severity requiring specialized response, the ERP will guide the efforts of the community.
In California, government agencies are required by state law to use the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) to manage their response to an emergency incident. SEMS forms a network to allow responders from different jurisdictions and agencies to work together toward a common goal. The City has committed to the use of SEMS in emergency management.
The main portion of this ERP guides the response to the great majority of emergency incidents that may occur during the year. The ERP was designed as an "all-hazards" approach to managing potential emergencies in the City of Guadalupe.
Chief Cash mentioned that there was one correction needed: On the "Letter of Promulgation", a signature line for the City Administrator was left out. He also said that all cities are to have an ERP as it makes it easier to get FEMA monies.
Mayor Julian commented on" hazardous vulnerability audits". He asked, "What would happen if there was a train derailment with hazardous material? The closest assistance would be from Santa Barbara County. So, that piece is missing. It needs to be added here." Additional comments were made: A disaster kit is important, very important. The thought always is that 'nothing is going to happen here'. If we're stuck here, you're fully loaded for several days.
People should home in on the kit. • We have the Red Cross trailer here at City Hall. That's a great start.
November 14, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Agenda Page 7 of 9 The mayor asked Chief Cash about the committee he's working with, GSST (Guadalupe Safety Support Team). Chief Cash said, "There was a large need after the flooding earlier this year. We didn't have a real coordinated effort. I need to write a staff report to bring the program out. The group is doing policies and procedures now." The mayor asked if this was part of CERT. Chief Cash that CERT is a separate program.
Mayor Julian said, "This can plug into the community group (GSST)." Chief Cash said, "The group is made up of volunteers. With CERT, they'll give training. We need to see what fits Guadalupe." CM Hernandez said, "ERP LISTOS in Guadalupe. Lots of grants to apply for CERT training. It's exciting to see." Chief Cash said, "The City was not certified to do the training. We had to get certified. We're officially on the list to do training and can get paid to do the training." The mayor made a brief comment that all is cleared out under the bridge. He said there's an article in Noozhawk, an online newspaper, and that we're underbudget now.
Motion was made by Council Member Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Robles to adopt the June 2023 Emergency Response and Procedures Manual as is and direct staff to add training derailment and a signature line for the City Administrator on the Letter of Promulgation. 3-0 Absent: Costa, Jr. and Lizalde Motion passed.
11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Bodem asked to move the item, "Human Trafficking Awareness Month - January 2024" from unscheduled items to the January 9, 2024 meeting.
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
CM Hernandez: Attended Santa Maria's Veterans Day festivities - "Thank you for your service". The local Parents & Teachers Organization (PTO) was successful for their school event - "Thank you for all the volunteers."
CM Robles: There was a great turnout for the "Trunk or Treat" festivities at McKenzie for Halloween.
There were a lot of activities for those who attended. The Bulldogs are done. They were knocked out of the last game prior to the Super Bowl. But this was all good for the kids.
Mayor Julian: Food Bank: 281 families were served. With an average of 4 per family, that would mean 1,100 people were served. We will be providing vegetables now and less canned foods. "Thank you to the staff and volunteers." There was civil rights training - 18 volunteers.
13. ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION
Items to be discussed in closed session: Conference with Labor Negotiators.
November 14, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Agenda Page 8 of 9 Motion was made by Council Member Robles and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to adjourn to closed session. 3-0 Absent: Costa, Jr. and Lizalde Motion passed. Meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:57 p.m.
14. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
Conference with Labor Negotiators
(Subdivision (a) of Gov. Code Section 54957.6)
Agency designated representatives: City Administrator and Human Resources Manager Employee organizations: Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 620; International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 4403
15. ADJOURNMENT TO OPEN SESSION MEETING
Motion was made by Council Member Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Robles to adjourn to open session. 3-0 Absent: Costa, Jr. and Lizalde Motion passed. Meeting adjourned to open session at 7:18 p.m.
16. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no "reportable actions".
17. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Robles to adjourn meeting. 3-0 Absent: Costa, Jr and Lizalde Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
Prepared by: Approved by:
Ameli Ado
Ametta M. Villegas, City Clerk riston Julian, Mayo
November 14, 2023 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Agenda Page 9 of 9