MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
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
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.
Public Comment:
1. Emma Vega
Stephanie Krouse
Judy Wilson
Frances Romero
Jeannie Mello
6. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-G)
July 14, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 7 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.
Ratify payment of warrants for the period ending June 19, 2026, and June 26, 2026.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of June 23, 2026.
D. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-35 approving an amendment to the Consultant Services Agreement with Michael K. Nunley and Associates (MKN) to provide engineering support services during construction of the Pioneer Lift Station Rehabilitation Project.
E. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-36 approving the Pipeline Crossing Agreement between Union Pacific Railroad Company and the City of Guadalupe.
F. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-37 approving the First Amendment to the Contract for Collection of Special Taxes, Assessments, and Other Charges; approving the agreement to Place Direct Charges on the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Secure Tax Bills; and approving the Annual Certification of Direct Charges in Compliance with Proposition 218 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
G. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-38 directing staff to forward the Water Standby Charges for vacant parcels within the City of Guadalupe to the Santa Barbara County Auditor-Controller's Office for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Public Comment:
1. Frances Romero spoke on item 6B.
Motion was made by Council Member Villegas and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion passed. 5-0.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
7. CITY ADMINISTRATOR: (Information Only)
A. City Administrator's report for July 14, 2026
B. Planning Department report for June 2026
C. Building Department report for June 2026
D. Public Works / Engineering report for June 2026
July 14, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7 The City Administrator/Public Works Director provided updates on ongoing City projects, including progress on the Pasadera Bridge, receipt of approximately $1.5 million in grant reimbursements, maintenance activities, wastewater treatment plant repairs, Royal Theater renovations, Las Mujeres Park improvements, and activation of electric vehicle charging stations.
No council action was taken.
8. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY: (Information Only)
A. Director of Public Safety report for July 14, 2026
The Director of Public Safety reported on ongoing code compliance, community outreach, staffing, emergency preparedness efforts, and 4th of July fireworks enforcement, including 27 responses and 18 citations issued.
No Council action was taken.
PUBLIC HEARING
9. Introduce Ordinance No. 2026-530 amending Title 18 (Zoning Ordinance) of the Guadalupe Municipal Code, including amendments to Chapter 18.32 (R-3 High-Density Residential Zoning District), Chapter 18.52 (Design and Development Standards), Chapter 18.60 (Off-Street Parking), and Chapter 18.64 (Landscape Standards).
Written report: Bill Scott, Associate Planner
Recommendation: That the City Council:
a. Receive a presentation from staff; and
b. Conduct a public hearing and 1) approve a Notice of Exemption from CEQA for Ordinance No. 2026-530; and 2) introduce by title only and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-530 amending Chapter 18.32, Chapter 18.52, Chapter 18.60 and Chapter 18.64 of the Title 18 of the Municipal Code; and
c. Continue Ordinance No. 2026-530 to the July 28, 2026, City Council meeting for second reading and adoption.
The Associate Planner presented five proposed amendments to the city's zoning ordinance to update and clarify development standards, including provisions related to R-3 parking, residential building height, porch projections, front yard parking, paving and landscaping requirements.
Public Comment was opened by Mayor Julian at 6:57 p.m. and closed at 7:00 p.m.
1. Frances Romero
Council Member Furness made a motion and Council Member Hernandez seconded the motion to approve the Notice of Exemption, introduce Ordinance No. 2026-530, as amended, waive the first reading, and continue the ordinance to July 28, 2026, for the second reading and adoption.
Motion passed. 5-0.
July 14, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7
10. Pasadera Landscaping and Lighting District.
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 assessments for the Pasadera Landscaping and Lighting District and adopt Resolution No. 2026-39 confirming the Engineer's Report, Assessment Diagram, and assessments related thereto for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
The City Engineer presented the annual Engineer's Report for the Pasadera Landscape and Lighting District Assessment for Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027.
Mayor Julian opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. and closed at 7:05 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Council Member Villegas made a motion and Council Member Furness seconded the motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-39 confirming the Engineer's Report, Assessment Diagram and assessments for the Pasadera Landscape and Lighting District for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Motion passed. 5-0.
11. Guadalupe Benefit Assessment District No. 1.
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 assessments for the Guadalupe Benefit Assessment District No. 1 and adopt Resolution No. 2026-40 setting the proposed assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
The City Engineer presented the annual assessment report for the Guadalupe Benefit Assessment District No. 1, which includes landscaping and lighting services for the Point Sal Dunes and Riverview subdivisions.
The City Attorney clarified that Council Members residing within the district did not have a conflict of interest because the assessment applies proportionally to all properties within the district.
Mayor Julian opened public comments at 7:08 p.m. and closed at 7:09 p.m.
There were no public comments.
Council Member Hernandez made a motion and Council Member Furness seconded the motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-40 setting the proposed assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Motion passed. 5-0.
12. Guadalupe Lighting District.
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 assessments for the Guadalupe Lighting District and adopt Resolution No. 2026-41 setting the proposed assessment for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
July 14, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 7 The City Engineer presented the annual assessment report for the Guadalupe Lighting District, which funds downtown lighting. Assessments vary by property type, and rates remain reduced due to LED upgrades.
Mayor Julian opened public comments at 7:09 p.m. and closed at 7:10 p.m.
No comments.
Council Member Villegas made a motion, and Council Member Hernandez seconded the motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-41 approving Fiscal Year 2026-2027 assessments.
Motion passed. 5-0.
REGULAR BUSINESS
13. Consideration of a street name change for Calle Cesar E. Chavez.
Written report: Bill Scott, Associate Planner
Recommendation: That the City Council:
a. Receive a presentation from staff;
b. Receive any comments from the public and 1) Consider whether a street name change would be appropriate; 2) if appropriate, consider potential replacement names; and 3) provide staff with direction to begin the Citywide notification and public hearing process; c. Provide staff with direction to begin the Citywide notification and public hearing process without a replacement street name; or
d. Continue the item to allow time to further consider the implications of the street name change; or
e. Conclude the street renaming process for the present time with the option for possible reconsideration at later time.
Staff presented options regarding a potential street name change. Council discussed community concerns, financial impacts to residents, and the timing of a potential change. Staff reported that 24 responses were received from 100 notifications with 19 opposed and five in support of a name change.
Council consensus was to conclude the street renaming process at this time with the option to reconsider the matter in the future.
Public Comment:
1. Jeannie Mello
2. Robert Diaz
3. Shirley Boydston by email
Council Member Costa Jr. made the motion and Council Member Hernandez seconded the motion to conclude the street renaming process for the present time, with the option for possible reconsideration at a later time.
Motion passed. 5-0.
14. Consideration of a Special Event Permit for the 2026 Guadalupe Greens Festival at Jack O'Connell Park.
Written report: David Trujillo, City Administrator
July 14, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7 Recommendation: That the City Council:
a. Receive a presentation from staff; and
b. Approve the Guadalupe Greens Festival Special Event Permit for September 19, 2026, subject to all conditions imposed by the City, including final approval of required permits, security plans, insurance, traffic management, emergency services coordination, and execution of an agreement with the event organizer; and
c. Authorize the City Administrator to execute all necessary agreements and approve minor administrative modifications consistent with Council direction.
Staff presented the proposed Special Event Permit for the 2026 Guadalupe Greens Festival at Jack O'Connell Park.
Public Comment:
1. Deborah Sykes
2. Robert Diaz
3. Jesus Ramirez
4. Gina Cortez by email
5. Melanie Backer by email
The City Council considered a special event permit for the 2026 Guadalupe Greens Festival. Staff presented a revised one-day event with no cannabis activities and fundraising for the Royal Theater.
The Council discussed public safety, traffic, parking, neighborhood impacts, and city cost reimbursement.
Council Member Furness made the motion and Council Member Villegas seconded to approve the Guadalupe Greens Festival Special Event Permit for September 19, 2026, subject to all conditions imposed by the City, including final approval of required permits, security plans, insurance, traffic management, emergency services coordination, and execution of an agreement with the event organizer; and authorize the City Administrator to execute all necessary agreements and approve minor administrative modifications consistent with Council direction.
Motion passed. 5-0.
15. Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Budget.
Written report: Eli Martinez, Finance Director
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-42 approving the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget.
Eli Martinez, Finance Director, presented the final budget for fiscal 2026-2027. Budget Status: While enterprise funds are balanced, the General Fund is facing a projected $3.6 million deficit.
Revenue & Expenditures: Mr. Martinez noted a modest upward adjustment of $147,000 in projected revenues. However, expenditures increased by $820,000, primarily due to $2.1 million in soft costs attributed to the Royal Theatre project.
Reporting: He reminded the Council that these figures remain unaudited preliminary numbers.
Public Comment:
July 14, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7
1. Leo Decasaus
2. Andrea Maldonado
Motion was made by Council Member Furness and seconded by Council Member Villegas to adopt Resolution No. 2026-42 approving the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget.
Council Member Costa Jr. No
Council Member Furness Aye
Council Member Villegas Aye
Council Member Hernandez Aye
Mayor Julian Aye
Motion passed. 4-1.
16. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
17. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Villegas:
• CCWA Meeting
Food Bank
First Responders Program at New Port Beach
Council Member Hernandez:
Downtown Friday
Giants Game
Meeting with City Attorney Phil Sinco
Meeting with Chief Cash
Council Member Costa Jr.:
Junior Giants
18. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Furness to adjourn the meeting.
Motion passed. 5-0
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Approved I
huckliber
Judy Wilson, City Clerk Ariston Julian, Mayor
July 14, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 7