MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers, 918 Obispo Street, Guadalupe, CA 93434 ROLL CALL:
Council Member Eugene Costa Jr.
Council Member Whitney Furness
Council Member Amelia M. Villegas
Mayor Pro Tempore Christina Hernandez
Mayor Ariston Julian
All Present
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. MOMENT OF THANKS, APPRECIATION OR CONDOLENCES
Council member Costa Jr. expressed condolences for Veronica Jimenez, a longtime resident who was killed in a pedestrian accident in Santa Maria on Sunday night, leaving behind two children.
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 changes) in the order of business.
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 Speaker:
Frances Romero
Ms. Romero raised concerns about the lack of a scheduled capital campaign update from Tom Brandeberry, emphasizing the need for transparency in accounting for donations and expenditures related to the Royal Theatre project. She commented on how improperly the Capital Campaign was run and criticized that no update was provided at the meeting despite the project being on hold. Romero highlighted issues with the October 2025 Royal Theatre report and criticized the council's handling of city finances, citing a pattern of financial mismanagement dating back over 12 years, including a 2014-2015 Grand Jury report titled "Guadalupe Shell Game Must End," a March 2018 audit revealing a $684,624 general fund deficit and August 11, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 8 improper transfers from special funds, and a 2018 State Comptroller audit finding misuse of gas tax street improvement funds ($62,732 understated fund balance).
6. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-E)
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 at the first reading unless City Council indicates otherwise.
Ratify payment of warrants for the period ending July 17, 2026, and July 24, 2026.
C. Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of July 28, 2026.
D. Adopt, on second reading, Ordinance No. 2026-531, adding Chapter 15.17 to the Guadalupe Municipal Code regarding Hydrogen Fueling Stations and amending various sections of Title
12. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-43 adopting the Purchasing and Procurement Guidelines, superseding the purchasing guidelines adopted in April 2020.
Items Pulled:
6B, 6C, and 6E
Motion was made by Council Member Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Furness to approve the Consent Calendar (Items 6A and 6D.) The motion passed 5-0.
Item 6B (Warrants): Frances Romero commented that warrant reports are an important part of every meeting and suggested that the balance remaining in each fund should be noted at the end of the report.
She emphasized that with the city's history of financial mismanagement, including improper transfers from restricted funds, it has been difficult for Council to track the use of enterprise funds and general funds. She recommended that staff provide a running balance so Council can better track fund usage and ensure accountability. She referenced the 2014-2015 Grand Jury report, the March 2018 audit, and the 2018 State Controllers audit as examples of why better tracking is needed Item 6C (Minutes): Council Member Villegas pulled Item C specifically because the minutes from the July 28th meeting did not include the Friends of the Guadalupe Library's check donation of $3,500 toward library rent. A request was made to ensure this donation is documented in the current meeting minutes for both the Friends' records and city records. Additionally, it was suggested that the Community Participation Forum section should include not just speaker names but also the topics discussed for better transparency.
Item GE (Purchasing and Procurement Guidelines): Frances Romero spoke on Item E, stating that the Purchasing and Procurement Guidelines are extremely important and build on the last audit from 2021, which identified material weaknesses and significant deficiencies in internal controls. She emphasized that these guidelines address the city's long record-24 out of the last 27 years-of misappropriating funds, August 11, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8 mismanaging funds, and making illegal transfers. She stressed that whether well-intended or not, these practices are illegal and have resulted in insufficient fund balances for infrastructure needs. Council Member Villegas pulled Item E with questions about the city clerk's duties listed in the guidelines, noting that many responsibilities are delegated to other staff members and don't match the actual duties performed by the elected City Clerk. Mr. Sinco and the City Administrator clarified that these are legally delegated functions under state law or municipal code, and that changing the duties would require a Guadalupe Municipal Code (GMC) amendment. The ordinance likely already defines these functions with the City Clerk as the point of contact. Council Member Villegas also raised concern about the wording on page 10 of the Purchasing Guidelines, section 7.2, where the prohibited uses bullet point stated "alcohol absent lawful written authorization" sounded odd. Council agreed to remove the word "lawful" to improve clarity, and this correction was included in the motion to approve Item E.
The City Council discussed several agenda items including financial concerns, purchasing guidelines, and management reports.
Public Speaker
Frances Romero emphasized the city's long record of financial mismanagement-24 out of the last 27 years-involving illegal transfers from enterprise funds, misappropriation of restricted funds, and raiding of special funds to keep the city afloat. She stressed that the 2021 audit identified both material weaknesses and significant deficiencies in internal controls, and that proper fund management is essential to ensure adequate balances for infrastructure needs like wastewater treatment plant upgrades and road repairs. She noted that the Royal Theatre project cost 7 employees their jobs due to mismanagement. The council reviewed and approved purchasing and procurement guidelines with a correction to remove the word "lawful" from the alcohol-related restrictions section.
Items B, C, and E: Council Member Villegas made a motion to approve (with corrections on Item E to remove the word "lawful" from alcohol-related restrictions). Council Member Furness seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
7. CITY ADMINISTRATOR: (Information Only)
A. City Administrator's report for August 11, 2026
B. Planning Department report for July 2026
C. Building Department report for July 2026
D. Public Works/City Engineer's report for July 2026
City Administrator David provided updates on several projects including playground certifications, construction progress, and financial details of the Royal Theater project. Royal Theatre Financial Breakdown: The project has spent $2.8 million to date with about $625,000 in pending invoices, leaving approximately $1.5-1.7 million remaining in the budget. The spending breakdown shows: 83% ($1.6M construction + $700K+ architecture/engineering) went toward construction and technical work, 10% (approximately $280K) toward grant and project management, and 6% (approximately $70K legal, $36-37K utilities/site services, $10K environmental/labor compliance) toward legal, utility, and environmental requirements. David clarified an important misconception: grant funds are NOT being used to pay daily city bills or general operating expenses-these are two separate fund sources. The question raised was about August 11, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8 Enterprise funds, not Royal Theatre funds. The public works department reported that Engineering Technician Dayanara recovered nearly $600,000 in grant reimbursements last month (addressing past issues with late reimbursement requests that resulted in lost funding). The wastewater plant successfully procured a pump from Morro Bay's plant for the grit removal system, which separates non-waste materials before they reach retention ponds, helping maintain biology and environmental compliance to avoid fines.
Las Mujeres Park Opening Details
Las Mujeres Park is progressing toward completion with the following timeline and activities:
• Current week: Fall test certifications on playground equipment, installation of rubberized ball pad, placement of decomposed granite (DG) around recycled concrete blocks, completion of gym equipment installation, work on Bocce Ball Court
• Next week: Parking lot paving, continued Bocce Ball Court work, paver installation begins Following weeks: Parking lot striping, planting trees and sod • Ribbon cutting: Scheduled for September 4th (Labor Day weekend) at 12:00 noon, in collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Commission
• Post-opening: Basketball court, skate park, and playground equipment will be immediately accessible. However, cyclone fencing will be installed around the grass areas to keep people off while the sod establishes
Concerns were raised about vandalism and maintenance, referencing issues when the Boys and Girls Club first opened. There was emphasis on the need for young people to take care of the new facilities and for consequences for destructive behavior to ensure the investment is protected.
Amtrak Construction Update
Amtrak construction resumed in mid-to-late last week after all necessary permits were cleared. Demolition and construction activities are now moving forward.
Royal Theater Project Update
City Administrator David presented an update on the Royal Theater project, explaining that they are working with construction managers (Filipini) and architects (AGD) to create a punch list of necessary safety improvements including seismic retrofitting, roofing, storefront replacement, new back wall construction, and site improvements. Key considerations include whether to fence the property and what type of fencing would be appropriate. The team is developing cost estimates and multiple scenarios for completing the work within budget constraints. Several items have already been ordered including the marquee and lift station.
The main constraint will be available funding ($1.5-1.7M remaining) rather than technical feasibility.
Current estimates suggest there should be enough money to substantially secure and make safe the main theater building, including replacing the storefront and sealing/building a new back wall. However, the new outbuilding will likely need to be demolished back to the pad due to weather damage, though they are exploring whether budget allows for wrapping and roofing it to preserve the structure even if left empty.
The interior of the theater will likely remain without foundation (just footers and excavated center) due to funding limitations. The strategy is to retrofit and secure the building to a point where it might attract private investment, avoiding the situation with Far Western where an unsafe building sits unused. David plans to present a detailed punch list with cost estimates to Council before the next meeting, and copies will be made available to the community. Mrs. Romero praised the city's transparent permit processing and emphasized the importance of making wise decisions with taxpayer funds to ensure the project's eventual completion without impacting essential city services, noting that the pause was necessary to avoid further staffing cuts. Ms. Romero spoke during Item 7, thanking David for the fantastic presentation and for providing facts. She appreciated having clarity on the Royal Theatre finances and stated she has been August 11, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8 correcting misinformation on Facebook, confirming that the Royal Theatre funds have not been used for day-to-day operating expenses. She emphasized the importance of making wise decisions in closing up the building because the city accepted taxpayer dollars from across the nation through local and federal grants, and funders need to see that the pause did not waste their money. She stressed that a very responsible closure is important so the Royal Theatre can eventually be completed without impacting police, fire, and other essential city services. She praised the city's project management team and also specifically commended the planning and building reports as great examples of transparency and productivity, noting that the city processes permits far better than many other jurisdictions including Santa Barbara County.
8. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY: (Information Only)
A. Director of Public Safety report for August 11, 2026 The meeting covered updates from Public Safety Director Chief Cash, including fire department activities, medical director recruitment, and code compliance efforts. The fire department has assisted with 32 insurance letters for residents experiencing insurance rate issues (see Fire Insurance section below for detailed explanation). The department maintains a favorable ISO rating-the city IS now ISO compliant- though insurance companies are not properly updating their records and policies, causing continued high rates for residents.
Medical Director Position: The medical director position remains critical but unfilled. Two candidates were interviewed but both declined. The department needs a licensed medical doctor under whose license the fire department can operate to purchase certain medicines that firefighters (who are trained to administer them) can use in the field for medical calls. The previous doctor with the Community Health Centers (CHC) retired, leaving the position vacant. Chief Cash will return to the Marian Hospital board to continue recruitment efforts. The director also reported on fireworks enforcement (with ongoing administrative hearing processes for contested citations) and code compliance activities. Upcoming emergency preparedness training is scheduled for August 25th at the Boys and Girls Club, with a separate seniors- focused session on September 2nd from 10:00-11:00 AM at the Senior Center.
Fire Insurance Letters-Detailed Explanation
Chief Cash has written 32 letters to insurance companies on behalf of Guadalupe residents experiencing high fire insurance rates. The Problem: The city NOW has a favorable ISO rating and is fully compliant, but many insurance companies are operating on outdated information. Some insurance companies incorrectly claim there is no fire department near residents' homes or that the fire station is more than 5 miles away- this is false, as the city is only 1.4 miles across. The Process: Residents bring their insurance information to Chief Cash, who then contacts their insurance company directly to provide correct ISO rating information.
The Limitation: Insurance companies are NOT required to adhere to ISO ratings, making this process feel redundant and time-consuming. Recommended Solution: Council and community members suggested residents should file complaints with the State Insurance Commissioner rather than relying solely on city letters. One resident recently shared success after filing a state complaint and receiving proper follow-up.
The city website will be updated with information about contacting the State Insurance Commissioner to help residents navigate this process more effectively.
Police Activity Report Transparency
Chief Cash's report included detailed citation statistics showing enforcement patterns and problem areas throughout the city. This level of detail was praised for providing better transparency about where issues are occurring. Common violations include parking infractions and fireworks violations.
August 11, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8 Public Speaker
Frances Romero noted that residents who can afford to buy illegal fireworks or e-bikes/e-scooters should be able to afford the associated fines and helmets, and emphasized that law enforcement resources would be better spent on other activities if residents simply followed the rules. Community member Frances Romero spoke during Item 8, thanking the Police Department for their reporting and for showing where the problem areas are in the community. She noted that residents who can afford to buy illegal fireworks or e-bikes/e- scooters should be able to afford the associated fines and helmets, and emphasized that law enforcement resources would be better spent on other activities if residents simply followed the rules. She acknowledged that while she will speak up when she thinks something is wrong, she also wanted to recognize when things are done well, praising Chief Cash for the quality and transparency of the reporting.
Loss of Airport Security Contract
The Guadalupe Police Department lost the Santa Maria Airport security contract because the City of Santa Maria submitted a bid that was 30-37% less costly. While the loss of revenue is concerning and suggests a need to review administrative overhead and cost structures, multiple community members noted that Guadalupe PD's professionalism at the airport was highly appreciated, and the officers' presence will be missed.
Public Speaker
Frances Romero questioned how Santa Maria PD was able to bid so much cheaper on the Airport contract, suggesting the city should review administrative overhead and ensure legally mandated percentages are acceptable. While the loss of revenue is concerning, she noted that she had heard the professionalism of Guadalupe PD at the airport was above board and highly appreciated. The loss does mean officers will be available for more local duties within Guadalupe.
Emergency Preparedness and Safety Plans
City reported on upcoming emergency preparedness training for seniors (September 2nd, 10:00-11:00 AM at the Senior Center, right before lunch) and a general community session on August 25th at the Boys and Girls Club. The Council discussed fire insurance issues in detail, explaining that while the city is now ISO compliance-rated, insurance companies are not properly updating their records, leading to continued high costs for residents. Chief Cash has written 32 insurance letters but the process is redundant since insurance companies don't have to adhere to ISO ratings. The recommended solution is for residents to file complaints with the State Insurance Commissioner, and the city website will be updated with this information. The Council discussed comprehensive back-to-school safety plans including: High Five Program where fire department volunteers will greet students at the middle school; Drone Program for middle and junior high students to engage them in science and math; Helmet Enforcement for electric scooters and motorized vehicles, with schools seizing scooters from students without helmets, while students wearing helmets will receive free Slurpee tickets as positive reinforcement; Crosswalk and School Zone Enforcement with Chief Cash personally manning Highway 1/Main Street and increased presence at schools during new staggered start times (junior high now has zero period at 7:40 AM and first period at 8:40 AM); and Helmet Donation Program with one $1,000 donation received, which Chief Cash is working to stretch by negotiating a bulk deal with Walmart to purchase helmets for students who cannot afford them. The meeting covered updates on various community activities including the Royal Theatre capital campaign progress of $80,270 (plus $3,326.30 in additional capital campaign funds), food bank operations serving 193 participants in August, and upcoming veterans' events and fundraising opportunities.
August 11, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8
9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
City Attorney Sinco reported that work has begun on an ordinance amendment to remove language tying the vacant commercial building registration fee to gross square footage. The current fee structure is legally problematic because fees must not exceed the cost of the service provided. The process will involve two steps: (1) an ordinance amendment to remove the square footage language, which will be on the next agenda, and (2) after the ordinance becomes effective, a resolution will be brought to Council to adjust the fee to achieve full cost recovery without exceeding actual costs.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Other Community Events
• Several Council members attended the Escalante Meadow first-year anniversary where Congressman Carbajal, the Mayor, Council Member Hernandez, and the Escalante family spoke • MICOPS 25th anniversary celebration was held
• Library Open House was attended by multiple Council members, with remarks from Keith • Junior Giants held an end-of-year celebration. The program raised approximately $17,000 toward fixing the baseball diamond. The field is now maintained every Monday (dragged and, when necessary, lined) and is open to the public for practice. Formal events require coordination through the recreation department
• Guadalupe Greens Festival was CANCELED and has been relocated to Dairy Creek. This information was shared via social media but not through official city communication channels Mayor Julian
The current food bank operation served 193 participants in August. Greg Hitch, Director of Network Partnerships at the Food Bank, has asked the city to add a second food bank operation on a Saturday afternoon starting in January. The rationale is that most people get out of work in the afternoon and cannot attend current morning sessions. The proposed location is the Veterans Building, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 982 has confirmed this is acceptable. The format will be different from current operations:
• Current format: City receives vegetables and canned goods, then volunteers pack individual bags on-site
Proposed Saturday format: Pre-boxed approach similar to school distribution, where approximately 250 boxes are assembled in advance with predetermined quantities of items, then distributed to participants
The city is actively recruiting volunteers, particularly for Saturday availability. Contact Greg Hitch at 805- 335-3199 or reach out to city staff to volunteer.
Point Sal Marine Protected Area
The California Fish and Game Commission is discussing the Point Sal Marine Protected Area (MPA) designation on August 13th at 1:00 PM. The city has been supporting this MPA designation. Community members are encouraged to participate to convince Fish and Game to approve the protected area. Contact:
Isabella Sullivan at [email protected] (National Resources Defense Council).
United Way Mayor's Ball
August 11, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8 The Northern Santa Barbara County United Way Mayor's Ball is scheduled for October 10th, 2026, at the Radisson Hotel. Tickets are $250 per person. All proceeds help provide free books, parenting support, and children's savings accounts to help kids enter kindergarten ready to learn.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to adjourn the meeting. 5-0 Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:07 pm.
Approved
David Trujillo, Deputy City Clerk Ariston Jean, Mayor
August 11, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8