MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council and
Special Meeting of the Successor Agency to the Guadalupe Redevelopment Agency Board
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 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. All members were present. (Council Member Lizalde had previously given notice of her resignation from the City Council.) (Note: The abbreviation, "CM", for "Council Member", will be used in these minutes.)
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF THANKS, APPRECIATION OR CONDOLENCES.
CM Robles mentioned that two long-term residents of Guadalupe have recently passed away: Mr.
Manuel Ramos and Ms. Orelia Gonzalez. He offered condolences to both of their families.
4. AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes to the agenda.
5. CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
• Present Firefighter of the year 2023 - David Bonifacio, Fire Engineer Chief Cash said that Fire Engineer David Bonifacio has been recognized by the Elks Lodge as the 2023-24 Firefighter of the Year. Chief said, "Dave's been here almost 15 years as a Paid-Call Firefighter (PCF). He's shown his dedication to the Fire Department by always 'showing up'. It took a bit of convincing for him to take the Engineer job as he had an outside job. We're blessed that he made the decision to come here. He's been a staple of the Fire Department. He's put in a lot of time. We're honored to have Dave as our 'Firefighter of the Year'." February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 11 Dave said, "I love this job. I'll do as much as I can. I love it here." Mayor Julian added, "We love your commitment to the Fire Department and the City. Congratulations." • Proclamation - Black History Month - February 2024
Mayor Julian read the proclamation which, in part, said: "During Black History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by African Aerians to our economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development...in 1926, Black History Month grew out of the establishment of Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History...in 1976, Black History Month was formally adopted ...every American president has designated February as Black History Month...the City of Guadalupe continues to work toward becoming an inclusive community...and is proud to honor the history and contributions of African Americans in our community, throughout our state, and nation." CM Hernandez then said, , "I want to uplift how important it is to honor and celebrate the vibrant heritage of the Black community, embracing the beauty of diversity and acknowledging the incredible impact of the Black community."
PRESENTATION
• Guadalupe Business Association - There was no representative at the meeting to give a presentation.
7. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
Request to Speak: Mr. Albert Nuñez, Jr.
I'm here tonight as a representative of the Guadalupe Historical Society. There are a few things we want to mention:
1) I emailed our yearly newsletter to all of you which shows all the things that we've done this past year, some of the things that were done in the City, and we're looking forward to the coming year. I just emailed it before I came to the meeting so you probably haven't seen it yet; 2) We're having a "Treasure Sale" on Saturday, March 16"', from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Red Barn behind the Cultural Center. Proceeds from the sale will go to buying special paint for the jail, paint that deals well against graffiti, and
3) Also, "Heritage on Display" project that I did last year in the main lobby of City Hall. We'll start again...for next month that will be "National Women's Heritage Month". I would like to invite anyone who would like to recognize a long-term or short-term resident who has made Guadalupe their home. For more information, email at [email protected] I'll get with them for a short interview and a few pictures to put together for the display. Last year, for the first display, we honored women who had been here their whole lives and became part of Guadalupe's tapestry that we all live against.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-G)
February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 11 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 February 5, 2024, and ratify payment of warrants for the period ending January 15, 2024.
C. Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of January 23, 2024.
Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 2024-514 amending Title 13 of the Guadalupe Municipal Code establishing a Public Safety Facilities Development Impact Fee.
E. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-12 approving the updated wage and benefits information for unrepresented employees.
Approve restoring $3,195.00 to the Guadalupe Public Safety Department from ARPA funds for the purchase of a cargo storage container for donated emergency preparedness supplies from the Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Management.
G. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-13 authorizing the City Administrator to enter a contract with Caltrans on behalf of the City and to execute agreements and any amendments with the California Department of Transportation for the Guadalupe Transit Hub Renovation Project.
There were no items pulled. Motion was made by Council Member Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve the full Consent Calendar. 4-0 Motion passed.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: (Information Only)
A. City Administrator's report for February 13, 2024
Mr. Bodem began by saying, "Council Member Megan Lizalde has resigned from the City Council.
We can come back at the next meeting to determine how we will handle that vacant office." Mayor Julian said, "Those that applied before, let them know." City Attorney Sinco added, "We're planning on notifying them. We'll bring options at next meeting to appoint or seek other action." Mr. Bodem then proceeded to comment on items and projected on his report. Some of those mentioned were as follows:
• He, along with Mayor Julian and CM Robles, will tour the Central Coast Processing site on Tuesday, February 20th. Other tours can be arranged by contacting him directly.
February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 11 • An all-staff meeting was held on February 7h with Mayor Julian to discuss the recent storm, the teamwork shown and quick response to have the City come through with minimal problems.
• January 31St interest=$50,396.27; since the account opened on October 15th =$166,002.27. • Central Park Project: 70% plan check done by Jeff van den Eikhof. • Pasadera Budgets/Rail Prehearing: a meeting was held with Craig Smith, Pasadera Project Manager, Lori Speer, Civil Engineer for Pasadera, and Alexander Popovici of O.G. Engineering to talk about prehearing with the Courts on the bridges over the tracks in the Pasadera development.
• Housing sales statewide in December showed a median home price of $817,740, down 0.3 percent from November and up 6.4 percent from a year ago. Mortgage rates are expected to decline in the next 12 months, hopefully, resulting in a favorable housing market. • Measure A Cycle 4 Competitive Grant, School Sidewalk: we are requesting $680K...deadline for final submittal is February 16th.
• Assistant City Attorney, Wendy Stockton, will give training on public records requests to those key employees in Administration and Public Safety who handle such requests. • Office of Traffic Safety Grant Application: on January 31st, the City submitted the grant requesting funds for radar equipment and Preliminary Alcohol Screening devices in the amount of $25,117.80.
• There are upcoming plans for an All-Guadalupe School reunion scheduled for August 3rd. The event will be sponsored by the Guadalupe Sports Hall of Fame, which will also include a GSHF induction to bring more people to the event.
• Le Roy Park Phase I: the City received a grant reimbursement check in the amount of $177K for the Le Roy Park Phase which should be the last stipend. • The electric bus initial diagnosis has been completed with the result being that the engineers confirmed that the motor will have to be replaced. No timetable yet and the groundwork has just started.
• Neighbor-to-Neighbor Grant: this program offers a minimum of $500,000 to disadvantaged communities for community events, such as training/education events, disaster mitigation/preparedness, etc. The Guadalupe Safety Support Team (GSST), a volunteer group which was approved by the City Council might benefit from such a grant to equip and support this group. This information was submitted to the Grant Writing Firm as a basis for a grant application.
Plans for team building training for all staff is tentatively planned for March 2024. This training will be provided by CIPIA (California Joint Powers Insurance Agency) through the consulting firm, "34'h Street Consultants". As a CJPIA member, there will be no cost for this specialized training.
• SLOCAL ROOT Cannabis Retail's building permit is ready to be issued. After necessary inspections are completed and the Fire Department is signed off, the City will issue to them a Certificate of Occupancy and a business license. Tentative opening date is March/April 2024.
February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 11 • He and Janice Davis, Finance Director, met with a fiscal agent and bond counsel to discuss special assessment taxing districts to see how they could assist the city staff in its implementation.
• Central Coast Processing (CCP) - Community Benefit Agreement: The City received a check in the amount of $32,068 based on sales of $1,068,945.15. (CCP's agreement with the City is that they will pay 3% of revenue earned in the year.) CCP must donate 1% for financial support to local non-profits or $10,689. The other 2% or $21,379 goes to our general fund.
The Council was requested to discuss a process on dividing the 1% to non-profits. • Sphere of Influence: the City's not looking to grow beyond the 2042 General Plan boundaries. • Caltrans held a well-attended public meeting on 1/31/24 to discuss the various projects that involve Guadalupe.
• Coastal Stories Project: the purpose of this project is to share the local stories - past and present - of the diverse people of Guadalupe, connecting the community to the coast. This will be done through interpretive signage posted around the City, a community mural, website, and documentary video content featuring community elders. Six (6) signs will be located at various parks and City Hall, as well as a large mural on the wall near the Orca at O'Connell Park. There is no cost to the City.
CM Robles asked, "I know Jeff isn't here. How far along are things with the opening of the Guadalupe Beach...the road to the beach?" Mr. Bodem said, "Approximately March or April." CM Hernandez then said, "Ask Cory for a brief update on the River Trail. Also, the 805UndocuFund is able to provide financial assistance to undocumented immigrant households impacted by the winter storms in December 2023 and beginning of 2024."
CM Robles asked if there was a foreseeable date for SLOCAL ROOTS to be opening up. Mr. Bodem said, "It looks to be around March or April. They're far along now." At this point, Mr. Bodem read the City Engineer's report as Jeff van den Eikhof was not at the meeting. The report had updates and information on the various Caltrans projects, Amtrak Station improvements, Central Park Renovation Project, Le Roy Park Phase I1 update, and Highway 1 and Pioneer lift stations.
Mayor Julian spoke a bit about the caboose that sits on the Amtrak station property and said he didn't see it as useful. Mr. Bodem said that it is planned to be removed. The mayor said, "More parking will be needed if we're looking at increasing Amtrak use." B. Planning Department report for January 2024
C. Building Department report for January 2024
10. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT: (Information Only) A. Director of Public Safety report for February 13, 2024 Chief Cash reported on the following:
February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 11 • The City received flood barrier baskets from Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Preparedness from the State. They're in the city yard now. In case of flooding, we can put the baskets in the flood zone area to block the flow of water. We'll be a lot more self-sufficient. • With the last rains, spoke with Craig Smith, Pasadera developer...we're working on the drainage system. Can't put a dirt barrier because that would put the water back on Hwy 1.
He came up with a good possibility to take the water from the area that usually drains in the front part of Pasadera and be able to push that into our draining system. There would be less chance of flooding on the first street there.
• On February 7"', we had an all-employee luncheon to talk about the storms, flooding, natural disasters. There was good communication and exchange of information. • The Emergency Response and Procedures Manual which the Council approved was handed out tonight. It will be put on the City website. It shows how to deal with certain situations and how citizens can be prepared. There will be training for the Council, staff and the community. There was a meeting with the GSST, and they will be sent to CERT training.
Mayor Julian asked Chief Cash, "The FEMA report that you handed out tonight. Can we get that on the City website? It's a very good report." Mr. Bodem said it would be put up on our website.
11. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT (Information Only)
A. City Engineer's report for January 2024
See Item #9. "City Administrator's Report" above. Mr. Bodem gave the City Engineer's Report.
12. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER REPORT: (Information Only) A. Recreation & Parks report for December 2023 & January 2024 Ms. Hannah Sanchez reported on the following:
• Father/Daughter Dance is scheduled for Friday, February 23rd, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. $40.00 per "couple" and $15.00 for additional "daughter". Deadline to sign up is Friday, February 16th, before 5:30 p.m.
March Madness Tournament - renamed Joe Harris Tournament is scheduled for March 23rd.
There will be a recreation league (no prizes) and a competitive league, open league. A liability waiver will acknowledge that it is an open league. The winner of the competitive league will have a name plaque placed on a trophy. Hats will be given out. Deadline to register is Monday, March 18th. This is all on the City website.
REGULAR BUSINESS
13. Resolution ratifying and proclaiming the existence of a Local State of Emergency.
February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 11 Written report: Todd Bodem, City Administrator
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-14 ratifying and proclaiming the existence of local state of emergency.
Mr. Bodem reported that this is similar to last year. Brief background was given: A State of Emergency was declared by Governor Newsom on February 4, 2024 for numerous counties, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties being two noted. That same date Santa Barbara County proclaimed the existence of a local state of emergency. These proclamations were a result of the storm that began on January 31, 2024 and continued into February 2024.
Mr. Bodem and Chief Cash met on February 7, 2024, and on that date, Mr. Bodem issued a "Proclamation of Existence of a Local Emergency by the City Administrator/Director of Emergency Services of the City of Guadalupe".
Staff is recommending that due to the ongoing nature of the emergency, that the emergency declaration be extended up to a 60-day period with intermittent reviews at regular scheduled council meetings. Mr. Bodem stated that declaring a State of Emergency allows the City to apply for grants to seek reimbursement for its costs in responding to this public health emergency.
Motion was made by Council Member Robles and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to approve Resolution No. 2024-14 ratifying and proclaiming the existence of a local state of an emergency. Roll Call: Ayes: 4 4-0 Motion passed.
14. Senior and Community Center Activities Coordinator Job Description.
Written report: Amelia M. Villegas, Interim Human Resources Manager Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-15 approving the position and job description of Senior and Community Center Activity Coordinator and authorizing the recruitment process.
Ms. Villegas gave a brief background: The Senior and Community Center, previously "Senior Center", ("Center") was built in the late 1980s. The intent and focus were to provide services and support to the senior population in our community. Through the years, the Center has gone through various iterations but retaining its primary focus, the senior population.
When the non-profit group, Los Amigos de Guadalupe, vacated the Center, activities continued at the Center but with no oversight. It became apparent that regular onsite presence was necessary.
This part-time position, 30 hours per week, will be responsible to open and close the Center, provide assistance with the daily free lunch program, Food Bank, and any other program that occurs at the Center. An important responsibility of this position is to ensure that a safe and welcoming environment exists for those who are there at the Center.
Both the mayor and Chief Cash mentioned that, in times of emergencies, people can use the Center as they would use the City auditorium. CM Costa, Jr. asked if this part-time position could become February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 11 full-time. Ms. Villegas said, "Yes, hopefully, as the activities and usage of the Center increases, there could be need for full-time onsite presence. But for now, we're starting out with the part-time status."
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve Resolution No. 2024-15 approving the position of part-time Senior and Community Center Activities Coordinator and authorizing the recruitment process. Roll Call: Ayes: 4 4-0 Motion passed.
15. Technical Amendments to the Guadalupe Municipal Code.
Written report: Philip F. Sinco, City Attorney
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce on the first reading, and continue to its meeting of February 27, 2024, for second reading and adoption, Ordinance No. 2024-515 making technical (non-substantive or minor) amendments to the Guadalupe Municipal Code (GMC).
City Attorney Sinco said that this is a single ordinance that makes multiple clarifications, modifications, corrections, and minor clerical changes. It is not intended to be substantiative. He cited some changes for the Utility Users Tax, fines for dogs off leashes, garage sizes, and removal of language as it relates to single housing.
CM Hernandez commented on the clarification of fines for dogs off leashes as someone she knew was attacked by a dog.
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-515. 4-0 Motion passed.
16. Approval of the final composition of board of directors for the nonprofit corporation to be formed by the City and change funding granted to the nonprofit to a forgivable loan.
Written report: Tom Brandeberry, Project Manager
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-16 rescinding the appointment of the Mayor as President of a new nonprofit corporation to be formed by the City, appointing the City Administrator as President of the board, appointing three members of the community to be board of directors, and changing the $10,000 in startup funds for the new entity from a grant to a forgivable loan.
City Attorney Sinco said he gave Mr. Brandeberry the night off and would speak on this item. The City Council authorized the creation of a non-profit corporation, in part to, hopefully, obtain New Market Tax Credits to assist with the Royal Theatre renovation project. However, the staff recommended and the Council agreed that the mission of this non-profit should not be limited to that purpose but should have a broader focus or mission for general support or for other economic development. The Council previously approved hiring a tax credit attorney to prepare legal documents. Also, in a subsequent meeting, Mr. Brandeberry brought forth key by-law provisions, February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 11 such as the composition of the Board, which would initially be five (5) but could be expanded to seven (7). The Council previously approved the Mayor as President of this non-profit corporation and the Finance Director as the Secretary/Treasurer. As soon as the other Board members would be elected, the position of secretary would be given to another member. In addition, the Council approved $10,000 in start-up funds.
In further review, the appointing of the Mayor or any other member of the City Council, to the Board of Directors combined with providing funding would make the corporation a "Brown Act" body, which would be like a city commission.
City Attorney Sinco then said that the solution that staff recommends tonight is: Rescind the Mayor as President and approve the City Administrator as President. The by-laws will include that. Appoint three (3) other members of the board: Dr. Emilio Handall, Garret Matsuura, and Michael Jimenez, a perfect distribution of entities. They gave their permission to be nominated. It's recommended that the $10,000 grant to the new non-profit be changed to a forgivable loan that would be required to be paid back if sufficient tax credit or other funding were secured but would otherwise be forgiven.
The city is trying to get distance from the non-profit. An agreement would be drawn up. This action would end the City's involvement with this. Staff will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for both sides to negotiate. City Council will weigh in on the terms of that MOU as will the Board of Directors. Hopefully, there will be agreement of expectations for both.
Motion was made by Council Member Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve Resolution No. 2024-15. Roll Call: Ayes: 3 Nos: 1 Costa, Jr. 3-1 Motion passed.
17. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Julian:
City Council vacancy
Elected officials' stipend (Per City Attorney Sinco, it was best to present as a general roundtable discussion and not an action item.)
18. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
CM Hernandez
Care4Paws will be by the Fire Department on Sunday, 2/18/24. This is their wellness clinic here again to provide basic services, such as spay/neutering, vaccines, and microchips, all at a low cost. Sign up on their website.
Please support the upcoming Black History celebrations this weekend: Saturday, 2/17/24, there will be a celebration at Lavagnino Plaza and on Sunday, 2/18/24; on 2/18/24, in Lompoc at the Grossman Gallery, with the final celebration to be held on Saturday, 2/24/24 at Pioneer Park in Santa Maria.
February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 11 Please plan to attend and make a donation.
Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Coalition is looking for donations to help support our youth outreach events, to help cover facilities costs in Guadalupe, plates, napkins, goodie items for youth.
Please reach out to me with any questions.
Viva el Arte will be hosting Quitapeñas on 3/9/24 at 7:00 p.m. Quitapeñas means "to remove worries". Everybody has a "peña," and the mission of QUITAPEÑAS is simple: to make you dance and leave you without a worry. The group is made up of first-generation sons of immigrant parents from Guatemala and Mexico. They borrow aesthetics from the radical 60s, 70s, and 80s. Each song echoes a remix of history and invites one to engage in the liberating events of Angola, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and beyond.
CM Robles
I want to thank everyone for coming out for the Caltrans meeting last Wednesday. Hopefully, we'l get good feedback.
Mayor Julian
Guadalupe staff went "all out" with refreshments and welcomed the community at the Caltrans meeting. There was a good turnout.
The date for this month's Food Bank distribution was changed to the second Thursday of the month, 2/08/24. There were 189 returning families, 42 new families, for a total of 231 families served.
Broken down by individuals, there were 924 served.
There will be an SBCAG meeting on Thursday, 2/17/24.
City Attorney Sinco
Staff recommended that the closed session on the agenda be cancelled.
19. ADJOURNMENT TO SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD MEETING
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to adjourn to the Successor Agency Board Meeting. 4-0 Motion passed.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
20. Approve the Minutes of the Successor Agency special meeting of January 23, 2024.
City Attorney Sinco said, "In the roll call section, a correction is needed on the minutes. The roll call should show the members as 'Board Member", not 'Council Member'.
February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 11 Motion was made by Board Member Hernandez with the updated titles and seconded by Board Member Robles to approve the minutes of the Successor Agency special meeting of January 23, 2024. 4-0 Motion passed.
21. ADJOURNMENT TO CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Sinco had previously stated that the closed session was cancelled.
22. 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: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 4403
23. ADJOURNMENT TO OPEN SESSION MEETING
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to adjourn to open session. 4-0 Motion passed.
24. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Closed session was cancelled.
25. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to adjourn the meeting. 4-0 Motion passed. Meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Prepared by: Approved by
Qualities
Amelia M. Villegas, City Clerk Ariston Julian, Mayor
February 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 11