MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, April 9, 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 Whitney Furness
Mayor Pro Tempore Eugene Costa Jr.
Mayor Ariston Julian
Mayor Julian called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All were present. (Note: The abbreviation, "CM" for "Council Member", will be used in these minutes.)
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. MOMENT OF THANKS, APPRECIATION OR CONDOLENCES.
The mother of Sylvia Estrada, Human Resources Manager, recently passed away. Condolences to her and her family during this most difficult time.
4. AGENDA REVIEW
No changes were made to the agenda.
5. CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
A. National Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month Proclamation Mayor Julian mentioned that on Thursday, April 4th, this proclamation had been read prior to the pinwheels being placed here at City Hall. There was a representative present at the meeting tonight to receive the proclamation. He then read the proclamation which in part said: "...child abuse and neglect are a community condition and problem, and finding solutions depends on involvement among people in the community... Child Welfare Services had 2,748 referrals in the north county for possible abuse in 2022/2023...North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center and its CAPC partners have been committed to educating our community on child abuse and neglect and are sponsoring several events throughout the month...to provide information and materials that support families to prevent child maltreatment and celebrate people who work with and support children and families...all residents should become more aware of the importance of April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 16 prevention in the community and become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe nurturing environment."
Ms. Griselda Vega Martinez was present to accept the proclamation from Mayor Julian. She said, "It's an honor to have been here last week. I appreciate everyone who did come out. It was a small group but everyone who was there, you could feel that they were there with a good heart and supportive of our cause. Thank you to the City for acknowledging that child abuse does happen, not only nationally and on the state level, but also locally. More often because this is a rural secluded area, it's thought it doesn't happen as much, but it does. Thank you to the City for giving us space to put up the pinwheels. I'm actually a resident of the City of Guadalupe. I'd like to extend an invitation to our 50th anniversary celebration and an auction at Crystal Winery. It will be on Saturday, May 4th. Come and support our cause. All of the monies raised at that auction will go to programs, education, and prevention. Again, thank you very much for acknowledging and giving us this proclamation as well as giving us space to put up the pinwheels." A question was asked regarding the number of pinwheels that were planted at City Hall. Mr.
Bodem said, "Those pinwheels represent 356 reported cases. Each pinwheel represents five (5) child abuse investigations." Ms. Vega Martinez added, "Those are the ones that do get reported. A reminder that a lot of child abuse cases don't get reported. A lot of people don't report until they're older. Many don't open up and come forward to get reported." Mayor Julian said, "Thank you for highlighting that need, and we're here to partner with you." B. Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month Proclamation Mayor Julian read this proclamation. In part it said: "...people of all racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds fall victim to sexual assault...sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in this community. Statistics show how child sexual abuse prevention must be a priority to confront the reality that one in six boys and one in four girls will experience a sexual assault before age
18... those numbers change to more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. California [has] the most reported rapes in the United States, and with the Department of Justice stating that an America is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds in the United States...a coalition of organizations exist, which directly confronts this crisis, including North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center...who are helping in the effort to end sexual assault...prevention is possible when everyone gets involved...recognizing the compassion and dedication of the individuals involved in this effort...and noting the challenges of the victims/survivors of sexual assault and their families and friends as they struggle to cope with the reality of sexual violence."
Mayor Julian said that it is staggering to see the numbers that are documented for sexual assault.
CM Hernandez took a picture of the mayor presenting the proclamation to Ms. Vega Martinez, who happily accepted it.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
Requests to Speak:
Mr. George Alvarez: It's ironic and disgraceful that our own government has allowed over ten million undocumented in this country that created...raped, killed innocent people and the April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 16 government's not doing a damned thing protecting our citizens, our children, our society. It's a political thing. They're getting votes from these groups, and they're circumventing the Black population. That's a statement of fact. I get angry at the hypocrisy of agencies that don't come up and get their legislators to say, "Wait a minute. You guys aren't doing a damned thing to help us reduce the number of rapes and violence...law enforcement has its hands tied. It won't improve unless all of us here do something about it. Go after those who can make the difference...or vote them out.
That's not why I wanted to speak. It's about our homeless problem that we have in this town. It's not being addressed. It's the big white elephant in the room. I've done more as an individual to make sure what's going in the town. There's a guy sleeping in front of the Royal Theatre. Not a good image. We as a community don't need to be that tolerant. There are rules. If they're breaking the law, cite them for trespassing...have a system where if they can't go to court, they become a ward...then they get taken out and serve their time. Things have to be done. It's not an accepted practice to being proactive when it comes to the homeless... who are inundated with drugs. If we're going to do something, let's not just talk about it. Let's do something. Put heat on those who make the decisions. Need to get this done.
Ms. Judy Wilson: I'm here as a resident and an online business owner here in Guadalupe. I was made aware of the bond issue and am here to voice my opinion. I did see the City Council meeting online. (At this point, Mayor Julian interrupted her saying that this item was on the agenda but then allowed her to continue.) I want to express concerns regarding the need to have it explored in the community. All residents should be involved. During the City Council meeting, it was going to be in phases. That's important. All residents need to involved and be able to express their opinions, especially with our taxes being raised if that's how the funding is going to come. That needs to be explored overall as a community, not just those sitting here in the Council meeting or only a few residents attending. As progress goes on, do it more in an overall community fashion.
At this point, Mayor Julian mentioned that the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) will have a giveaway. About one year ago, APCD handed out 100 free air purifiers through the Clean Air room Program. APCD will be giving away free replacement filters here. If you received an air purifier, now is the time to replace the filter ahead of wildfire season. These purifiers help to protect against wildfire smoke, and filters need to be replaced regularly. Extra replacement filters will be given away on Tuesday, April 16th, at the City Council chambers here at City Hall. APCD staff will be here from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. giving away filters. It will be "first come-first serve" while supplies last. I encourage all those who received the free air purifiers to come on the 16th to receive a free filter replacement. They may even have extra equipment, air purifiers.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-E)
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.
April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 16 Approve payment of warrants for the period ending April 1, 2024, and ratify payment of warrants for period ending March 18, 2024.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of March 26, 2024.
D. Adopt second reading of Ordinance No. 2024-517 amending the Subdivision Ordinance Section 17.32.030 of the Guadalupe Municipal Code.
E. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-28 approving the professional services agreements with Jones Hall, a professional law corporation as bond counsel and Wulff, Hansen & Co. as municipal advisor, to assist with bond financing for the Guadalupe Royal Theater Renovation Project.
CM Costa, Jr. requested that Item #7.E. be pulled. Motion was made by Council Member Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar. 5-0 Motion passed.
Item #7.E. Approving the professional services agreements with Jones Hall, a professional law corporation as bond counsel and Wulff, Hansen & Co. as municipal advisor, to assist with bond financing for the Guadalupe royal Theater Renovation Project.
CM Costa, Jr. said, "I'm still looking at if there's a way to continue our project without having to hit our community with another bond to their property taxes. I know the Royal Theatre is a historical building. I'd love to see everything done. But if we need to take our time to do things, then that's the best way then. Not another bond that's going to hit our residents. We just passed bonds for the school 1-2 years ago. That's still my take. Thank you." Mayor Julian clarified that the staff report said that "...the $4.8 million EDA grant will expire if construction is not started by March 2024... should be March 2025." CM Furness said, "I appreciate Ms. Wilson's opinion on the matter that she brought to us. I think the attention is to get the community involved by putting this on the ballot for them to vote. We're not making a decision on the bond tonight... just to put on the ballot for the people to vote on. I just wanted to make that clear."
The mayor said, "That's a good point. Reminds me of a mechanic and a tool box that a mechanic has. If a mechanic is working on an item that maybe needs a larger wrench, he goes into the tool box and gets a larger wrench. He or she. Sometimes that person may not have that wrench in the tool box. What's happening with the Royal Theatre is that we're looking at all tools that are out there to make it happen without increasing property taxes for people.
There are a couple GBA members here tonight, and I'd like to see what their take is on a formal take on the spot. I'd like to drill into specifics on what it's going to cost for each entity, residential- side, commercial, industrial-side. The Royal Theatre has been here for many, many years. A lot of people, the recent arrivals, and welcome to Guadalupe, may not have the same feeling about the Royal Theatre as would someone who's been here for a long time. That doesn't mean anything. To me, it's basically a community entity. I mentioned the GBA. The reason we have the EDA, the $5M April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 16 for the theatre was to create jobs. How do you create jobs if that theatre isn't finished? We talked about creating 200-300 jobs as a result of the Royal Theatre being completed, as is the second portion of the performing arts side which is the statement for the $5M." Requests to Speak:
Mr. George Alvarez: One of the worst things that happened in this community is that we're taxed to death. The bond issue is a joke for the school. For education...you have predominantly agricultural workers. All of a sudden, three (3) different phases of taxes which puts a different aspect on what we need for the theatre. You can only bleed so much financially. Have the people vote...that's democracy, and I have no problem with that. But is there any other funding sources, federal, state, Santa Barbara Arts Commission or other areas we can tap into it? I first heard $10M, then comes down to $5M. Let the general public know what it's going to take to complete the project, what are the ways we're trying to get resources, etc. Then it's up to the voters if it's wanted or not. That's fair for everyone and what we need to do.
Mayor Julian said, "It's quite a hurdle to go with two-thirds vote." Mr. Bodem added, "The educational piece is still in the works. Residents will be educated on this. And It'll be a true community project when they go for a vote. But they'll be educated based on the committee discussions." The mayor said, "That's the process. The voters have to approve it. The City doesn't.
That's why, like Mr. Alvarez mentioned, we're looking at other resources. Like I said about that tool box, what else is out there? Is there someone who's going to donate $2M-$3M above that? Another thing is that we really don't know the numbers coming in yet. We have $10M, and it's projected to be more than $10M. We don't have that clue yet, and that's coming in." Mr. Bodem said that once the bids come in, it'll be dialed in to know what that bond amount would be." The mayor said, "So, the timeline is to get something in process to make sure if we need $3M or whatever the amount is, that we have something in place. One extra tool to use. It's up to the voters to say 'Ok, we'll let you do it, we'll let the City do it or not.' And I agree, the school bonds came in with a tax on properties. It's hard for everyone, especially in today's economy, it's difficult to realize. We're talking quite a few years."
Mr. Bodem then said, "If anyone wants to talk to me on what the preliminary estimates are and assessed value on how it affects a household, I have that information. It's preliminary but it's pretty good information. So, if anyone wants to talk to me in my office, that'd be great." Mayor Julian added, "This isn't a challenge but it's an open door for the GBA to say...because it affects downtown and the business community."
Ms. Belinda Popovich: I'm here tonight not as the president of the GBA. We're still gathering information that we'd like to present to our members with that information for a better educated understanding what this bond will do. I'm just here as a resident - 3rd generation now and as a business owner, myself. I'm not in favor of the bond for the fact that when there are community members on incredibly fixed income. Something that might seem small, like $25 to add to their tax bill, might not mean a lot to some of those in the room...but for some others, it means the world of a difference. Like them having to choose not to have certain medication in order to save money to pay for their property taxes. There are a lot of stories like this. My concern is not how it would affect part of the community but the rest of the community that's much more on fixed income.
April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 16 Also, how it will be passed on by business owners who rent as I'm sure the landlords won't just pay that themselves out of their pocket. They will pass it on to those of us who rent from members of the community. So, our rent will go up making it harder to do business within the community.
That's how I see this from my own personal standpoint.
I would love to see a town hall, like Cal Trans did. That was fabulous. Community members got to come out and asked a lot of questions and were engaged. I personally loved it. If we could see something like that, we could really hear what the community is wanting. Get questions answered and get ideas of things we can do to maybe avoid a bond and other ways to raise money. That's my hope...that we can find other ways than just taxing. Because having those taxes being hit on us and as a business owner, we're trying our best. It is hard knowing my tax bill might be going up again. I understand for the schools, it was promised to us when / was barely going to kindergarten.
I had hoped one day I could have gone there. But for my future kids' sake, I hope to be able to see that school, and I'm happy to contribute to that. But with the theatre, what next critical thing is going to come up for the theatre? When will it stop? So, we need to take another approach before we go to that. Because thirty (30) years is a long time to make that kind of commitment. So, I ask the Council to take that into consideration and think about a town hall and how that could help.
Mayor Julian said, "One of the things the City can't do is actually promote this. Back to the GBA or another organization that would like to look at the information that's forthcoming if this is approved so everyone will know where we're at in terms of what this will cost financially to all entities." Mr. Bodem said, "That's what the committee can do. Tonight is to keep things rolling." Mr. Garret Matsuura: A couple things: 1) if GBA or another organization put on the town hall, is it considered promotion if the City is invited to provide facts? (City Attorney said, "No.") So, that would be an avenue for the City to be present, and 2) Estimate for bond - what is the status of estimator for project...if there's a timeline on what the estimator's going to be able to say, 'This is how much the current plans are going to cost'. Getting that information is going to..." Mr. Bodem said, "We've hired an estimator to do those things. I don't exactly know the time frame, but it's short." Mayor Julian said, 'It's in process. Maybe in two (2) months, we'll have that information.
And you're right. It may be under bid. What you're talking about is that information we're asking these two contractors to provide, give us that information so it can be reported to the public for a decision to be made."
Mr. Matsuura continued saying, "To George Alvarez's point, more information the City has to push out to the public, the better. With no information, the public will make its own opinion. Give status so the public knows it's coming." Mr. Bodem said, "It's in process now. They're in the process of developing a community group now." Mayor Julian said, "In fact, we don't know the actual details.
That's why we're looking at these two corporations to bring that to us legally to make sure everything will go through. Then looking at the monetary issues... what it's going to cost. The public can make an intelligent decision on it, whether yea or nay. It's going to be a stretch to get it approved. But we need to know." Mr. Bodem then said, "There are two (2) factors that factor into the cost: 1) let's see what the actual cost is, and 2) what's the overall assessed value of the City and how does it affect each property."
April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 16 Ms. Baylor: How is the committee being chosen? I'd like more information about it. Like how many committee members are going to be on it?" Mr. Bodem said, "It's not us choosing. It's a steering committee doing it. I don't even know the name right now. It's very preliminary right now." CM Robles asked, "Todd, what's the date of one of the grants that has a timeframe on it?" Mr.
Bodem said, "There are two (2) grants. The EDA grant and the California Arts Council grant.
They're both together. There's the old building and the new building. Everything's working together but the earliest that construction needs to start is no later than March 2025. If we don't act on getting the entire budget, the EDA grant...well, they'll take the money back. No pressure.
They have to know that it's fully funded." CM Robles asked the amounts of the EDA grant. Mr.
Bodem said, "The EDA grant is $5M and the other grant is about $5M, too." CM Hernandez asked, "If we move forward and get presented with the findings, will we then get the opportunity to again move forward? Or is this..." Mr. Bodem said, "I think when we move forward with this that means that the wheels will start chugging. They'll start putting together the ballot and all that information. All the stuff will go on as if it's going to go to a vote. If it's approved, that's when the bond counsel comes in and sets the policy, underwriting documents.
And that's where the fiscal agent will dial in the numbers even further. But we should have a better idea what the numbers will be. We'll be dealing with consultants." CM Robles asked, "What's the deadline for that to be put this on the ballot?" City Attorney Sinco said, "Normal timeframe for putting anything on the ballot, like candidates' statements on the ballot. I don't know the exact date but it will come before you in June. Your question is if you approve the contracts, you've kind of already approved the money. If you approve the contracts, they'll get the work done and bring it to you. By then the committee will have done some work.
You'll know some more information, and you'll be able to make an informed decision whether to put this on the ballot or not. You're not committed to putting it on the ballot if you vote 'yes' in favor of these agreements tonight. Then, of course, after that, it's left up to the people." Mayor Julian said, "Then that information would go to the public to say that this is what the consultants say. We're going to get feedback. We're getting it now, so we can make a decision to move forward or not. But we need that data." Mr. Bodem said, "When that committee gets developed, they can certainly pass on that the GBA or another organization would like to see a town hall."
Ms. Judy Wilson: Fees? Once moved forward, like tonight, this is approved, what is the process fee? If the community wants to put the bond on the ballot, is there a fee prior to this for the process?" Mr. Bodem said, "Fee is what was approved at the last City Council meeting for them to do their work. Let's say it goes for a vote, and it's passed, there'll be additional funding folded into the overall construct. The soft costs for legal to put together massive binders and audit reports that will be attached to it, all underwriting legal materials, etc. There will be additional costs for the overall bond issuance. But for now, it's just frontload money to get rolling to get it on the ballot." Ms. Wilson then asked, "That front money. Where's that money coming from?" Mr. Bodem said, The money would come from the General Fund. $5,000 to the County to put on the ballot. So, in total, around $20,000 for all fees." The mayor said, "If approved, they'll reimburse the City for that amount." Mr. Bodem said, "That's a good point because those monies could be folded back into April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 16 the bond. I might highlight that there is a cost, above and beyond, this amount once the work begins if the voters approve it. That's when the costs start coming in." Motion was made by Council Member Furness and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to approve Resolution No. 2024-28. Roll Call: Ayes: 4 Nos: 1, Costa, Jr. 4-1 Motion passed.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
8. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: (Information Only)
A. City Administrator report for April 9, 2024
Mr. Bodem highlighted certain items on his report:
New transit shelter at Obispo & Amber Streets
The earmark request in the amount of $2M for the proposed senior center building renovation/upgrades was submitted.
• With the Grant Consultant, Townsend Public Affairs, we're researching Library project funding for Guadalupe for a grant (California Building Forward Library Program) which is currently closed. More to come.
• Escalante Meadows Development Company will be holding a board meeting on Wednesday, May 8th, followed by a site walk at 2:30 p.m. • Safe Routes to School Grant - Guadalupe's project cost of $481,000 was not fully funded, only a partial amount of just under $105,000 which was the remaining amount left from those fully funded. Other funding will be researched. The staff want to thank everyone who participated in the process of applying for the SRTS grant. • The Climate Action Plan that has to be done in ten years in our General Plan that was approved - we thought that a Master's Program out of USCB would fund that and have their students do it at a reduced rate. They decided not to do it but Cal Poly is on board now. Not sure if there's a fee. The Climate Action Plan is an expensive component that the City needs to do.
• Chevron has given the City a stipend of $90,000 every year as a 'reimbursement' for the trucking that comes through town. Pays for some of the traffic, public safety and public works issues. They have invited the Council again to tour on April 25th. • "Al's Union" property - staff is obtaining quotes for an appraisal to assist our decisions regarding the property.
NOTE: For the complete City's Administrator's report, please go to the City's website at www.cityofquadalupe.org
CM Costa, Jr. asked, "Where did you put that bus stop? Is the bus stop to be moved once... when they start the project to put the traffic lights there. Is that bus stop going to be moved back, further back on Obispo from where it's at?" Mr. Bodem said, "I don't know where the new signal lights will be in relation to that. I can get information on that." CM Costa, Jr. asked Mr. Bodem if he'd seen where the bus stop is. Mr. Bodem confirmed that he had seen the bus stop location.
April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 16 Request to Speak
George Alvarez: "Can you give us an update on the cannabis sale which was supposed to be a windfall for our taxes?" Mr. Bodem said, "The processing plant is in motion. That's already working and operating. Slow amounts are trickling in on that. But that plant won't generate as much as retail. Route One is soon to open. We will receive 6% on the dollar." Mr. Alvarez said, "Hope system will be in place that will figure and regulate how many people are coming in. Because it definitely impacts our police officers, our public safety situation. We won't know until pandora's box is open." Mr. Boder said, 'It's very highly regulated. Probably more than any industry around. The work that it took to get this up and running, it required a lot of analysis, security cameras, etc." Mr. Alvarez said, "My concern is the impact on the City of Guadalupe, law enforcement, public safety. Right, because what's going to happen...." Mr. Bodem added that the Chief has looked at the plans and has a full understanding." Then Mr. Alvarez said, "I'll hit him when it comes to his department."
B. Planning Department report for March 202
C. Building Department report for March 2024
D. City Engineer's report for March 2024
Mr. Jeff van den Eikof said that there are a lot of things happening here in Guadalupe. There is a lot of money available for public works projects. He reported on the following:
• Met with Cal Trans today on numerous downtown improvements, e.g. ADA project, bulbouts, etc. There were 20 Cal Trans people involved with him. • Started preliminary design work on the Amtrak station, the Transit Hub. Received a Clean California Grant and hired a surveyor and now the design work for the improvements there. • Central Park - met with the designers last week; about 70% completion of the plans. • On hold with the Hwy 1 lift station - almost one year on the procurement of the electrical equipment needed for that.
• 11th Street Multi-use Path/Street Safe Routes to School Project - there's $2M from different grants. It will include pedestrian and bicycle facilities from People Self-Help Housing to Mary Buren School.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant: Met last week with the Utilities Director and Water Resources Manager from City of Santa Maria. We're looking at sending our sewage to their treatment plant for processing there. The Regional Board is encouraging this. We're applying for a planning grant that will allow us to look into what it will take to move all of our sewage and collections and have it treated at Santa Maria? It's a lot easier to have treatment done at these big plants. It will save the City a lot of money. There's a lot of money available and the City of Guadalupe is identified as a small, disadvantaged community...there's a lot of state money available, not only for the planning grant but also for the construction of that collection system.
CM Robles asked about the collection and what kind of issues we're having there. Mr. van den Eikof said, "There are multiple issues we're having currently. The treatment plant needs April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 16 a lot of repair and is in serious need of upgrades. The Biolac system, which treats the sewage, is not functioning properly and hasn't been maintained properly for years. We've put together a budget to get our wastewater treatment plant lagoons dredged. Monies originally earmarked for the Hwy 1 lift station will be transferred for treatment plant improvements via a mid-year budget revision.
But even with those improvements, the way that our treatment facility functions is that...sewage leaves the plant after it's been treated through a trench, it's picked up by pumps and then pumped to a spray field where it's discharged. This spray field isn't big enough. If we want to continue using the spray field, we're going to have to expand the spray field and expand the lease that we have. The Regional Board is working closely with us and trying to help us. They could start levying fines if they see that we're not making any progress out there. Fortunately, they're working with us. It's an aging plant. The new state regulations require a higher level of treatment of waste that the plant just can't do. Santa Maria is in a similar situation. Some of the money that is available to the City can also be used to help improve the Santa Maria plant to a higher level.
Mr. Bodem emphasized, "There still is a need for jobs here. It'll probably be a 10-year build out." Mr. van den Eikof added, " We're probably looking at least 5-10 years before we're at that position but we need to start now because the plant is in really bad shape. The Regional Board is really pushing for regional plants which are better for small cities to send to bigger plants to handle the processes easier. Guadalupe would just be a customer of Santa Maria. They would collect our sewage, and we wouldn't have to run a wastewater treatment plant. We still have to have collections staff to maintain our systems here.
There'd be a pipeline to Santa Maria. We're about six (6) miles away from the Santa Maria treatment plant on Black Road."
Mr. Garret Matsuura asked, "You mentioned ADA sidewalk project. We (GBA) reached out Cal Trans for an update for inclusion of broadband under the sidewalk. We've not heard anything back from our inquiries." Mir. van den Eikoff said, "There are a couple of projects going on downtown now. One is the ADA project and another is a pavement project.
They've told me that there are some regulations, state laws that have come out that they have to provide the conduit for the fiber through town. It's still a moving target as far as where they are in the design project."
Mayor Julian asked, "Is the caboose going to stay at the Amtrak station?" Mr. Bodem said, "The caboose is circa 1959. The plan is designed to have it removed because of the space and the parking." Mr. Matsuura added, "I believe there had been some previous discussions that if the City wasn't going to use it, the railroad, who gifted it, would take it back. Or something like that." Mr. van den Eikof said, "We'd be happy to get rid of it...t becomes a safety hazard blocking the view."
CM Robles asked, "In our workshop discussions with Cal Trans, we had consensus for bulbouts removals. Do you know what the direction Cal Trans has on that?" Mr. van den April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 16 Eikof said "Cal Trans shows them bigger. I said that there's zero chance that we'd want them bigger. Cal Trans still wants to have them. I would agree to having them if they're being redesigned and function properly. Right now, they're so short that you really don't see them when you're coming down the street. But if they'd come out further, and a street tree was placed there...something that had a nice big canopy, it would be a benefit to the downtown area. Currently, the trees are so close to the buildings with the sidewalk that they can't grow very big. I had quite a discussion with Cal Trans that we prefer, if we're going to have bulbouts, that they be on corners not in the middle of the blocks." CM Robles then asked, "There was a lot of discussion about the speed limit there and a proposal to put stop sign there. In talking with Cal Trans, they were adamant that that was the purpose of bulbouts. To me, it hasn't worked. Did they mention anything about lowering that speed limit or a stop sign?" Mr. van den Eikof said "We didn't discuss that at this meeting. But I can tell you that stop signs, per state law, cannot be placed without warrants. No where along that stretch is it warranted. So, there's a zero chance that Cal Trans will put a stop sign. They did mention that maybe the City might want to put in blinking sign regarding going over speed limit. So, if the bulbouts coming out further and there's a tree not far away from the travel lane, people will slow down. One thing that was brought up was to put a speed table in crosswalk, like a wide hump at a crosswalk." CM Robles mentioned that that wouldn't be good here because of semi-trucks passing through."
Note: Go to the City's website at www.cityofquadalupe.org for the complete City Engineer's Report.
9. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT: (Information Only) Request to Speak:
George Alvarez: I've discussed the homeless situation...l've talked to Chief; l've talked to the County. The problem here... there's no solution to the problem because no one wants to define what they want to do if we get problems. Standard norm right now is that if I call for a homeless person, laying on the ground or what not, police comes in and does a check assessment. If they're acting weird, we call Santa Barbara County which is a joke. If we're lucky, we get a zoom with a so- called qualified shrink or whatever. The only problem I see here is when we allow that person to stay, even though he's acting erratically, it becomes a liability de facto on the City because the law officer let him go under the auspices of the County. They washed their hands...the homeless person is here. And if he hurts somebody, the person who didn't do their job is the police officer. Not his fault by the direction of the County.
By now, we should have some form of system that guarantees we don't be liable if that happens.
We have a guy in town, screaming loud in your face... walking all over the place. Do we have to wait until someone gets hurt on this issue? I don't think so. What can we do to prevent anything from happening? We should have a communication within mental health.
April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 16 Another thing I need to know is abatement. There's a lot of areas that need weed abatement. The Far Western, Johnny Perry's area next to the gas station. We don't have consistent pattern of abatement... again, under the auspices of public safety. We hear public safety and what not... what are we doing to make sure their systems are clean...their offices are clean...the yards are clean.
Where's not gonna be no fire involved if it does happen. That's my concern. That's basically it.
10. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER (Information Only)
A. Recreation and Parks report for March 2024
Ms. Annis Barajas reported on some events coming up:
• The "Joe Harris 3v3 Basketball Tournament" was cancelled due to lack of participation. Will try again next March.
• June 6th - Coed Adult Softball League begins. Registration is open now and closes on May 22nd . Go to the City website for details.
• April 20th - Fashion Show - coordinated with FSA & the City - 10:30 a.m. at City Hall. • April 21st - Earth Day/Coastal Clean-Up sponsored by the Dunes Center: at 9:00 a.m. meet at the Veterans Parking Lot; a shuttle will take participants to the beach for a clean-up day. • May 5th - Cinco de Mayo festivities: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Le Roy Community Center...family-oriented activities. Currently, there over 15 booths of children's activities that are being sponsored by different organizations in the community. We also will have with informational booths, such a medical and health resources. Flyers are out to the community and on the City's website.
• May 18th - Viva de Arte free concert; 7:00 p.m. at the City Auditorium CM Hernandez said, "For Cinco de Mayo festivities, will Waste Management be there? If not, could we request to have them there to help share about food waste, outreach education and green waste information." Ms. Barajas said that she'd reach out to them.
PUBLIC HEARING
11. Measure A Local Program of Projects.
Written report: Jeff van den Eikhof, City Engineer
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-29 approving the 2024/25 through 2028/29 Measure A Local Program of Projects for the City of Guadalupe.
Mr. van den Eikof gave a brief background on this item saying, "This is an annual event. The City of Guadalupe, as well as other cities in the Couty, must submit an annual Measure A Local program of Projects (POP) to the SBCAG Board to detail how the Measure A funds will be spent in Guadalupe.
The City will include in its budget an amount of local discretionary funding for local streets and roads sufficient to comply with the Maintenance of Effort requirements. The POP has to be April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 12 of 16 approved to show how Measure A monies will be spent over the next five (5) years, 2024-2029.
Measure A requires the City to spend at least 5% on "alternative transportation expenditures", like bicycle, pedestrian and transit projects. Last year there were no paving projects to roll over. Once approved, then goes to the County.
Public Hearing opened at 7:20 p.m. and closed at 7:21 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to adopt Resolution No. 2024-29 which approves the 2024/25 through 2028/29 Measure A local program of Projects for the City of Guadalupe. Roll Call: Ayes: 5 5-0 Motion passed.
REGULAR BUSINESS
12. Ordinance regarding the additional duties and obligations of the Mayor's office.
Written report: Philip F. Sinco, City Attorney
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce on the first reading Ordinance No. 2024-518, and continue to its meeting of April 23, 2024, for second reading and adoption, an ordinance describing the additional duties and obligations of the Mayor's office.
City Attorney Sinco said, "This is a follow up to the City Council's decision regarding the Council's salary increase to $500 per month and for the Mayor's additional responsibilities, would also receive $250. It's a good idea to document those duties and obligations...could answer questions that might be asked by members of the public. Any future occupants of the mayor's office will there's a higher expectation for the mayor's office in the City of Guadalupe...more duties than council members.
At his point, City Attorney Sinco read those additional duties, such as presiding over council meetings as the chair; representing the City as its official leader for various occasions; being authorized to request the City Administrator to place items on the Council's agenda." (Mayor Julian added that when referencing "mayor" here, it should be "he or she".) The mayor referenced the section of the ordinance regarding "Additional Duties and Obligations of the Mayor"... specifically Item "C", "the Mayor is authorized to request that the City Administrator place an item or items on a Council's agenda". Mayor Julian said, "My thing about adding to an agenda, I believe the Council has the ability to say to the City Administrator, 'I'd like this on the agenda' As long as the mayor's not the only person authorized to do that." City Attorney Sinco said, "There's some confusion about this in the government code. The ordinance will clarify that the mayor has this privilege which is customary. Ordinarily, under the Brown Act, you'd need at least two (2) council members, in a public meeting to request something to be added to the agenda..that's a longstanding practice. There's no provision at all to prevent the City Council from adopting a policy to allow that. A policy can be drawn up that one (1) council member could put an item on the agenda. The normal practice is that the mayor has the right to do it, and two (2) council members have the right to do it, but not just one(1) council member. That's the normal April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 13 of 16 practice. Every city can do what it want so, if that's the preference of the Council to have a policy that any member of the Council can request something on the agenda, then we will do that. I just want to make it clear that that's not the normal practice. And there's no policy in the City that I'm aware of that establishes that practice."
Mr. Bodem asked, "Could 'common sense' put something on the agenda then Council could act on it?" City Attorney Sinco responded saying, "It's customary to have two (2) or three (3) council members to request. The City Administrator does have the discretion to put any item on the agenda."
Mayor Julian said, "We don't need a policy. We'll work it out. Historically, like at SBCAG and all these meetings that the City goes to, they publicize all these things. There were three (3) mayors at the Santa Maria City Council chambers where an SBCAG was meeting. What was glaring was that all were gray haired. That's what happens...all of you are working, and I'm the only one who's not.
What happens if the new mayor is working? Then what? That then puts pressure, where it should be, on the Council to cover. Also, every election we have assignments for about ten committees.
That's covered on what we do on a regular basis. Whoever comes in as new mayor has tasks before him or her."
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded Council Member Hernandez to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-518 adding Chapter 2.10 to Title 2 of the Guadalupe Municipal code regarding the additional duties and obligations of the Mayor's Office. Roll Call:
Ayes: 5 5-0 Motion passed.
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
No additional items were added.
14. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
CM Robles: On April 13th will be attending the Bobcat wrestling match with 35 wrestlers to Mesa School Novice Tournament. There's 4.5 weeks of the season left. On April 15th, we have a dual meet at Atascadero. On April 17h, we will host here at City Hall. On April 24th, we have a meet with Paso Robles. Then on 5/1, Laguna is coming to Guadalupe for McKenzie League Finals. On 5/5, at Righetti... they will run a tournament for Guadalupe which is an all-day event.
CM Hernandez: The Creek Lands Conservation (CLC) has developed a free summer day camp for students that reside in Guadalupe and Santa Maria. There will be a three (3) one-week sessions serving ten (10) sixth-to-eighth-grade students each week. They're looking for 30 students to attend. This gets the kids outdoors. If anyone is interested, please let me know so I can send them an email.
Childcare: The Children's Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County is a program that serves children ages 0-13 for parents while they work, job search or are in training. The California April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 14 of 16 Alternative Payment Program (APP) is limited. Families who apply will be placed on a waiting list.
There is a ranking system based on gross monthly income ad family size. Enrollment priorities are ranked based on children receiving child protective services, children at risk of abuse or neglect and families with the lowest gross monthly income adjusted for family size. Enrollments are made when funding becomes available from the CA Department of Education. For more information, please call Childre's Resources & Referral at 805-925-7071.
The Kiwanis Club of Guadalupe has started their fundraising for their Elks Queen candidate: on Friday, April 12th, there is a complete tri-tip dinner 'drive-thru' at Mckenzie; April 20th, a Corn Hole Tournament.
I joined the Allan Hancock Foundation Board, which I'm really excited. Their goal is to get college for all. As an alumni of Hancock College, I once did not believe that college was for me. I want to allow others to know that college is for them.
Mayor Julian: Food Bank: on Thursday, 4/4, it rained but we served 251 individuals, of which 213 were returning patrons and 38 new ones. It was a great event with a lot of people served. They were surprised the food bank went on. It was supposed to rain that night but at about 11:30 a.m., it poured. Thank you, City staff, for being there.
On Monday, April 8h, there was a 4th grade social studies and civics class, about 17 kids. The plan was to get them aware of the processes for elections and voting. I talked to them a couple weeks ago at their school to talk about the role of the mayor. They asked if they could come to City Hall. I had them vote for four (4) Council Members. They nominated people and voted with their eyes covered. Challenge for the group was to name the new school. This isn't real but the new school is going to be named "The Braves". One of the kids that voted for the mayor is president of their class. They were very engaged and didn't want to leave."
15. ADJOURNMENT TO CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Item to be discussed in closed session was "Conference with Labor Negotiators: Agency Designated representatives: City Administrator and Human Resources Manager; Employee organizations:
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 4033.
Motion was made by Council Member Robles and seconded by Council Member Costa, Jr. to adjourn to closed session. 5-0 Motion passed. Meeting adjourned to closed session at 7:37 p.m.
16. 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
17. ADJOURNMENT TO OPEN SESSION MEETING
April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 15 of 16 Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to adjourn to open session. 5-0 Motion passed. Meeting adjourned to open session at 7:54 p.m.
18. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
No reportable items to report.
19. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to adjourn the meeting, 5-0 Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Prepared by: Approved by:
One tolera
Amelia M. Villegas, City Clerk
April 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 16 of 16