MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, July 23, 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 members were present except CM Hernandez. (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 Costa, Jr. mentioned that Vincent Ramirez, Jr., a Guadalupe resident, was hospitalized. Prayers were offered for his recovery. He also said that a friend's daughter was in an accident and is at Stanford Hospital undergoing multiple surgeries. Her family lives here in Guadalupe. Prayers for her.
4. AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes to the agenda.
5. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
George Alvarez: Various concerns that I have. The main one is that the residents in Guadalupe are not getting the protection we're paying for. We have one (1) police officer a day working in Guadalupe. One (1) officer a day. On the weekends, we have four (4). Public safety is the main issue for everyone who lives in any community. The laws are being broken, because there is no enforcement of the law. That's throughout the country...all over the place. Each community is a little pond. You guys have the authority and power to improve it or let it deteriorate. I hope you don't fall for the same...as our federal government, in that respect.
There's crime being done here. What are you.../ can't do anything. I want more officers. The community needs more officers. You have the financial ability to improve or let it slide. Eventually, someone will get really hurt. Then it comes back to you guys. We have good officers who do the best July 23, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 10 they can with what they have. I can call and maybe they respond... maybe they're too busy. They're answering accidents and what not. That's what's going on in this community.
I want to thank the Chief and the group for the 4th of July festivities. I know a lot of people were upset, because they got cited. Tough...that's life. You know the rules. Abide by them. Don't be a crybaby. Pay the fine. Pay $1,000 for the fine. Man up. Obey the law, for god's sake. It's a simple rule. Now I hope in your budget for next year, you set aside a certain amount of money to pay the cost for booking fees. We're lacking money for that purpose. We're slipping. We don't want to do that because it's costing us money. I know that for a fact because we've had homeless in the past who've broken the law. We can't do anything about it, because the County and all the monies they get for the dealing with the homeless doesn't do the job. And we're stuck. If something happens to the residents, it's on the County...it's on us.
That's basically what I'm concerned about. We need more officers. I don't know what the problem is. It's only obvious. Thank you.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-F)
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 July 12, 2024.
C. Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of July 9, 2024.
D. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-48 approving an agreement with Caltrans allowing Caltrans to adjust city-owned utility lids within the State right-of-way and authorizing the Mayor to sign the agreement on behalf of the City.
E. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-49 approving a contract amendment with Michael K. Nunley and Associates (MKN) for the Pioneer Lift Station Design.
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-50 approving a list of projects funded by Senate Bill 1 (SB1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act.
No items were pulled. Motion was made by Council Member Furness and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve the full Consent Calendar. 4-0 Absent: 1 Hernandez Motion passed.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
7. CITY ADMINISTRATOR: (Information Only)
July 23, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 10 A. City Administrator's report for July 23, 2024
(Note: Go to the City website at www.cityofquadalupe.org to view the complete report.) Some of the items discussed were:
• The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center extended an invitation to the City Council to their annual fundraising gala to be held Saturday, 7/27, at The Edwards Barn in Nipomo. • The City Council agreed to have the joint meeting with the School District on Tuesday, 8/20. • CM Costa Jr. had asked where our trash goes. Trash collected from customers in Guadalupe is brought to the Santa Maria Transfer Station. Waste Management (WM) is able to provide Guadalupe with a lower waste disposal cost. Also, the City's new contact at WM is Jessica McGinnis. Meeting with Ms. McGinnis has been scheduled with Mr. Boder.
Mayor Julian asked if there was any information from Waste Management about the community dump, dump days? Mr. Boder said that he's asked WM and is waiting for their response.
• Meeting was held on 7/12 to discuss renovations and repairs to City Hall. Most of the work will entail structural and seismic upgrades. Anticipated start of construction will be in 2025. • Santa Barbara County Homeless Encampment Response - the Chief, Mayor and City Administrator met to discuss a preliminary strategy to address this issue. The Chief will submit a letter after the Council considers a response to the finding. This may go on the 8/13 agenda.
• The City Recreation & parks Department will be using the old Bonita tank lot/building as a mini-corporate yard to store their equipment.
Mayor Julian asked, "What kind of fencing will there be there?" Mr. Bodem said that that was something to look into.
The All-Guadalupe School Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, 8/3, to begin at 4:00 p.m. and is sponsored by the Guadalupe Sports Hall of Fame.
Mayor Julian asked if Ms. Barajas, Recreation Services Manager wanted to add anything. She mentioned the following events:
Color Run - Saturday, 7/27, at Jack O'Connell Park. It's a 5k...you can walk or run. All ages are welcome. Registrations will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, 7/25. Free lunch July 23, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 10 will be sponsored by Cali Bear Clothing through 805 America's Hot Dogs. T-shirts for the Color Run are $5/each.
• Poetry Jam - Friday, 7/26, at 6:00 p.m. at the Veterans Hall.
8. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY: (Information Only)
A. Director of Public Safety report for July 23, 2024
Police Department report for June 2024
C. Fire Department report for June 2024
D. Code Compliance report for June 2024
(Note: Go to the City website at www.cityofquadalupe.orq to view the complete report.) Chief Cash briefly discussed the following items:
• At the last meeting, CM Hernandez brought up the subject of calling "211" for assistance in matters relating to domestic violence. Cards and flyers were handed out at the meeting. • PD has tentatively been awarded a $57,000 FY 2025 CA State Office of Traffic Safety for the proposed "Preventing Driving Under the Influence (DUIs) in Guadalupe". • Chief has written the response to the Grand Jury on homeless encampments. It's now being reviewed by the City Administrator for further review by the Council at, hopefully, the next Council meeting.
• For the period of 7/01/24 - 7/16/24, officers responded to 168 Calls for Service. • Fire responded to 31 medical calls in July; 386 so far this year. There were 32 Fire Code Compliance calls this month.
• Code Compliance is stepping up enforcement on vacant commercial property registration and maintenance zone ordinance. The owners of these vacant properties are to notify the City at least once a year of their intentions, so it's not just sitting there as eyesores. First citation was sent out.
• Fifteen (15) citations were mailed out regarding illegal fireworks. Biggest issue we have is that most are property owners where citations were sent. These are renters on their property.
The citations went to the property. They're very upset with that. We're advising them to talk with their property renters. If they have issues, they can take it through the proper process.
Chief explained that on the 4th of July, he and an officer were on duty patrolling and saw the illegal activities. With their drone, violators were identified, and citations were mailed out. • For emergency preparedness, working private citizens, Governor's Office of Emergency Preparedness, the SB County Office of Emergency Preparedness and CA State Assembly District 37 on legislation to get emergency supplies for needy areas so first responders at July 23, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 10 those locations can deal with actual emergencies. Working on legislation to be able to apply for grant monies to purchase such supplies for these needed locations.
Chief Cash mentioned some of his monthly committee assignments:
• Marian Hospital Community Board of Directors - now in process of looking at hiring doctors...more specialists for our community.
• SB County Emergency Managers Meeting - heat advisory; watch out for seniors and people that are outside making sure we have resources to assist them and, also, if we need cooling centers. We're monitoring cooling centers. Keeping tab on those people at the Senior Center. • SB County Animal Services Monthly Meeting with Director - asked for increased patrols; they've done that.
• SB County Probation Department - Community Corrections Realignment Planning Workgroup - 1 want to make sure that funds are sent to the work camps and youth camps instead of administration, so some of our young people are getting some of the services we should be getting.
• RFCC Coordination Committee - Fire Dispatch Center - walk through; completion by end of 2024, early 2025.
9. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER: (Information Only)
A. Human Resources report for June 2024
Ms. Estrada, HR Manager, reported that recruitment continues in Public Safety as reported in last month's report. The Paid-Call Firefighter position was filled with Luis Ramos, Jr. Public Works Director remains open. Offer was extended and accepted for the Finance Clerk. Grant Administrator candidate is in the background process. Recruitment for Fire Engineer has also begun.
Negotiations with POA began. No change in worker's compensation ongoing claims. Training for "Anti-Harassment/Discrimination" is scheduled with invites sent out. "Workplace Violence Prevention" Plan near completion. Ms. Estrada added that Chief Cash and the Police Department will assist in the training of this plan.
PUBLIC HEARING
10. Pasadera Landscaping and 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 the opportunity to speak regarding the assessment for the Pasadera Landscaping and Lighting District July 23, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 10 and adopt Resolution No. 2024-51 confirming the Engineer's Report, Assessment Diagram, and assessment related thereto for fiscal year 2024-25.
Mr. van den Eikhof briefly explained that Willdan Financial Services prepared the Engineer's Report for annual assessment for the Pasadera Landscaping and Lighting District.
Public Hearing opened at 6:25 p.m. There were no comments. Public Hearing closed at 6:26 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Furness to approve Resolution No. 2024-51 confirming the Engineer's Report, assessment Diagram, and assessment related thereto for fiscal year 2024-25. Roll Call: Ayes: 4 Nos: 0 Absent: 1 Hernandez Motion passed.
11. 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.
(Note: CM Robles mentioned that he was part of this program and questioned whether he should recuse himself. City Attorney Sinco said, "Because monies were already given, CM Robles does not have to be recused. Option to vote or not, but he does not need to leave the chambers." CM Robles chose to remain.)
Ms. Davis read the staff report which gave the rationale for this item. Briefly summarized, on March 16, 2021, the City was awarded a CDBG grant in the amount of $250,000 to run a Micro-enterprise technical assistance and financial assistance program. These programs launched on August 4, 2022.
The contract period ended June 24, 2024.
Los Amigos de Guadalupe (LADG), the group that originally ran this program, told the City on August 18, 2023, they were closing down their operations. The program reverted to the City, and the process to close out this grant program began.
Five (5) businesses were awarded grants: Guadalupe Fitness, Ever Shine Cleaning, Central Gold Coast Unlimited, Ninth Street Barbershop, and Happy Moon. Of the $250,000 grant, new businesses received $36,000, and existing businesses received $10,000. Add in $13,307.18 for general administration expenses for a total of $59,307.18 spent from the grant. The amount disencumbered is $190,692.82. Ms. Davis explained that LADG was unable to expand this program.
Mayor Julian said, "Disencumberment is a nasty word...giving money back when we need the money.
When LADG was unable to do that, we didn't have the staff to carry that forward. I know there's no July 23, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 10 way to say to the State to give us more time. They're saying you have to turn it in. $190,692.82...that money could have been beneficial to our community. We'll learn from our lessons." Public Hearing opened at 6:35 p.m. There were no comments. Public Hearing closed at 6:36 p.m.
CM Furness asked if there was an opportunity to extend this to help. Ms. Davis said, "The contract was extended. If we want to revisit, we can apply again." CM Furness added, "When the grant administrator is on board."
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Furness to approved Resolution No. 2024-47 for the approval and acceptance of the completion and closeout reports for the City of Guadalupe's CDBG Micro-enterprise Assistance Program as required by the Community Development Block Grant close-our process. Roll Call: Ayes: 3 No: 0 Abstain: 1 Robles
Absent: 1 Hernandez 3-0-1-1 Motion passed.
REGULAR BUSINESS
12. Request by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 982 to use the Veteran's Memorial Plaza parking lot (aka Downtown Parking Lot) for the Veteran's Memorial Plaza flagpole rededication event.
Written report: Annis Barajas, Recreation Services Manager Recommendation: That the City Council approve the request by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 982, to use the Veterans Memorial Plaza for the flagpole rededication and for the total fees of $300 to be waived.
Ms. Barajas gave a brief background on this item. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 982, (VVA) began maintaining the flagpole at the Plaza in 2008. In September 2023, the flagpole was moved from private property to its current location at the Veterans Memorial Plaza parking lot. The flagpole is being rededicated on its one (1) year anniversary at its current location.
The VA submitted a Special Events facility use rental application requesting the use of the Veterans Memorial Plaza parking lot for the rededication event. The total rental fees for this event totals $300.
The VVA is requesting that such fees be waived. This rededication will be celebrating three (3) soldiers who did not come home from Vietnam in1969.
Request to Speak: Deek Segovia, representing VVA gave additional information on their request to use the Veterans Memorial Plaza and waiver of fees. Mr. Jim Dorsey made a replica of the memorial that sat in the middle of gth Street and placed the memorial/flagpole on private property (hotel) adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Plaza. Mr. Dorsey subsequently sold the hotel at which time, the American Legion came to the VA saying, "It's your memorial. You take care of it." Mr. Segovia said, "You all know the three individuals on the memorial if you're from Guadalupe. We want to keep their memories alive. We only want to use the northside of the parking lot. The reason for the financial waiver is that since before Covid, we haven't had a fundraiser. We used to have them yearly. Just before Covid, then Covid, and now, our monies are being used for other things.
July 23, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 10 Such as 'Wreaths Across America' where we contribute the wreaths for Guadalupe. We're doing three (3) cemeteries this year, including Guadalupe. We're helping the Girl Scouts who are doing the presentation. This is not a fundraiser but rather a solemn affair. I don't know if any of you were there when it was dedicated and first put up, CM Robles was there. They had a helicopter come in. They did a big production of it. All these years later, we thought we'd have to demolish that and rebuild another. Fortunately, the monument was lifted by Louie's Crane Company from Nipomo. That monument was over ten tons. He got it over there for us. Now, it's in a permanent place. We want to care for it."
CM Costa, Jr. asked, "Not the City, just the VA?" Mr. Segovia said, "Yes, the VA did it, the movement of the memorial. Businesses came forward to help. Todd Edwards, who now owns the hotel, donated equipment. Had Todd not come into play, which was accidental, I'm not sure where we'd be without him. He was so helpful to us. He was one of the main ones. There was Louie's Crane...other businesses that helped, too. Also, there are memorialized bricks that we are selling to be implanted at the base of the memorial. We wanted to make them affordable for engraved bricks to sit around that memorial. They're $50 a brick. For some places, they're $250 for an engraved brick.
That was never to be fundraiser either. We just want to make it people friendly and veteran friendly." City Attorney Sinco then said, "We have a new policy which the City Council recently adopted. Make a motion to approve the request to use the plaza and add that the waiver requires criteria which has been reviewed and found to apply."
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve the Vietnam Veterans of America's request to use the Veterans Memorial Plaza and that the request to waive the fees requires criteria which has been reviewed and found to apply to the current policy. 4-0 Absent: 1 Motion passed.
CM Costa, Jr. said, "For me, this is... you gentlemen did the work. The City didn't help you. That's how I feel. You guys did it...you guys served our country. Thanks to you guys for doing that to be able to move it without having to destroy it. And it was for a good reason." Mr. Segovia said, "We want to maintain it, like the landscaping, we want to maintain that. We're now talking about redoing the benches in a color to look nicer. We pressure-washed them, so they're not black anymore... they're like pink. That's our responsibility that we want to do and not burden the City with it. We will keep the flags on it. Eventually, down the road when we aren't here anymore, then it's on City property, then the City can take it over then. We'll see what happens then." Mayor Julian added, "I think the monument is a tribute to the three (3) gentlemen who were killed plus a tribute to the veterans who served, not just in Guadalupe but everywhere."
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Join City/School Meeting - Tuesday, 8/20. No other items were added to the list.
14. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
July 23, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 10 CM Costa, Jr.: on Saturday, 8/10, there will be a chicken barbecue fundraiser in Nipomo at the Men's Club for my friend's daughter, Jasmine Gonzalez, who was in an accident.
CM Robles: on Sunday, 7/14, the Peace and Dignity Journey runners came in on Friday and stayed the night downtown here at the Cultural Center. Their trip started in Anchorage, Alaska. It's a seven- month trip and they're making it all the way down to Columbia. It's to bring light to all Indigenous native tribes throughout America. We got to meet them. They had a ceremony and prayer before they left to continue their journey. I called the mayor, and we both attended. It was a beautiful ceremony.
Also, on Sunday, 7/14, at 1:30 p.m., at the Veterans Hall, Dr. Chong spoke about Guadalupe's historic Japantown as well as others in California. We had a good turn out with about 40 people in attendance who heard his 1.5-hour lecture which was videotaped. We had a double whammy of a culture day on Sunday. You could even get this on PBS, and we had it here in downtown Guadalupe.
Mayor Julian: last Thursday, 7/18, there was an SBCAG meeting. Just an update on all the projects they're going to give us...all fully funded. It's all a matter of getting all the designs in. Things are moving on CalTrans side.
15. ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Furness to adjourn the meeting to closed session. 4-0 Absent: 1 Hernandez Motion passed. Meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:50 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 organization: Guadalupe Police Officers Association (POA) Public Employee Performance Evaluation
(Subdivision (b) of Gov. Code Section 54957)
Title: City Attorney
17. ADJOURNMENT TO OPEN SESSION MEETING
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Furness to adjourn to open session. 4-0 Absent: 1 Hernandez Motion passed. Meeting adjourned to open session at 7:45 p.m.
18. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
No reportable actions.
July 23, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 10
19. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Furness to adjourn the meeting. 4-0 Absent 1 Hernandez Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Prepared by:
Quelia intellen
Amelia M. Villegas, City Clerk Ariston Julian Mayor
July 23, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 10