MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, September 8, 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
Mayor Julian called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Councill Member Furness - Present
Council Member Villegas - Present
Mayor Pro Tempore Hernandez - Present
Council Member Costa Jr. was absent
Mayor Julian - Present
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF THANKS, APPRECIATION OR CONDOLENCES
Mayor Julian mentioned 9/11 is coming up and it is a sad time for everyone.
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.
September 8, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 7 Public Comment:
1. Judy Wilson delivered a statement on behalf of Jeannie Mello, who was unable to attend. Ms. Mello thanked Chief Cash and Josue for their presentations at the September 2nd Emergency Preparedness Meeting, describing the event as informative and enjoyable. She encouraged the City Council to continue offering resident-involved programs.
2. Francis Romero thanked the mayor for acknowledging the upcoming September 11th anniversary and commented on the limited number of states requiring 9/11 curriculum. She congratulated the city on the opening of Las Mujeres Park and asked about the long-term operating and maintenance budget, noting the importance of protecting funds to sustain new facilities.
Mike Rocklin commented on the Royal Theatre project, expressing concerns about the circumstances leading to the current work stoppage. He questioned the roles of the City Council, the grant writer, and the contractors, and cited examples of project sequencing issues, including purchasing new seats and fabricating a replica marquee prior to their structural retrofit work. He suggested reviewing structural plans to determine remaining retrofit needs. He and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Harris are proposing a community "Ball Don't Lie" Invitational basketball tournament with teams composed of City employee's, contractors and residents.
6. PRESENTATIONS:
A. Yes on H - Upgrade Allan Hancock College Presentation by Jon Hooten.
John Houghton Executive Director of College Advancement and co-chair of the Yes on H Committee provided an overview of Measure H enrollment trends, campus needs, and planned facility upgrades. He reported that Hancock serves more than 17,000 students with 533 Guadalupe students enrolled, a 31% increase since 2021. He described current programs offered locally including after college credit classes and highlighted ships with Cal Poly and Channel Islands for Bachelor's degree programs. Mr. Houghton outlined infrastructure needs including aging electrical systems and the need for a new University Center, expanded nursing facilities and a potential collaboration on a multi-use Community Center in Guadalupe. He explained the bond request of $290 million, oversight requirements and community endorsements.
Public Comment:
Frances Romero expressed concerns about cumulative tax burdens, long-term maintenance planning, and capital investment strategies.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-F)
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.
B. Ratify payment of warrants for the period ending August 14, 2026, and August 21, 2026.
September 8, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 7 C. Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of August 25, 2026.
D. Adopt, on second reading, Ordinance No. 2026-532, amending Section 8.80.030 of Guadalupe Municipal Code Chapter 8.80 (Vacant Commercial Property Registration and Property Maintenance Ordinance) regarding the Annual Registration Fee.
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-44 establishing the City of Guadalupe Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-45 approving a statement of the Investment Policy for the City of Guadalupe for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and renewing the delegation of the City Council's investment authority to the City Treasurer.
Public Comment:
Frances Romero spoke on vacant commercial property enforcement, appropriations limits, warrant review, and stewardship of special and restricted funds.
Council Member Villegas made a motion and Mayor Pro Tempore Hernandez seconded the motion to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion passed 4-0.
Council Member Costa Jr. was absent.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
8. CITY ADMINISTRATOR: (Information Only)
A. City Administrator's report for September 8, 2026
B. Planning Department report for August 2026
C. Building Department report for August 2026
D. Public Works / Engineering report for August 2026
City Administrator David Trujillo provided updates on:
Royal Theater: Contractor meeting was positive; July invoice and punch-list cost estimate is pending.
Las Mujeres Park: Opened with a strong community turnout. Grass areas and BBQ pits remain temporarily closed for soil compaction. Minor parking lot repairs are underway.
Amtrak Station: construction continues with curb work completed and base installation beginning near the station building.
Council Members discussed fencing, smoking ordinance, signage, and trash can design.
9. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY: (Information Only)
A. Director of Public Safety report for September 8, 2026 September 8, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7 Chief Cash reported on:
- Park Cameras: Installation continues; connectivity issues are being addressed. - Park Restroom: Syringe disposal box placement will be reviewed. - Helmet & E Bike/E-Scooter Regulations: City lacks municipal code sections; staff is researching comparable ordinances.
- School Coordination: Police are working with school administrators on safety messaging and enforcement.
Public Comment:
Frances Romero emphasized community expectations around rule enforcement.
10. FINANCE DIRECTOR: (Information Only)
A. Preliminary FY 2025-26 fourth quarter and year-end financial report as of June 30, 2026, with a cash position update through August 28,
Finance Director Eli Martinez presented preliminary unaudited year-end results:
- Reported $10,900 deficit is incorrect due to accounting issues; adjustments will reduce the general fund deficit to approximately $1.2 million.
- A $1.2 million grant reimbursement was misposted and will be corrected. - Tax revenues: 113% of budget.
- Building and planning revenues: 63% of budget.
- Some enterprise fund transfers were halted pending audit review. - Water funds surplus: $291,000
- Wastewater Fund surplus: $695,000
- FY 2022-23 expected within two weeks.
Public Comment:
Frances Romero commented on the city's budget practices stating that council members questioning the current budget also approved minor budgets during years without audited financial statements. She thanked the Finance Director and City Administrator for their work and emphasized that budget and policy oversight is the council's responsibility. She noted the city continues to have a structural deficit similar in proportion to past years and stated that fiscal oversight must improve. She also expressed concern about criticizing the city while continuing to receive payment.
Mirya Beyer noted that the City Administrator provides a written management report linked to the agenda and stated that a prior request had not been completed. She asked for clarification regarding the reported $1.5 million in reimbursable funds and whether that amount included the approximately $750,000 previously discussed. She stated that clearer and more detailed financial reporting is needed to improve public understanding.
Ms. Beyer encouraged the City Council to communicate the specific actions being taken to address the City's structural deficit and emphasized the need to increase revenue. She added that canceling projects intended to support downtown tourism would not help increase revenue.
September 8, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 7 Council members asked brief clarifying questions regarding specific revenue and expenditure line items, including encroachment permits, fines and penalties, cannabis revenue classification, and departmental budgeting for FICA and medical insurance. They requested updates on the FY 2022-23 audit clarification on grant reimbursement postings, and information on enterprise fund transfers and the city's cash position.
The finance director provided responses and noted that additional review would be completed where needed.
REGULAR BUSINESS
11. Reduction of Elected Officials Monthly Stipends.
Written report: David Trujillo, City Administrator
Recommendation: That the City Council:
a. Approve a reduction of $300 per month in the stipend paid to each elected City official, resulting in monthly stipends of $200 for each Council Member, the City Treasurer, and the City Clerk, and $450 for the Mayor, effective on the date permitted by applicable law; and b. Direct the City Attorney to prepare the legally appropriate implementing ordinance, resolution, or other action and to confirm the effective date and application of the stipend reductions; and c. Authorize the Finance Department to implement the revised stipend schedule upon the legally effective date.
Staff presented a recommendation to reduce elected official's monthly stipends by $300, resulting in stipends of $200 per month for council members, the city clerk, and the city treasurer, and $450 per month for the mayor, effective on the date permitted by law. Staff noted the reduction that would save approximately $25,000 annually was intended as a recurring cost-saving measure.
Public Comment:
Robert Diaz stated he supports reducing elected official stipends this year and recommended lowering them as much as possible. He said the savings are small but symbolic and would demonstrate leadership during the city's financial challenges. Mr. Diaz noted he is likely to serve on the next council and believes the reduction is reasonable, adding stipends could be reconsidered once the city's finances improve.
Frances Romero described her experience serving as mayor while working full time, noting she spent 15 to 20 hours weekly on city duties and received a stipend of about $142 per month after a symbolic 5% cut. She Stated stipend levels do not determine the quality of elected officials and that those unwilling to serve for a modest amount may not be the right fit.
Stephanie Krouse the stipe introduction would serve as an important symbolic gesture showing that everyone missed share in the city's financial sacrifices. She encouraged the council to approve the deduction and express confidence that future council members will serve at a commitment to Guadalupe rather than financial incentive.
Council members discussed timing and options reducing stipends, noting changes would not take effect until January under state law. Options considered included reducing stipends to zero, applying a $300 reduction or returning all stipends to $150.00 per month. The mayor's additional statutory duties were briefly referenced.
September 8, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7 An additional motion was made by Council Member Furness to reduce to zero dollars for each Council Member, the City Treasurer, the City Clerk and the Mayor starting in January.
Motion was made by Council Member Villegas and seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Hernandez to reduce the monthly stipends to $150.00 dollars for each Council Member, the City Treasurer, the City Clerk, and the Mayor.
Pro Tempore Hernandez: Aye
Council Member Villegas: Aye
Council Member Furness: Nay
Council Member Costa Jr.: Absent
Mayor Julian: Aye
Motion passed. 3-0.
12. Consider Adoption of the New Travel, Expense Reimbursement, and Vehicle Use Policy.
Written report: David Trujillo, City Administrator
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-46 approving the new Travel, Expense Reimbursement, and Vehicle Use Policy and authorize non-substantive administrative updates necessary to maintain consistency with law, adopted rates, labor and employment agreements, and grant requirements.
Staff presented an update to the city's 2012 travel and vehicle use policy, noting it was outdated and lacked necessary financial controls. The revised policy incorporates current laws, IRS mileage and per diem rates, and requires all travel expenses to have a clear official business purpose and fall within an authorized budget. Staff explained the need for consistent approval procedures and updated reimbursement standards.
Council Member Villegas made a motion and Mayor Pro Tempore Hernandez seconded to adopt Resolution No. 2026-46.
Motion passed. 4-0. Council Member Costa Jr. was absent.
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
14. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Member Villegas:
Attended air pesticides meeting
- Emergency Prep Meeting
- Food Bank
- Las Mujeres Ribbon Cutting
- Day of Hope team raised approximately $1,700.00
Pro Tempore Hernandez:
Attended PTA Meeting at McKenzie
- Attended Park Celebration
- Cafecito at Mary Buren and McKenzie
September 8, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7 - McKenzie Voter Forum
Mayor Julian:
- Food Bank
- Rummage Sale at the Senior Center on Saturday, September 12, 2026
15. ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tempore Hernandez and seconded by Council Member Villegas to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. 4-0. Council Member Costa was absent.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Prepared Approved byin
sullilson
Judy wilson, city Clerk Ariston Juliar, Mayor
September 8, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 7