MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 6:00 pm
City Hall, 918 Obispo Street, Council Chambers
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 members 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.
CM Hernandez said, "I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the brave firefighters and emergency personnel who are tirelessly battling the Lake Fire near Los Olivos and Solvang. 1 am deeply grateful for their efforts. This is now the largest fire in California for 2024. My thoughts are also with the residents of the fire."
City Clerk Villegas mentioned the passing of two Guadalupe residents. Brian Parlanti, age 50, a life- long Guadalupe resident, passed away in early June. He was the son of Gloria Parlanti, a prior Council Member. Betty Silva, age 98, passed away in June. She was also a life-long Guadalupe resident. Mayor Julian said, "Yes, she was quite a woman." Condolences to both families.
AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes made to the agenda.
CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
• Oath of Office - Luis Ramos, Paid Call Firefighter
After the oath was given to Mr. Ramos, he was asked to say a few words if he wished to do so. He said, "I just want to thank God for giving me the strength and ability to stand here today as the July 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 10 newly appointed firefighter. Thank you to City Council and Chief Cash for this opportunity. Being born and raised in Guadalupe, I've had the opportunity to go to school, play sports, and to now serve the community as a firefighter. This is truly a dream come true. Thank you to my parents, my brother, my sister, my fiancée, my grandma for always supporting me and making sure I always hold true the core values of faith, family and service. I want to say thank you to the Guadalupe Fire Department, Captain Garcia, Captain Schmitz, Captain Nuno, Engineer Reyes and Engineer Bonifacio. For the past five (5) years I've been volunteering. They've never once failed to show me, to teach me, and to really help me with anything I needed. I hope to work hard and be as good a firefighter as them someday. Thank you."
6. PRESENTATIONS
• Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Annual Update - Judith Young Note: The full presentation can be found on the City's website. Go to www.cityofquadalupe.orq Scroll to "City Administration/Agendas - 7/09/2024.)
Ms. Young, Senior Account Manager with 3CE, a new government agency formed about six (6) years ago when a number of cities and counties agreed to purchase electricity to serve their specific region. She gave a brief update on how 3CE is going and what benefits there are here in Guadalupe. The following are some of the highlights mentioned in this update:
• 3CE's budget for community energy programs this fiscal year is over $16M which are dollars available to the City and our constituents to help reduce emissions by electrifying vehicles and buildings.
• The amount of renewable energy on the grid has been exceeding customer demands in California this spring on nearly a daily basis, for as many as nine (9) hours a day. (An agency like 3CE is part of the reason why.)
• 3CE has been able to help pay for the City's first all-electric bus. This helps to reduce emissions that bring serious health impacts, such as helping to clean the air, protect the environment for better health outcomes for all communities. • Residential, commercial and agricultural rebates are available. • Specific to Guadalupe, 3CE has invested over $305,000 to energy programs. • California has strict mandates for electrifying fleets. 3CE has funding to help with this transition.
• Rebates and incentives are available to all customers to help purchase electric vehicles, HVAC systems and water heaters. Go to [email protected] for more information.
Mayor Julian said, "It's always nice to not only hear what's going on but to see what's going on.
There's a lot happening with 3CEnergy. There was a time where we were partnering with Solvang for board members. I don't know where it's at now. I know there was a member who left from July 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 10 Solvang. Do you know anything about that?" Ms. Young said, "I think you also share a seat with Buellton. There are three (3) of you sharing a seat. It's really up to the three (3) of you how you want to rotate on the board. Perhaps Mr. Bodem has more insight into the schedule. I'd need to get back to you on that. " Mr. Bodem added that he would check this out.
Mayor Julian then said, "We need to bring that information that you have, especially about rebates people can get and then the location of charging stations...find out what we need to do. I know that the parking lot is supposed to have.../ don't know where Tesla is with that." Mr. Bodem said that Tesla can't find a spot. The mayor said, "They can't find a spot because we can't close the lot." Mayor Julian added to Ms. Young, "We need to make sure we're connected with you on all of this." CM Hernandez asked, "Do you have an outreach coordinator? if there was an event, who would we contact?" Ms. Young said, "You can reach out to me. We do have opportunities for sponsoring and tabling. One of our account managers is responsible for specifically outreach in the Spanish- speaking community. That might be of interest."
7. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
There were no requests to speak.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-H)
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 June 26, 2024.
C. Approve the Minutes of the City Council special meeting of June 18, 2024.
D. Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of June 25, 2024 E. Approve the Annual Fiestas Patrias Celebration in Guadalupe to be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
F. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-41 approving a Cooperative Agreement with SBAG to receive funding from Measure A for the 11th Street Safe Routes to School Project and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement on behalf of the City.
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-42 initiating proceedings for the annual levy of assessments for the Pasadera Landscape and Lighting District for fiscal year 2024-2025; and adopt Resolution No. 2024-43 approving the Engineer's Report for the Pasadera Landscape and Lighting District and declaring the City Council intent to levy assessments.
July 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 10 H. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-44 directing staff to forward to the Auditor-Controller's Office of the County of Santa Barbara the Water Standby Charges for vacant parcels within the City of Guadalupe for fiscal year 2024-2025.
Mayor Julian pulled items #8.C. and D. - Minutes of 6/18/24 special meeting and minutes of 6/25/24 regular meeting. Motion was made by Council Member Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Furness to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. 5-0 Motion passed.
Mayor Julian said, "Kudos to our City Clerk for these minutes. They are very specific and very detailed. If anyone wants to know what we did in the past, this is what we did. Good job. " The City Clerk thanked the mayor.
Motion was made by Mayor Julian and seconded by Council Member Costa, Jr. to approve items #8.C. and D. 5-0 Motion passed.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: (Information Only)
Mr. Bodem reported on the following:
• The SLOCAL Roots retail cannabis business is making good progress on their project. They have received a final rough inspection from the Fire and Building Departments a week or so ago and have since completed the drywall. They are currently in the process of painting.
From here, it's all downhill: they just need to install the cabinets (which are already made) and the security cameras/system. Once these tasks are completed, they will be ready for their occupancy inspection. They are aiming to have everything finished by the first half of August.
• Davon Thomas is no longer the contact person for the grant writing firm, Townsend Public Affairs. Another person by the name of Alex is the new contact. There will be no delay as Townsend has over 100 grant writers in specialized areas. • The City Administrator contacted Dr. Handall from the School District to discuss a schedule for the proposed Joint City/School meeting. It was discussed sometime in August. Dr.
Handall wanted to get some dates from the City Council first before he brings the subject to his board for discussion.
Mayor Julian said, "The unhoused...encampment groups...report by the Grand Jury. They met on Monday. What are we to do with the homeless?" Mr. Bodem said, "We have 90 days to respond to the Grand Jury." (Brief background: the Santa Barbara Grand Jury sent to the City Council a findings and recommendations report called, "HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Becoming Park of the Community Again". A written response to those findings within those 90 days will have to be brought back to the City Council for consideration and then sent to the County. The City Council must respond on its own implementation strategy, if any.) July 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 10 A. Planning Department report for June 2024
B. Building Department report for June 2024
C. City Engineer's report for June 2024
City Engineer van den Eikhof reported the following: 1) Regarding the 3CE presentation tonight, we've received plans for 300 Obispo Street site to provide for electric charging stations for both our fleet vehicles and our bus. We are trying to get that out to bid now, and 2) an RFP is planned to be sent out in the next couple of weeks for design services for the Amtrak transit hub which also includes the charging stations.
Mr. van den Eikhof said, "There are a lot of other things that are happening in town. It's quite amazing. I've served with you since 2014. It's a lot busier than it was back in 2014." Mayor Julian asked, "Central Park and Verizon. We're waiting for them...Are we in jeopardy by our lack of moving forward on that?" Mr. van den Eikhof said, "There's been quite a bit of discussion on that, and the City Attorney can weigh in on that, as well, given some advice on how to deal with Verizon. They haven't wanted to play with us. All the other providers have agreed to move their equipment on the tank for recoating. Verizon wants us to pay for that ability, and it's quite expensive. So, we're moving forward with the idea that we will not do the recoating now, so we can keep the Central Park project moving forward. We don't want that project to be held up." Mr.
Bodem added, , "We got an extension on the grant, the timeline for the project." CM Costa, Jr. asked, "What's the status on the electric bus?" Mr. Bodem said, "Protera is under bankruptcy. The bus's computers are down, and there's no one to work on it right now." Mr. van den Eikhof said, "City of Santa Maria also purchased Protera bus. They're having the same issue but theirs has continued to function. The company is split, and there is a new company that's been formed. Recently, I received information from the City of Santa Maria for the contact for the maintenance repair on the bus. There are electronics that have to be updated. We also have some grant monies available for an additional bus which we'll be working on to try to purchase."
10. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT: (Information Only) Note: the Director of Public Safety Report is on the City's website. Go to www.cityofquadalupe.org Scroll to City Administration/Agendas - "Items distributed at the 7/09/24 meeting".
On the subject of the homeless, Chief Cash said, "There are four (4) individuals who are unsheltered. Two...their families live here. We've spoken with them. There's one I'm trying to track down who has influenza. I'm talking to Santa Maria on this. There are mental issues, too. Some services won't come here. The person has to go to them. It's a tough thing. We had one person who was sleeping behind the Veterans Memorial Building. We worked with our building and streets people. The person left with their belongings after Fire saw them and notified them before we came back." Mayor Julian said, "The Supreme Court now says we can arrest them, but I believe our position is not to unless we have to." Chief Cash said, . "That's correct. Homelessness is not a crime. It's a societal problem. A lot of people think just to call the police to handle the homeless July 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 10 problem, and that's not right. We try to help with services. That's why I'm on a lot of various boards and commissions throughout Santa Barbara County, so we can get placements in. I've been lucky enough to build some of those relationships up so they'll save beds. There's a program in Santa Maria...I'm on their board. They set aside two (2) beds any time that I need them. It's only voluntary. One wanted to go, but he wanted his buddy to go with him. His buddy didn't want to go so he didn't want to go either. So, it does make it kind of difficult, but they have not been committing any crimes. They know us... we know them. I know you've seen some. They've come by the food bank. As long as everyone behaves, we try to make that work. So long as they're not on Guadalupe Street being an eyesore. We have a good working relationship, but it's problematic at times.
Chief Cash briefly mentioned that the Fire Department assisted with fireworks enforcement through the use of a drone. However, they were called to mutual aid in Arroyo Grande, and the drone had to be taken down early. Chief Cash said, "We're going to be asking Finance for a night drone. The one we have is for daytime. It doesn't have lights, so we don't see a lot when it gets dark."
Chief Cash then mentioned a public records request from Frances Romero regarding fireworks data and information. He said, "The request was received on Monday, and because staff was gone, we put this together as soon as we could to send things back to her. She asked for the number of citations issued in 2024. We had 15 citations that will be pending. She also asked for the same information for years 2021-2023. We had 9, 8, and 7 citations respectively. The fine is $1,000.for that same period, she requested number citations paid in full - 14. Nine (9) are in collections. If not paid in full, how much was paid was also asked. All citations paid were paid in full. There were no reductions in fees. We have Jack Owens as a Hearing Administrative Officer. All cases are brought to them to hear to adjudicate them. She asked what fund is assigned for the fine monies that are paid. It's Fund 42 (Public Safety Fund)."
He then talked a bit about education enforcement communication. He said, "The department sent out education flyers. We have the entire water billing list, so we sent flyers out to everybody. The flyer had an anonymous phone number that they could contact through our police commander phone. We had that for about a week and received no phone calls. We have 'Crime Stoppers' on our website to report anonymously. We had no reports. During this event, we had two (2) officers and two (2) fire personnel with the drone detail. As / mentioned, the fire personnel were called to mutual aid at 12 midnight and did not return to the city until 6:00 a.m. That was the second call for mutual aid that happened throughout the County. Fire was busy. Also, during the period of June 21St to July 6t, there were 14 calls for service for reporting of fireworks." Chief Cash then said that Ms. Romero also provided paperwork to compare what Santa Maria had as far as their enforcement, Long Beach and also Woodland Fire. We looked at the numbers from Santa Maria which were staggering. We did better enforcement via percent of population." Mayor Julian interjected saying that we can't compare with Santa Maria. Chief continued saying, "Yes, you really can't compare. She wanted her letter to be put into the record. Not to read her whole letter, but she would like to have no fireworks be allowed in the City at all." He continued talking about fireworks saying, "Some people think we go directly to the people and give a ticket. We tried that before. We only have two officers...it usually comes to a confrontation.
July 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 10 It's unsafe. When / was working the other night....people are barbecuing. They're in their driveways.
Twenty and thirty people are there. You can imagine what it would be like trying to make an arrest with only two (2) officers. What we do is use a drone to pinpoint what the activity is. Then we send letters of compliance to the houses. That's how we do the enforcement. That way we don't have confrontations. There are a lot of people drinking that night. We deal with fires if there's any issue with public safety."
CM Hernandez said, "I had a question regarding your report from the last Council meeting. It stated that there was domestic violence. What resources does the Police Department give for people calling in?" Chief Cash said, "We try to direct...you see on my report the groups and commissions...a lot of those groups are from Santa Maria and have contacted me. This makes it so much easier than having to go out to try and find the resources. Once we get a name of someone who is in a situation that way...like safe houses. I have organizations that have safe houses in Santa Maria. I now know how to contact them saying / have a client...we need to put them and their family into a safe house. At the department, I'm the only one that knows of the situation as well as the agency that will house the person knows. We can at least separate them from whatever violence may be occurring, especially if we've not been able to arrest the husband or significant other. I'm dealing with a lot of contacts from Santa Maria because that's the group that's talked to me and sent me flyers. I do the same for our seniors, so we can deal with elder abuse. I have a list of seniors' homes that I check periodically, and I talk with the caregivers. Some of the agencies will give a call to the Police Department to let me know that there's a house that we need to check on." CM Hernandez then asked, "I know you're the middle man. So, does that mean if you weren't there, is there any information that your officers can give them directly? For example, I met with Domestic Violence Rape Crisis Center. I know that #211 is very helpful and resourceful. Have you heard of #211?" Chief Cash said, "No, I have not. We try to...our system is that when an officer makes a report, I now review all reports so that I check before it goes to the DA's office, it's done correctly. I weed out those reports and make those contacts. The officer doesn't have to spend a lot of time trying to find those. Unless there's an emergency, I can do more follow-up to make sure that they get the resources. Sometimes we give them pamphlets there at the scene. There's no follow-up. They're embarrassed to call, or they don't want to reach out. Then they get lost. So, I come back and do the follow-up... so whoever has the agency is going to make that call, and I have the person who needs those resources. So, they either show up in my office or I make the call." CM Hernandez said, "That's a lot of work. I just want to share that dialing #211 is for additional resources. This is a big push throughout Santa Barbara County. It's available 24/7, confidential, and in multiple languages. People can call in if they're looking for resources such as utilities, transportation, food, mental wellness. Just call #211 and they will direct you to the services you need." Chief Cash asked, "Is there a number or contact I can call so / understand exactly what they do?" CM Hernandez said, "Yes, Alejandra Enciso, a Guadalupe resident. I think many of us have probably worked with her before. She's interested in giving you an update on #211." Chief Cash mentioned that it would work better if Ms. Enciso called him so together, they could put something that will work for Guadalupe.
CM Hernandez had another question of Chief. She asked, "I see that you are part of 15 monthly committee assignments. Are these shared responsibilities, or are these all on you? Chief said, "They're all mine."
July 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 10
11. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER: (Information Only)
A. Recreation & Parks report for June 2024
Ms. Barajas, Recreation Services Manager, reported on the following:
• Volleyball Drop-in is back.
• "Movie Night" is Friday, 7/12. The movie is "IF" at Le Roy Park. • Poetry Jam, Friday, 7/26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Veterans Hall • Dr. Raymond Chong, "Los Kinjo", presentation on Japan town in Guadalupe, Sunday, 7/14, at the Veterans Hall, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Color Run 5k, Saturday, 7/27, at Jack O'Connell Park. Check-in at 10:00 a.m. There will be free hot dogs, chips and water for all parties.
• Line Dancing, Monday, 8/12, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in City Auditorium (Note: Go to "Guadalupe Recreation and Parks Facebook" for complete information on events.) Mayor Julian asked about weeds on the perimeter of the park. Ms. Barajas said, "They'll be cut down tomorrow. Also, tree trimming will happen for people who walk in the park." The mayor then asked about the attendance at "Movie Night". Ms. Barajas said, "At the last one, there were 47 people. Also, there are 59 people signed up now for the Color Run...150 meals scheduled now.
Registering allows for better planning."
Mayor Julian asked, "The Boys & Girls Club have not shown up at the Commission meetings?" Ms.
Barajas said, "Yes, this is the second meeting where they haven't shown up to give a report." The mayor commented that they are required to give a report at each monthly Commission meeting.
CM Hernandez said, "There are a lot of exciting activities. Maybe 3CE can be a sponsor for one of your activities. Who's sponsoring the free hot dog meals?" Ms. Barajas said, "The sponsor for the free meals is 'Cali the Bear Clothing'... they're paying America's 805 Hot Dog to provide the meals."
PUBLIC HEARING
12. Guadalupe Benefit Assessment District No. 1 (FY 2024-25).
Written report: Jeff van den Eikhof, City Engineer
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct a public hearing to provide all present with an opportunity to speak regarding the assessment for the Guadalupe Benefit District No. 1 and adopt Resolution No. 2024-45 setting the proposed assessment.
Mr. van den Eikhof briefly explained this is an annual process regarding levying assessments based on prior year costs and estimated future costs for lighting and landscaping in the Point Sal Dunes and the Riverview subdivisions. He said that there about an $8-$9 increase per parcel for Riverview and less than a $2 increase for each parcel for Point Sal Dunes.
July 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 10 Public Hearing opened at 6:51 p.m. Public Hearing closed at 6:52 p.m.
A motion had been made when CM Robles asked City Attorney Sinco about recusing himself as he lives in the area affected here. In addition to CM Robles, Mayor Julian and CM Hernandez also live in the affected area and should be recused. City Attorney Sinco said, "With three (3) of you affected, we need to pick one to stay for a three-person vote. I'll pick a number and the one closest to it will stay." City Attorney Sinco wrote his number down. Mayor Julian picked #1. CM Robles picked #8 with CM Hernandez picking #7. Mayor Julian was closest to #2, City Attorney's number.
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Furness to approve Resolution No. 2024-45. Roll Call: Ayes: 3 Nos. 0 Abstain: 0 Recused: 2 Robles and Hernandez. 3-0-0-2 Motion passed.
13. Guadalupe Lighting District (FY 2024-25).
Written report: Jeff van den Eikhof, City Engineer
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct a public hearing to provide all present with an opportunity to speak regarding the assessment for the Guadalupe Lighting District and adopt Resolution No. 2024-46 setting the proposed assessment.
Mr. van den Eikhof said, "The costs didn't go up. There are good balances. The costs haven't risen since 2019.
Public Hearing opened at 6:55 p.m. Public Hearing closed at 6:58 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Furness to approve Resolution No. 2024-46. Roll Call: Ayes: 5 Nos. O 5-0 Motion passed.
14. Completion and Close-Out of CDBG-Economic Development- Programs (2019): City of Guadalupe Microenterprise Assistance Program.
Written report: Janice Davis, Finance Director
Recommendation: That the City Council conduct a public hearing to provide all present with an opportunity to speak on the completion and close-out of CDBG Economic Development and adopt Resolution No. 2024-47 approving the completion and closeout reports for the City of Guadalupe CDBG Micro-enterprise Assistance Program as required by the Community Development Block Grant.
Ms. Davis said that she was deferring this item to the next meeting on July 23d. Mayor Julian asked Council if there was consensus to do so. All were in agreement. Ms. Davis said the reason for the deferral was that CDBG guidelines require specific information that was lacking in the published public notice.
15. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
July 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 10 Microenterprise Assistance Program. No other items were added to the prior listed items.
16. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no announcements made.
17. 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 6:59 p.m.
Prepared by: Approved by:
Amelia M. Villegas, City Clerk Ariston Julian, Mayor
July 9, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 10