Minutes
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6:00 pm
City Hall, Council Chambers, 918 Obispo Street, Guadalupe CA 93434
1. ROLL CALL:
Council Member Eugene Costa Jr.
Council Member Whitney Furness
Council Member Amelia M. Villegas
Mayor Pro Tempore Christina Hernandez
Mayor Ariston Julian
Mayor Julian called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
All Present
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. MOMENT OF THANKS, APPRECIATION OR CONDOLENCES
Mayor Julian asked for a moment of silence for the young individuals that were killed over the weekend and for their families that are suffering.
4. AGENDA REVIEW
At this time the City Council will review the order of business to be conducted and receive requests for, or make announcements regarding, any change(s) in the order of business.
No changes were made to the agenda.
5. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
Each person will be limited to a discussion of three (3) minutes or as directed by the Mayor. Pursuant to the provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on these matters unless they are listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. City Council may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future City Council meeting.
1. Judy Wilson. Expressed concerns regarding city communication and transparency including public access to information Parks and Recreation department staffing changes and accessibility of meeting recordings.
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2. Stephanie Krouse. Ms. Krouse Commented on the elimination of the recreation manager's position the impact on community programs and services and the need for transparency regarding decisions affecting city operations.
3. Anita Navarro. Ms. Navarro commented on the elimination of the recreation manager position and expressed concerns regarding impacts to youth recreation programs senior activities community events and Parks and Recreation services.
4. Emma Vega. Ms. Vega read a statement on behalf of Graciella Rodriguez that she submitted her comment through e-mail since she could not attend. The statement expressed disappointment over the dismissal of Arnulfo Navarro III, Highlighting his contributions, vision and positive impact on the youth and families of Guadalupe.
No action was taken by the City Council on matters raised during public comment.
CEREMONIAL CALENDAR
A. Biodiversity Proclamation
B. Pride Month Proclamation
Public Comment:
All public comments were in favor of the Biodiversity Proclamation
1. Eric Cardenas
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Biodiversity Working Group
2. Stephanie Diaz
Land Trust for Santa Barbara County
3. Candace Manigan
Costal Ranches Conservancy
4. Jeannie Gina Sparks
Santa Barbara County Action Network (SBCAN)
Public Comment submitted via email regarding the Biodiversity Proclamation:
1. Eric Cardenas
Director of Impact and Advocacy
2. Daniel Gullett
Land Use Planner
3. The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County
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4. Noah Bolland
Programs Manager
Heal the Ocean
5. Anne-Marie Parkinson, MESM
Executive Director
Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council
6. Saule Baipsys
Outreach Coordinator
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center
Written comments for e-mail submissions:
https://cityofquadalupe.org/document/items-distributed-during-6-9-2026-cc-meeting/ Public Comment for Pride Month Proclamation:
1. Alhan Diaz Correra, a community member, accepted the proclamation and provided remarks.
Proclamations were issued: no vote required.
5. 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.
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. Ratify payment of warrants for the period ending May 22, 2026.
C. Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of May 26, 2026.
D. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-22 authorizing the filing of a claim with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for allocation of Transportation Development Act Funds for fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Motion was made by Council Member Furness and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion passed. 5-0.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
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6. CITY ADMINISTRATOR: (Information Only)
a. City Administrator's report for June 9, 2026
b. Planning Department report for May 2026
C. Building Department report for May 2026
d. Public Works and Engineering report for May 2026
The administrator provided brief updates on public works maintenance water line repairs, wastewater plant work and ongoing projects including the Royal Theater, Las Mujeres Park, 303 Obispo Site Improvement Project, and the Amtrak station. He also reported receipt of the notice to proceed for the California Clean Air Grant.
7. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY: (Information Only)
a. Director of Public Safety report for June 9, 2026
Chief Cash reported on police fire EMS emerging emergency preparedness and community programs council members ask clarifying questions regarding the medical director vacancy and the senior work eligibility program.
REGULAR BUSINESS
Introduction of Ordinance No. 2026-527 adopting the 2026 California Fire Code and amend the Guadalupe Municipal Code to update the fire and safety regulation Written report: Michael Cash, Director of Public Safet
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce, on the first reading, and continue to the meeting of June 23, 2026, for second reading and adoption, Ordinance No. 2026-527 adopting the 2026 California Fire Code and amending the specified fire and safety ordinances in the Guadalupe Municipal Code.
Chief Cash introduced ordinance No. 2025-527 an ordinance adopting the 2026 California Fire Code and amending the Guadalupe municipal code to update fire and life safety regulations he provided an overview of the required state code updates and the need to align local fire standards with current California Fire Code provisions.
Motion was made by Council Member Villegas and seconded by Council Member Furness for the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-527.
Motion passed. 5-0.
Introduction of Ordinance No. 2026-528 adding Chapter 3.34 to Title 3 of the Guadalupe Municipal Code establishing a Cannabis Business Tax.
Written report: Philip F. Sinco, City Attorney
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce, on the first reading, and continue to the meeting of June 23, 2026, for second reading and adoption, an ordinance that would establish a cannabis business tax subject to the approval of the voters.
June 9, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 7 City attorney Phil Sinco introduced ordinance number 2026 - 528, proposing to replace the existing negotiated cannabis public benefit fee with a voter approved cannabis business tax. The ordinance allows the council to set retail cannabis tax rates up to 8% and a non-retail rate up to 4%, with actual rates to be set later by resolution. The ordinance must be approved by voters before taking effect and will return at the next meeting for second hearing.
Council members asked clarifying questions regarding ballot placement and timing.
Motion was made by Council Member Villegas and seconded by Council Member Furness to introduce the first reading of ordinance No. 2026-528.
Motion passed. 5-0.
10. Introduction of Ordinance No. 2026-529 increasing the rate of the City's Transient Occupancy Tax from 6% to 12% and to include additional types of occupancies subject to the tax.
Written report: Philip F. Sinco, City Attorney
Recommendation: That the City Council introduce, on the first reading, and continue to the meeting of June 23, 2026, for the second reading and adoption, an ordinance to increase the City's transient occupancy tax (TOT) rate from 6% to 12% and to expressly include additional types of occupancies subject to the tax.
Public Comment:
Mirya Beyler asked whether the TOT increase also requires voter approval and whether the ballot language will clarify it is not month to month.
City Attorney Phil Sinco introduced Ordinance No. 2026-529 to raise occupancy tax (TOT) and modernize outdated language. He noted Guadalupe TOT is far below regional rates, clarified exemptions for month- to-month tenants and recommended a 12% rate. The measure requires voter approval and will return for a second reading.
Motion was made by Council Member Furness and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to introduce ordinance No. 2026-528. as noted, and continue to the next meeting.
Motion passed. 5-0.
11. City of Guadalupe Preliminary Draft Budget FY 2026-27 Workshop.
Written report: Eli Martinez, Finance Director
Recommendation: That the City Council review the preliminary draft budget for fiscal year 2026- 27 and provide necessary feedback during this workshop.
The City Administrator and Finance Director presented the preliminary FY2026-27 budget, outlining a projected 3 million deficit Caused by long standing structural imbalances and cash flow constraints. Staff reviewed immediate cost control measures including freezing noncritical hiring, delaying capital projects, non-essential services, and tightening expenditure approvals. Public safety staffing and over time we're identified as major cost drivers.
June 9, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7 The Finance Director explained that current capital project obligations exceed available cash, requiring careful timing of project work and reimbursements. Staff also discussed revenue recovery opportunities such as the cannabis tax, TOT adjustments utility rate studies, fee updates, an improved grant reimbursement practices. Council discussed financial stabilization strategies, economic development needs, in long term recovery planning.
Public Comment:
Mira Beyler. Ms. Beyler urged greater transparency regarding the city's current financial condition and encouraged forming a group focused on long-term community benefit.
2. Melanie Backer. Ms. Backer noted Guadalupe's Long history of strong recreation programs and volunteer support and encouraged renewed community involvement to support youth activities.
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Joint Commission meeting with the Recreation and Parks and Commission
13. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Villegas
Guadalupe Business Association meeting
Back a Youth event
Lunch on the Lawn at McKenzie
Summer Reading Program
Council Member Hernandez
Field Day at Mary Buren
Lunch on the Lawn at Mackenzie
Karaoke at the Social Club
The Little League
Council Member Costa Jr.
Promotion for Junior High students going to High School Food Bank
Mayor Julian
North County Subregional meeting in Solvang
Food Bank
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14. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Villegas to adjourn the meeting.
Motion passed.5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Judy Wilson, City Clerk Ariston Julian, Mayor
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