MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, August 27, 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. (Note: The abbreviation, "CM', for "Council Member", will be used in these minutes.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. MOMENT OF THANKS, APPRECIATION OR CONDOLENCES.
CM Costa, Jr. mentioned that the mother of Maria Gonzalez recently passed away. Her mother was a longtime Guadalupe resident. Mayor Julian also added that there be peace in the world and in our election process.
4. AGENDA REVIEW
City Administrator Bodem said that the presentation, "Cosecha Guadalupe Farmers Market Committee Update", is off the agenda for tonight. There were no other changes mentioned.
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Cosecha Guadalupe Farmers Market Committee Update.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
There were no requests to speak.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-C)
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 27, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 7 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 16, 2024.
C. Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of August 13, 2024.
There were no items pulled. Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to approve the full Consent Calendar. 5-0 Motion passed.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
8. CITY ADMINISTRATOR: (Information Only)
A. City Administrator's report for August 27, 2024
(Note: go to the City's website at www.cityofquadalupe.org to view the complete report.) Mr. Bodem briefly went through his report highlighting the following:
--The City/School staff meeting may occur sometime in September. Mutual issues of concern will be discussed.
-Pasadera Annual Review: The Pasadera development agreement requires an annual report prepared by the City Engineer. Finance is gathering information for the past few years which will go to Council in November. The end reporting date for this year's report is October 31, 2024. -The City did not procure the grant funding from ATP for the sidewalk around the new school building but did receive $105,000 from the safe routes to school program. With a $300,000 shortfall for this project, other funding sources are being reviewed with Townsend Public Affairs Team. -SLO Cal Roots Update: Mr. Bodem participated in a "walk through" on Friday 8/23. Report is that things look good with a possible open date of mid-September. --Mr. Bodem recently met with the new Senior Account Executive, Jessica McGinnis, from Waste Management. To get ahead of the Cal Recycle compliance, Waste Management would like to start switching out the commercial trash dumpsters from green to black. Service will not be affected. --At the 8/13/24 City Council meeting, CM Hernandez asked how the City Council or staff can participate in the Comité parade. Mr. Bodem read a statement from Mr. Jose Nichols, which said, "The City Council is always welcome to participate in our Parade. Traditionally, we have saved a spot for them every year, but some years they opt, for whatever reason, not to participate. Also, the Guadalupe Fire Department is always welcome to participate. Having your folks participate just August 27, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7 makes the Parade a bit merrier plus it demonstrates, what perhaps is not always evident, the huge support that the City of Guadalupe has, and continues to have for the Comité's events." --Mr. Bodem came across a grant opportunity and thought of Guadalupe and possible non-profits who may benefit from this grant. An active non-profit in this sector in collaboration with the City would have a strong application. This opportunity would look to improve employment outcomes and reduce persistent economic inequities. Eligible applicants: Non-profit organizations, labor unions, tribal governments, community colleges, local workforce boards, and education and training provides. Match: 20% (in kind eligible).
9. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY: (Information Only)
A. Director of Public Safety report for August 27, 2024 B. Police Department report for July 2024
C. Fire Department report for July 2024
D. Code Compliance report for July 2024
(Note: go to the City's website at www.cityofquadalupe.org to view the complete report.) Chief Cash spoke briefly on the following items:
--On Code Compliance, with the assistance of our City Attorney, we have completed the 261 Tognazzini abatement. It's been boarded up, cleaned up and cars towed. Working with the City Attorney, we got the bill. We'll be processing that. I'm assuming we'll be working with the State Public Administrator so that we can get our reimbursement. That looks nice for that street. -We had a meeting at the Senior Center. I'm sure that the mayor will speak on this more. This is the Senior Advisory Committee meeting which went well. I only got in on the last part. I can leave that for the mayor to expand.
-Had a meeting today in San Luis Obispo with the Son Care Advisory Board. They supply service dogs.
They have one (1) that is getting ready to graduate from prison. They asked if Guadalupe had any veterans or someone else who could use one. They're willing to supply that free which is very nice. If anyone wants to send in a name of someone who might need one. I will be going to the 'Donuts with Veterans' this Thursday. I'd hate for us to miss out on that. That's a very good organization. There's a huge waiting list. Any help would be appreciated.
Mayor Julian said, "You should contact Deek Segovia of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). He was in Reno this past week at a conference. They're really connected." Chief said, "I'll make contact with Mr. Segovia. This group, Son Care, really want to help us here in Guadalupe so that's really good."
The mayor asked, "The home at 261 Tognazzini, is that been resolved in terms of ownership?" City Attorney Sinco said, "No heirs were found...no successors. The property owner died indigent. The Public Administrator's involved because there was no one to pay for her funeral, so the County stepped in and handled that. They've been in the process of trying to find somebody to take over the property, so they can get back taxes and their costs. No one's been found. The last I heard they're August 27, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7 seeking appointment to resolve the estate. Once they receive that appointment, I will receive notice and file our claim. Then they'll sell the property." Mayor Julian said, "I think the residents in the area would like to see this come to resolution."
10. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER: (Information Only)
A. Human Resources report for July 2024
Ms. Estrada, HR Manager, reported on the following:
--Recruitment:
PD has a new Police Officer starting on 9/3. Also, an offer was extended to a Police Recruit who is now in the background process.
Fire Engineer position has been posted with no applicants to date. Other recruitment sources to be reviewed.
Public Works Director has shown little activity. Posting has been refreshed. Grant Administrator has been reopened/posted. Facility Rental Coordinator posting has received little activity but has been refreshed
A new Finance Clerk was hired with a start date of 8/05/24. -Labor negotiations are ongoing with the Police Officers' Association (POA). -Wastewater and Fire teams are currently in the planning stages for required training. --Drafting of the City Personnel Policy Manual has begun. -Open enrollment for healthcare begins 9/16 through 10/11. Any additions/changes will become effective 1/01/2025. More information to follow regarding rates and what needs to be done and when.
-Partnering with City Administrator to create a plan for Team Building activities which is needed.
Keeping those simple, low cost, but getting the team together to have some fun. -Two long-term workers' compensation claims are still under active monitoring.
Mayor Julian asked, "Facility Rental Coordinator position. Isn't there someone in that position now? Is that person still here?" Ms. Estrada said, "Yes, that person is still here but is only temporary. It needs to be filled on a regular basis." CM Furness asked, "Aren't we going through interviews...or didn't we have background checks for the Grant Administrator?" Ms. Estrada said, "We did. That was mentioned in the last meeting. The position had been reposted with active recruiting now occurring."
August 27, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 7 CM Hernandez asked, "I think it would be great to host an open house next year to give an update on what's happening with the City and the different departments. Maybe something in the upcoming months. This would be a way to connect with our community. There's funding for translators in the budget." Mayor Julian said, "A lot of cities have the 'State of the City' which may do that... where we talk about departments. The department heads...or most of them are here. Before Covid, Todd, Chief, and / would meet at Riverview with the people there. That worked really well. Maybe some of us and department heads can go meet at Riverview, The Little House, or anywhere else...even at the Social Club." CM Costa, Jr. said that the Little House by the Park has moved to Riverview on Calle Cesar E.
Chavez. The mayor said, "We'll follow The Little House wherever they go... the Community Changers."
REGULAR BUSINESS
11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
No additional future items were added to the list.
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
CM Robles: Free basic computer training is to be offered in Guadalupe. Any resident can learn or sharpen their computer skills. You can learn how to use the internet, email, search for jobs, etc. The training will run from October gth to November 14th at Riverview Townhomes...Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can contact Alondra Rodriguez at 805-964-4710 ext. 4401 for more information and how to register.
CM Costa, Jr.: Friday, August 30th, is "Movie Night" at Le Roy Park. There will be a snack bar there with proceeds benefiting the cheerleading group for the Bulldogs. Also, the first game for the Bulldogs will be this weekend in Lompoc.
CM Hernandez: Annis (Barajas) and / will have a meeting with Fish & Wildlife next month to see if we have an opportunity for outdoor access. There is property before Oso Flaco Lake that is a great are for hiking. It would be free for everybody. Mayor Julian said that we need more of that.
One Guadalupe resident, Eddie Hernandez, was recently recognized as "Hometown Hero" in Santa Maria. Many of you know him. He was Director of the Boys & Girls Club here in Guadalupe. His banner is posted up in Santa Maria as a "Santa Maria Hometown Hero".
City Clerk Villegas: On Wednesday, August 20th, there was the fundraiser, "Day of Hope" to benefit the work at Mission Hope. Guadalupe had two teams and raised over $1,300. Donations are continuing to come in for this fundraiser.
Mayor Julian: On August 15th, ?, there were meetings with SBCAG and APCD. There were some issues and complaints that APCD was trying to control the missile launchings at VSFB. That proved not to be true because the launching is controlled by the government. The issue is with the Coastal August 27, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7 Commission in terms of the number of launchings because they're in the coastal zone. APCD has nothing to do with the control of missile launchings.
APCD is building a new North County office located at 1011 West McCoy here in Santa Maria. That used to be Segura Security. So, APCD has an office in Santa Barbara, and they bought the building on McCoy, off of Blosser.
On August 23rd, there was a 'Mayor and City Manager Forum" which meets every quarter. This quarter they worked with VSFB. City of Lompoc received 1.0+M to study how the impact... say, for instance, water was disrupted, and there was 14 days without water. Or there was internet interruption for a number of days, and VSFB looking at knowing that they would be targeted for any of these things. The good part of what was going on here was VSFB is looking at not only cities around the area, but what do they do when it comes to emergencies. What happens if the water system goes out? What happens if the electricity goes out? What about housing? The government can't build enough housing for the build-up of troops. There are 7,000+ civilian employees. They're looking at apartments. We're building a lot of homes for new arrivals at the base. They're looking at regional emergency management.
The mayors and city managers meetings are really important. The next meeting is in Santa Maria on October 25th. Pretty impressive. There was a woman in cybersecurity infrastructure. I didn't want to bring up that we got hit. Everybody else could see it. I have information that will be sent with contacts to look at our insecurities...potential insecurities.
On Tuesday, August 20th, there was a meeting with the Guadalupe Senior Advisory Committee. There was the discussion of Advisory Committee membership. Ms. Margaret Weiss from Santa Babara County Master Plan for Aging was introduced. We are moving forward with AARP registration.
KEYT/KCOY paid a visit this afternoon, Tuesday, August 27%, for a project update at the Royal Theatre. They did a pretty good blurb on it. We went inside the theatre. Al Ramos, from Rancho de Guadalupe Historical Society, gave an update on why the Royal Theatre is important to the community here in Guadalupe.
Next Thursday, September 5th, is the monthly Food Bank distribution. Renovations are being made to the Senior Center which is expanding the home environment for the seniors. We're doing a lot of moving around for the Food Bank area. They want to fully utilize the center to make it more inviting for seniors.
13. ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION MEETING
Motion was made by Council Member Costa, Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to adjourn the meeting to closed session. 5-0 Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
14. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
August 27, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7 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)
15. ADJOURNMENT TO OPEN SESSION MEETING
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 6:56 p.m.
16. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
No reportable action.
17. 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 6:57 p.m.
Prepared by: Approved by:
Amelia M. Villegas, City Clerk Ariston Julian, Mayor
August 27, 2024 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 7