1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
April 2, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
110 East Cook Street
Santa Maria
Roll Call: Mayor Alice Patino, Councilmember Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Mike Cordero (remotely), Councilmember Carlos Escobedo, Councilmember Gloria Soto
Staff Present: Interim City Manager Alex Posada, Interim Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, City Attorney Thomas Watson, Senior Assistant City Attorney Jeffrey Patrick, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Dawn Jackson, Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Principal Civil Engineer Thomas Korman, Chief Information Officer Jeffrey Marecic, Interim Director of Recreation and Parks Angela Oslund, Chief of Police Marc Schneider, Director of Utilities Shad Springer, Community Programs Manager Rosa Rojo, Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez, Deputy City Clerk Ashley Arciniega
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1. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 2449
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
The City Council approved a request from Councilmember Cordero to participate in the meeting f or both open and closed sessions remotely via "emergency circumstances" due to physical or family medical emergency that prevents him from attending in-person under Assembly Bill No. 2449.
For (4): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Soto
Abstain (1): Councilmember Cordero
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
CLOSED SESSION
2. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmembers Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez, Mike Cordero (remotely), Carlos Escobedo, Gloria Soto, and Mayor Alice Patino
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Interim City Manager Posada, City Attorney Watson, and Assistant City Clerk Valadez (for roll call only).
3. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking for the public was Matt Chircop, Andrew Klein, Jeff Lee, and Scott Bramsen.
2 4. RECESS-CLOSED SESSION
4.a Conference with Labor Negotiators, Pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6
4.b Public Employee Recruitment - City Manager, Pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8 Mayor Patino adjourned to a Closed Session at 4:48 p.m.
5. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:30 P.M.
6. INVOCATION
Pastor Jeff Nellermoe of Bethel Lutheran Church gave the Invocation.
7. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Soto led the Pledge of Allegiance.
8. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino convened the meeting and called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
9. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported that instructions were provided to the City's Labor Negotiator for item
3.a and instructions were provided to City staff for item 3.b for the upcoming meeting on Saturday.
10. PROCLAMATIONS
10.a Proclamation – “Donate Life Month” – April 2024
The City Council recognized the month of April as “Donate Life Month” in the City of Santa Maria, and encourage all Santa Maria residents to check “YES!” to donate their organs when applying for or renewing their driver’s license. Scott Burns accepted the Proclamation.
10.b Proclamation – “National Community Development Week” - April 1st through 5th The City Council presented a Proclamation to recognize April 1st through 5th, 2024, as “Nation al Community Development Week” to celebrate and showcase the programs and projects which are funded by federal grant programs like Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnership. Community Programs Division accepted the Proclamation.
10.c Proclamation – "National Library Week" - April 7th through 13th The City Council presented a Proclamation to recognize April 7th through 13th as "National Library Week" in the City of Santa Maria. Library Board of Trustee Member Charlie Baker -Boyd accepted the Proclamation.
10.d Proclamation – “Fair Housing Month” - April 2024
The City Council presented a Proclamation to recognize the month of April 2024 as “Fair Housing Month” in the City of Santa Maria and encourage the continued celebration of equal h ousing opportunities and the progress made in opening the doors to housing opportunities for all residents of Santa Maria. Victoria Orcutt representing Legal Aid Foundation accepted the Proclamation.
10.e Proclamation – “National Sexual Assault Awareness Month” - April 2024 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing the month of April 2024, as “National Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Maria. Alison Wales representing North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center accepted the Proclamation.
10.f Proclamation – “National Child Abuse Awareness Month” – April 2024 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing the month of April 2024, as “National Child Abuse Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Maria. Alison Wales rep resenting North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center accepted the Proclamation.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
3 Mayor invited public comment.
One written public comment was received by Elena Deparini. Speaking from the public w as Andrew Foster and Gary Hall.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 12.a.1 through 12.e.1 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2024 -47, 2024-48, 2024-49, 2024-50, and 2024 -51. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopt the Consent Calendar as submitted.
For (5): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Cordero, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Soto
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
12.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
12.a.1 Ordinances and Resolutions
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Waived the reading in full of all Ordinances and Resoluti ons. Ordinances on the Consent Agenda will be adopted by the same vote cast at the first meeting, unless City Council indicates otherwise.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 19, 2024.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.3 Adoption of a Resolution approving the Wage and Benefit Package for the Non-Represented Management and Confidential Employees, Public Safety Managers; and Adoption of a Resolution Approving the CalPERS Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-47.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing and approving the wage and benefits package for the Non - Represented Management and Confidential Employees; and
Motion carried by a recorded vote
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-48.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
2. Adopted a Resolution authorizing and approving the wage and benefits package for the Public Safety Managers; and
4 Motion carried by a recorded vote
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-49.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
3. Adopted a Resolution approving the Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule for all full -time and part-time employees in accordance with CalPERS guidelines.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
12.b.1 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-03 Amending Chapter 12-35 of Title 12 – Zoning, of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code
Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2024-03.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Conducted the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2024 -03, to amend Chapter 12 -35, Article 5, Section 12 -35.501, “Reconsideration of Discretionary Permits,” and to add a new Section 12 -35.504, “Pe rmit Revocation,” to Title 12 – Zoning of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b.2 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-04 Amending Chapter 12-56, Accessory Dwelling Units, of Title 12 – Zoning, of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code.
Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2024-04.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Conducted the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2024 -04 amending Chapter 12 -56, Accessory Dwelling Units of Title 12 – Zoning, of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
12.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Order ratifie d subject to having been certified as being in conformity with the budget and having been approved for payment by the Director of Finance.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.c.2 Payment of Payroll
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Order ratified subject to having been certified by the proper Department Directors, as shown on records on file in the Department of Finance, and having been approved for payment by the Director of Finance.
5 Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.d FIRE DEPARTMENT
12.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Instructional Services Agreement Appropriations Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-50.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to appropriate and expend funds generated through the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District Instructional Services Agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.e RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT
12.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Transportation Art Maintenance Agreement Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-51.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution allowing the City of Santa Maria to enter into a Transportation Maintenance Agreement with the California Department of Transportation for the decorative painting and maintenance of 15 utility boxes.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13. PUBLIC HEARING
13.a Block Grants Advisory Committee’s Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant Program Drafted Action Plan
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 6:52 p.m.
Written public comment was received by Hanna Ryckman representing Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.
Speaking from the public was Hilda Zacarias/Midge Nicosia, Arcelia Sencion, and Patricia Keelean (via Zoom).
Mayor Patino closed the public hearing at 7:01 p.m.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Conducted a public hearing to receive comments from the public as part of the drafted Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan 30-day public review period; and
2. Consider the Block Grants Advisory Committee’s recommendation for the allocation of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant Program Public Services and Capital funds; and
3. Reviewed and approved the overall allocations and contingencies which make up the drafted Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan. The final approval of the drafted Action Plan is anticipated to take place following the 30-day public review period on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
For (5): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Cordero, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Soto
6 Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
4. Allocated its $37,500 in Community Development Block Grant funding to Public Services programs.
Councilmembers Escobedo and Soto combined their funding (total of $15,000), with Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez allocating $800 of her funding for the Family Services Agency of Santa Barbara County - Long Term Care Ombudsman. They were combined for a total of $15,800.
Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez allocated $5,800 to Community Partners in Caring - Volunteer Caregiving Program, bringing the program's allocations to the maximum allowable amount. The remainder of Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez's funding ($900) was allocated to North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center - Santa Maria Services.
Councilmember Cordero and Mayor Patino combined their funding (total of $15,000) to Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley. With this allocation, the Council appr oved changing the stated contingency, if additional funding is received, from Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley to CALM, Inc. Home Visitation Program.
For (5): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Cordero, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Soto
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
14. REGULAR BUSINESS
14.a Technical Amendments - April 2024
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez requested to remove "musical instruments" from the Ordinance in Section 14. Councilmembers Esco bedo and Soto expressed agreement with removing "musical instruments".
Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez asked staff why this addition continues to come back to City Council for approval. Interim City Manager Posada stated that complaints continue to come i nto staff from residents living near City Parks due to the use of musical instruments in parks.
Action: Introduced as Ordinance No. 2024-05.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Introduced for the first reading, a nd continued to a future meeting for second reading and adoption, amendments to various sections of the Santa Maria Municipal Code relating to general requirements of business taxes, licenses and regulations, application for public services, water service, wastewater collection, treatment and disposal, refuse collection and recycling, cross connections, runoff pollution prevention, boards, commissions and committees, park rules, residential development tax, subdivision improvements, and personnel.
With the removal of "musical instruments" from Section 14.
For (5): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Cordero, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Soto
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
15. REPORT BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER
Interim City Manager Posada reported that the next City Council Meeting would be April 16th. Items on the agenda would include closed -session meetings on Labor and City Manager Recruitment, Business of the Quarter Report, Proclamation for National Day of P rayer, Transit System Update (Tentative), Board/Committee/Commission Attendance Quarterly Report, Surplusage in Transit
7 Vehicles, 5307 Call for Projects, Transit Fiscal 2023 -24 LCTOP Grant Application, Solar Array EV Charger (Tentative), Leisure Needs Asse ssment, Measure U Annual Report, and Urban Forest Management Plan.
16. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Cordero had no report.
Councilmember Escobedo reported that he attended the City Manager Recruitm ent Meeting and Follow-Up Meeting, Guadalupe Beach Reopening, the Boys and Girls Club Gala, Family Service Agency Leadership Meeting, Allan Hancock College "Pills That Kill" Presentation, and Oakley Elementary Career Day.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez reported that she attended the APCD Meeting, the City Manager Recruitment Meeting and Follow -Up, the Santa Barbara Women of the Year Reception, the Legal Aid Advisory Board, the Women Lawyers Association, and the Marian Medical Community Services Board.
Councilmember Soto reported that she attended the Donor Appreciation Event at the Community Environmental Council, the Foundation Board of Directors at Allan Hancock College Scholarship Foundation, and the Ben Heighes Show.
Mayor Patino reported that she a ttended the Ben Heighes Show, Project Opioid Santa Barbara County Meeting, SBCAG Monthly Board Meeting, League of California Cities Conference on Housing and Community Economic Development, Jury Duty Summons, Fentanyl Awareness Presentation, Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation, Police Department Badge Pinning and Promotion, Altrusa Junior High Awards Dinner, and Rotary.
17. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Patino provided an update on discussions related to the Santa Maria Firefighters Local 2020 negotiations.
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
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Chief Deputy City Clerk
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Alice M. Patino, Mayor