MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, August 13, 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, "My condolences. / would like to take a moment to remember Leyva Elizabeth Oregel, a cherished member of our community, who tragically lost her life a year ago in July. Leyva was a loving mother to two daughters, and her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her. As we honor her memory, I ask for a moment of silence to reflect on this heartbreaking tragedy and to stand together as a community in saying 'not one more'. We must work towards ensuring that no family endures such a devastating loss." (Mayor Julian then asked for a moment of silence.)
4. AGENDA REVIEW
No were no changes made to the agenda.
5. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
There were no requests to speak.
CONSENT CALENDAR (A-D)
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.
August 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 9 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.
Approve payment of warrants for the period ending August 2, 2024.
C. Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of July 23, 2024.
D. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-52 approving the response to the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury Report entitled "Homeless Encampments in Santa Barbara County" with the signatures of each member of the City Council to Presiding Judge Pauline Maxwell.
There were no items pulled. Motion was made by Council Member Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Furness to approve the full Consent Calendar. 5-0 Motion passed.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
7. CITY ADMINISTRATOR: (Information Only)
A. City Administrator's report for August 13, 2024
(Note: go to the City's website at www.cityofquadalupe.org to view the full report.) Some of the items from Mr. Boder's report were:
-Joint City/School Board Meeting: The tentative date of August 20th had been previously suggested to the School Board. However, as of the date of the council meeting, Mr. Bodem had not heard back from the School Board to confirm, and this Thursday is the deadline to notice the meeting.
Mayor Julian said, "Have Dr. Handall, you, Chief Cash and the two (2) principals meet to discuss whatever issues. Then, if deemed required, schedule a joint meeting." Mr. Bodem also mentioned that there is a special Recreation & Parks Commission meeting on August 20th. CM Costa, Jr. said, "One board member is out, so push the joint meeting to September. I'd like to meet with the board." The mayor said, "I'd then recommend that Gene, Dr. Handall, Todd, Chief Cash and the two (2) principals meet. Then move forward, as necessary."
-Assembly Member Gregg Hart will have office hours here in Guadalupe on Saturday, August 17th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Historical Society (Rancho de Guadalupe). -The next big project with Cal Trans is the Santa Maria Bridge Replacement Project. Work is being done to deliver the final design and begin construction in Spring of 2025. -City Clean-Up: Saturday, October 12th, at McKenzie Middle School parking lot, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. -RFP for Royal Theatre Operator will be distributed shortly.
August 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 9 -The design group for the Royal Theatre has worked out a few options for a one-story option rather than the three-story that is currently designed. With this option, some things will be eliminated and/or changed: an elevator and two stairs will be eliminated, and the outdoor concrete amphitheater is now a grassy knoll.
There are several hurdles to pass as the full set of designs will take four (4) months to complete. Then the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grantor and the National Historic Registry must review and bless the redesign. This one-story redesign is estimated to save approximately $1.4M. -The rededication of the Guadalupe Veterans Memorial and flagpole will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. The new location accommodates memorial bricks. The hope is that the rededication will introduce the community to the site. -Emily Dreiling, Recreation & Parks Commissioner, is working the Townsend Public Affairs. They are in the final stages of submitting for the "Youth Community Access Grant". This program, funded by the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account (YEPEITA) and created by Proposition 64, seeks projects that support youth access to natural or cultural resources with a focus on lowlincome and underserved communities.
-SoCal Roots is nearing completion with their project with a projected date for a mid-September opening now. They are planning for a final occupancy inspection in the last week of August. Police, Fire and the Building Departments will be scheduled.
Mayor Julian said, "There was a meeting last Monday with Cal Trans. Some business people felt business will be disrupted." Mr. Bodem said that there is an agreement that will allow patrons to get to businesses. Chief Cash added, "I met with a group with Mike (Rochlin) and a few business owners.
People are concerned about Cal Trans. Set up traffic control issues...easement, goes right up to sidewalk. Cal Trans has a PowerPoint presentation to be sent to me." Mayor Julian asked about a stop sign on gth Street. Chief Cash said, "That was not a part of this cal Trans project. Cal Trans is working on 11th and Guadalupe Streets as well as Main and Guadalupe Streets. I mentioned that the double yellow line is fading as is the bike lane. Cal Trans again said that that was not part of their project. I asked who we could talk to about these issues." B. Planning Department report for July 2024
C. Building Department report for July 2024
D. City Engineer's report for July 2024
Mr. Bodem said that there are a number of nice projects currently underway. The following are a few that were mentioned from the City Engineer's report:
August 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 9 -Central Park Project is expected to start work in the summer of 2025. Mayor Julian asked, "About the tank...is Verizon not willing to move on what they're supposed to do?" Mr. Bodem said that the City Attorney and City Engineer are working out issues with Verizon wireless on the cost they are imposing to the City to pay for the detachment of Verizon's wireless apparatus. -RFP sent out to provide design services for the Amtrak Station Transit Hub project.
Mayor Julian said, "The caboose at the Amtrak Station. That has to go. You can't see anything with that there. " Mr. Bodem said that the caboose will be moving.
After a current design of the Royal Theatre was shown, Mayor Julian said, "There's a lot of movement there. We're not losing functionality with all of this. Things are fluid. We'll move on fundraising. This redesign fits more into the landscape of Guadalupe. EDA has to sign off." Mr. Bodem added that the City received a certificate from the State's environmental regulatory agency - all of the City's diesel fleet, tractors, equipment, etc. passed emissions.
CM Hernandez asked, "Next month is the Fiestas Patrias parade. Can we get an update on if Council, staff will be participating. Can we know in advance?"
8. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY: (Information Only)
A. Director of Public Safety report for August 13, 2024 (Note: go to the City's website at www.cityofquadalupe.org to view the full report.) The following are some of the highlights from Chief Cash's Public Safety Report:
-Public Safety Impact Fees - staff will discuss and develop procedures to implement Ordinance No. 2024-514, which was adopted on February 13, 2024. Chief is working with the City Attorney on this. -Traffic fatality occurred at 500 Guadalupe Street with a Guadalupe resident having suffered a fatal heart attack.
-Guadalupe Police Officers arrested a subject at the 151 Obispo Street cannabis processing plant on charges of felony burglary and misdemeanor trespassing. Onsite security alerted the police, and the subject was apprehended without incident.
-The Fire Department was requested for mutual aid with the Park Fire. Fire staff came back home this Sunday.
-Met with CA State Assemblyman Hart and District Representative for State Senator Limon to discuss possible legislation and the Emergency Preparedness project legislation for a "Public/Private Partnership Progrm for Stationing of Emergency Preparedness Supplies in Strategic Locations for Better Community Support and First Responder Response Capabilities".
August 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 9 -Attended a meeting with Santa Barbara County Probation Department regarding lack of Mixteco interpreters at jails and Probation Department for offenders and victims. -Meeting with Santa Barbara Police Chiefs and Sheriff Association to discuss California Prop 1, a two- part measure to 1) amend California's Mental Health Services Act, and 2) propose $3.3B general obligation bond to fund the program.
CM Hernandez asked, "On special projects - flock (surveillance) cameras. Can you talk more about that?" Chief Cash said, "Implementation of cameras. There's been vandalism here. The city jail has been hit numerous times. We're looking at expanding some of our camera. Cal Trans called me to remove cameras on Guadalupe Street. Some are in the parks. We're evaluating mobile cameras." CM Hernandez then asked, "The Fire Department at Christmas time needs candy. How can people donate?" Chief Cash said, "People donate to the Fire Association, a non-profit group. Contact me to set things up."
9. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER: (Information Only)
A. Recreation and Parks report for July 2024
(Note: go to the City's website at www.cityofquadalupe.orq to view the full report.) Ms. Barajas reported on the following:
-Color Run - on Saturday, 7/27, there were 169 runners with 50-75 family and friends supporting those running. People asked to have the run again. Thank you to the following who helped to make this a success: CM Hernandez and her family, CM Whitney Furness, Recreation & Parks Commissioner Joe Harris, Eddie and Johnny from City's maintenance, Josue Meraz, Recreation Department's Esther Britt and Angie Gonzales and all the runners, family and friends.
Thank you, also, to the following sponsors: Cali Bear Clothing, 805 Hot Dogs, Taylor Farms, Sylvester's, Guadalupe Hardware and Coast Photo Booth.
-Line Dancing - on Monday, 8/12, there were 41 participants, ages 14-"senior citizens" who danced for 1.5 hours. It was a lot of fun. Because of its success, there will be another class on Monday, 8/26, at 6:30 p.m.
-Poetry Jam - scheduled for Friday, 8/23, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Veterans Hall. -Skate Day - Saturday, 8/24, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at O'Connell Park. There will be instruction given from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Then from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., free skating. Vendors will be onsite.
August 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 9 -Movie Night - Friday, 8/30, starting at 6:00 p.m. at Le Roy Park (inside). Guadalupe Cheer will perform some cheers. There will be a snack stand for a fundraiser. -Glow Party - Saturday, 9/14, at City auditorium. Hip Hop dance for ages 5 - 16. Dance instruction will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the dance party from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Refreshments will be available.
Ms. Barajas mentioned that these events and activities are all listed on the City website, Guadalupe Recreation and Parks website and Facebook.
CM Hernandez said, "Thank you for thinking outside the box. The community is craving these types of activities."
REGULAR BUSINESS
10. Employment of Amelia M. Villegas, a retired annuitant, to fill the position of Interim Human Resources Manager created by a leave of absence.
Written report: Todd Bodem, City Administrator
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-53 retroactively approving the employment of Amelia M. Villegas, a retired annuitant, as Interim Human Resources Manager from 3/26/2024 through 4/14/2024 to comply with Government Code Section 21221(g) of the Public Employee's Retirement Law.
Mr. Bodem gave a brief introduction on this item prior to turning it over to Amelia Villegas for further explanation.
Ms. Villegas explained that this item is unique and would likely not occur again. As a retired annuitant, Ms. Villegas complied with CalPERS procedures to be hired in October 2023 to fill a vacancy during a recruitment period. (The position was Human Resources Manager.) Hours that she worked were reported to CaPERS, not to accrue additional service credit, but for CalPERS to ensure hours don't exceed the 960 hours maximum for a retired annuitant in a fiscal year.
It was discovered in late April 2024, early May 2024, that hours reported for Ms. Villegas for a pay period in December 2023 were incorrect. Those hours incorrectly reported were 325.5 hours when the actual hours worked for that pay period were 57.5 hours. Although the hours were corrected, and the total number of hours worked for the fiscal year were under 960 hours, CaPERS began a review of her interim appointment.
CalPERS requested Ms. Villegas' hire documentation and found that hiring procedures were in compliance with Government code Section 21221(h). The vacant position was filled on 3/18/24, and Ms. Villegas' continued working as "extra help" during a transition period. Shortly thereafter, the individual hired was out for a three-week period, which CaPERS deemed a "leave of absence".
CalPERS said that Ms. Villegas' status should have then changed to comply with Government Code Section 21221(g). This section permits a retired annuitant to fill a vacancy due to a leave of absence.
August 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 9 That change did not occur at the time of the three-week absence. CaPERS is requesting that action to be retroactive to be in compliance.
CM Furness asked if Ms. Villegas was paid correctly. Ms. Villegas said, "Yes, there were no issues regarding my pay."
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles to approve Resolution No. 2024-53 implementing Government Code Section 21221(g) regarding the employment of Amelia M. Villegas as Interim Human Resources Manager. Roll Call: Ayes: 5 Nos:
0 5-0 Motion passed.
11. Change in primary representative and alternate member(s) to the Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) Board.
Written report: Todd Bodem, City Administrator
Recommendation: That the Mayor nominate, and the City Council ratify the Mayor's nomination of a primary representative and alternate to the Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) Board to fill those vacancies until the new election cycle.
Mr. Bodem said that the CCWA Board wants someone appointed until the new election cycle.
Shannon Sweeney, the prior Public Works Director/City Engineer, had been the alternate representative.
Mayor Julian asked, "Is there a legal requirement for the representative to be an elected official?" City Attorney Sinco, "Shannon went all the time before. I'm not prepared to answer that now." At this point, CM Furness said that she would be the primary representative. Todd Bodem would be the alternate. (City Attorney Sinco later said that the joint powers agreement with CCWA says that the representative need not be an elected official.)
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Robles that Council Member Furness would be the primary representative and Todd Bodem, City Administrator, would be the alternate representative to the Central Coast Water Authority Board. 5-0 Motion passed.
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were no additional items added.
13. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
CM Costa, Jr.: School starts tomorrow, 8/14. There'll be a lot of traffic at Mckenzie and Mary Buren.
We need traffic control.
Mayor Julian: Next Tuesday, 8/20, at 1:30 p.m., there will be a Senior Advisory Committee meeting at the Senior Center. The "Senior Master Plan" will be discussed.
August 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 9 SBCAG and APCD meetings - APCD is working with 151 Obispo; they didn't get a permit from APCD.
Guadalupe Elementary School Reunion was held on Saturday, 8/3. There were about 261 attendees.
Thank you to City staff, Recreation & Parks and Fire Department.
Law Enforcement Appreciation Night - Wednesday, 9/18, at 5:30 p.m. at Elks Lodge Building. Peace Officer Awards will be handed out.
Senior Center Excursion - seniors went to Pismo Beach. Smooth provided the transportation.
Monthly excursions are being planned.
CM Hernandez: Wednesday, 8/21, is "Day of Hope". Fundraiser for cancer research. There will be two (2) points in Guadalupe where donations will be accepted: by the Post Office and at Main & Guadalupe Streets.
CM Furness: Boys & Girls Club, "Young CEOs" - kids, around 8 to 12 years old have a business idea.
They set up their own business and try to sell products. This has been done in Santa Maria.
Mayor Julian then asked, "At the Vets Hall yesterday, there were a lot of cars parked there all day.
Does anyone know anything about this?" No one actually knew but suggested that perhaps people had gone to the Guadalupe Social Club.
14. ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to adjourn to closed session meeting. 5-0 Motion passed. Meeting adjourned to closed session at 6:50 p.m.
15. 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)
16. ADJOURNMENT TO OPEN SESSION MEETING
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Furness to adjourn to open session. 5-0 Motion passed.
17. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
August 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 9 No reportable action.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Furness to adjourn the meeting. 5-0 Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Prepared by:
Cutes dishley
Amelia M. Villegas, City Clerk Ariston Julian, Mer
August 13, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 9