CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA April 16, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
110 East Cook Street
Santa Maria
I Roll Call: Mayor Alice Patino, Councilmember Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Mike Cordero (remotely), Councilmember Carlos Escobedo, Councilmember Gloria Soto
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Staff Present:
Interim City Manager Alex Posada, Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, City Attorney Thomas Watson, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Dawn Jackson, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Interim Director of Community Development Dana Eady, Chief Information Officer Jeffrey Marecic, Interim Director of Recreation and Parks Angela Oslund, Chief of Police Marc Schneider, Director of Utilities Shad Springer, Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez, Deputy City Clerk Ashley Arciniega
1. REMOTE PARTICIPATION UNDER ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 2449
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
The City Council considered a request from Councilmember Cordero to participate in the meeting (open and closed sessions) remotely via "emergency circumstances" due to a physical or family medical emergency that prevents him from attending in -person per Assembly Bill No. 2449.
The City Council also considered a request from Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez to participate in the meeting (closed session) remotely via "Just Cause" due to a childcare need that prevents her from attending in -person per Assembly Bill No. 2449
For (2): Mayor Patino, and Councilmember Soto
Abstain (2): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, and Councilmember Cordero Absent (1): Councilmember Escobedo
Motion carried by a recorded vote (2 to 0)
CLOSED SESSION
2. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino called the meeting to order at 4:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmembers Mike Cordero (remotely), Gloria Soto, and Mayor Alice Patino.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez did not activate her video during the Zoom session; however, she was physically present prior to the commencement of the Closed Session at 4:25 p.m.
Councilmember Escobedo joined the meeting during the public comment period at 4:19 p.m.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
1 Interim City Manager Posada, City Attorney Watson, Assistant City Manager Wu, Director of Public Works Fulgoni, Director of Utilities Springer, and Assistant City Clerk Valadez (for roll call only).
3. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Jeremy Goldberg, Matt Luis, Andrew Kline, Matt Chircop, James Rainville, Charlie Martinez; and Jill Pontes.
4. RECESS -CLOSED SESSION
4.a Real Property Negotiators, Pursuant to California Government Code *54956.8
4.b Conference with Labor Negotiators, Pursuant to California Government Code 454957.6
4.c Public Employee Recruitment - City Manager, Pursuant to California Government Code *54956.8 Mayor Patino recessed to a Closed Session at 4:26 p.m.
5. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION
6. INVOCATION
Pastor Gonzalez with Central City Church gave the Invocation.
7. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
8. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino convened the meeting and called the meeting to order at 6:01 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.
Instructions provided and direction given for items 4.a, 4.b, and 4.c.
10. PROCLAMATIONS
10.a Proclamation — "National Day of Prayer" — May 2, 2024 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing May 2', 2024, as "National Day of Prayer" in the City of Santa Maria, and encouraged people of all faiths to participate in the "Day of Prayer" according to their own traditions. The Proclamation was accepted by Victoria Leach representing Santa Maria Valley Community of Prayer.
10.b Proclamation — "Public Service Recognition Week" - April 5 through May 11, 2024 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing the week of May 5 through May 11, 2024, as "Public Service Recognition Week" in the City of Santa Maria to honor public servants for the services they provide to residents in Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by the Human Resources Division.
10.c Proclamation - "National Autism Awareness Month" - April 2024 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing the month of April 2024, as "National Autism Awareness Month" in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Edgar Gascon.
10.d Businesses of the Quarter — April to June 2024
The City Council presented certificates to the featured Businesses of the Quarter (April to June 2024) — Arrow Plumbing Drain & Repair Service and Trojan Petroleum, Inc. Accepting the certificate on behalf of Arrow Plumbing Drain & Repair Service was Kaniela and Jessica Keuma. Accepting the certificate on behalf of Trojan Petroleum, Inc. was Kathleen Brodie and Larry Schubert.
11. PRESENTATIONS
11.a Transit System Update
2 The City Council received a presentation regarding an update on Santa Maria Regional Transit system, growth, opportunities, and outlook. Staff report given by Transit Services Manager Gamaliel Anguiano.
12. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Christian Soto, Benjamin Ortiz, Gary Hall, Colleen Murr, Cheryl Ausan, and Mona Schaefer for Elena Deparini.
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 13.a.1 through 13.d.3 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2024-52, 2024-53, and 2024-54. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Mayor Patino pulled item 13.d.1 for comment. Speaking from the public on this item was Marjie Kirn and Geoff Straw.
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)
13.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
13.a.1 Ordinances and Resolutions
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Waived the reading in full of all Ordinances and Resolutions. 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
13.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of April 2, 2024, and the Special City Council Meeting of April 6, 2024.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.b CITY ATTORNEY DEPARTMENT
13.b.1 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-05 Technical Amendments — April 2024 Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2024-05.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Conducted the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2024-05, amending 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, stormwater runoff pollution prevention, boards, commissions and committees, park rules, residential development tax, subdivision improvements, and personnel.
3 Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
13.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Order ratified 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
13.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.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.d PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
13.d.1 Federal Transit Administration 5307 Program of Projects for the Federal Fiscal Year 2024-2027 Federal Transportation Improvement Program
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-52.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution approving applications for Federal Transit Administration Section 5307 funds for Fiscal Year 2024-25, Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Santa Maria Urbanized Area.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.d.2 Santa Maria Regional Transit Fiscal Year 2023-24 Low Carbon Operations Program Grant Application, Solar Array Electric Vehicle Charger
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-53.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the execution of the Certifications and Assurances and authorized agent forms for the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program, approve the grant application and receipt of Fiscal Year 2023-24 Low Carbon Operations Program grant funding for $213,970 for the purchase of two Solar Array Electric Vehicle Chargers, designate representatives to act on City Council's behalf, and amend the Transit Program's Capital Maintenance Equipment Project Budget to reflect this project.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.d.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Disposition of Older Transit Vehicles Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-54.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
4 Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to sign sales agreements with a reputable auction company to surplus transit vehicles that have met the end of their Federal Transit Administration -defined useful life.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
14. APPOINTMENTS
14.a Measure U Citizens' Oversight Committee and Recreation & Parks Commission Appointments Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Measure U Citizens' Oversight Committee
Councilmembers Aguilera-Hernandez and Soto considered appointments for a term of four years ending in January 2027. Councilmember Escobedo also has one nomination for the unexpired term ending in July 2025.
One application received from John Childers, Jr.
Councilmember Escobedo was absent from the room during the appointments and voting process.
Councilmembers Aguilera-Hernandez and Soto did not make appointments.
Recreation & P -
Councilmember Soto considered an appointment for a term of four years and/or coterminous with Councilmember Soto's term.
Four applications were received from Isaac Berumen, Anais Diaz, Benjamin Ortiz, and Jose Ramirez.
Councilmember Soto appointed Anais Diaz to serve a term of four years and/or coterminous with Councilmember Soto's term.
For (4): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Cordero, and Councilmember Soto
Absent (1): Councilmember Escobedo
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
15. REGULAR BUSINESS
15.a Measure U Annual Report for the Period Ending June 30, 2023, as Submitted by the Measure U Citizens' Oversight Committee
The City Council received a presentation from City staff and Vice -Chair of the Measure U Citizens' Oversight Committee on the Measure U Annual Report for the period ending June 30, 2023; and received and filed the Measure U Citizens' Oversight Committee 2022-23 Annual Report. Assistant City Manager Wu gave the staff report, along with Measure U Citizens' Oversight Committee Vice Chair Owen.
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Matt Chircop.
16. REPORT BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER
Interim City Manager Posada shared the appointments of Cheun Wu as the official Assistant City Manager and Dana Eady as Interim Community Director.
Interim City Manager Posada reported that the next City Council Meeting would be May 7th. Items on the agenda would include closed -session meetings on Labor and City Manager Recruitment, a Proclamation for Water Awareness Month along with a presentation for the Poster Contest Winners, Proclamations for Go Rodeo Days, and Peace Officers' Memorial, Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, 3rd Quarter Financial Report. Items on the agenda for the City Council Meeting on May 21st would include closed -session meetings on Labor and City Manager Recruitment (Tentative), a 5 Proclamation for Public Works Week, presentations by Santa Maria Community Television and Pavement Management, Engineer's Report, Encampment response and homeless services update.
17. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Cordero had no report.
Councilmember Escobedo reported that he attended the American Riviera Spring Mixer, Closed Session Meeting, Elks Rodeo Queens Kick -Off, and Breakfast with the President at Marian Hospital.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez reported that she attended the Close Session Meeting, Kite Festival, Elks Rodeo Queen Kick Off, and the Women Lawyers Association Meeting.
Councilmember Soto reported that she attended the Closed Session Meeting and the Ben Heighes Show.
Mayor Patino reported that she attended the Ben Heighes Show, American Riviera Spring Mixer, LAFCO Meeting, First Friday At My Place, City Manager Recruitment Interviews, Elks Rodeo Queen Kick Off, Cal Cities Mayors and Councilmembers Department Roundtable, Marian Psychiatric Outpatient Tour, 63rd Annual California Square Dance Convention, Santa Maria Valley Senior Citizens Club Event, and California Alliance of Local Electeds.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Patino encouraged the community to attend the Serve Santa Maria Meeting on April 20th at 8:00 a.m. at the Abel Maldonado Center.
Mayor Patino announced the adjournment of the City Council meeting to continue the Closed Session at 7:24 p.m. Subsequently, following the conclusion of the Closed Session, Mayor Patino adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.
AV (May 9.20241E.24 PDT}
05/09/2024
Chief Deputy City Clerk
AI a • 9, 2024 16:15 PDT'•
Alice M. Patino, Mayor
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