1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
May 7, 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, Councilmember Carlos Escobedo, Councilmember Gloria Soto
Staff Present: Interim City Manager Alex Posada, City Attorney Thomas Watson, Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Dawn Jackson, Chief Information Officer Jeffrey Marecic, Interim Director of Recreation and Parks Angela Oslund, Commander Jesse Silva, Director of Utilities Shad Springer, Interim Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez, Deputy City Clerk Ashley Arciniega
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CLOSED SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmembers Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez, Mike Cordero, Carlos Escobedo, Gloria Soto, and Mayor Alice Patino.
Councilmember Escobedo was not present for roll call; he arrived at 4:32 p.m.
Councilmember Soto was not present for roll call; she arrived at 4:35 p.m.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Interim City Manager Posada, City Attorney Watson, and Assistant City Clerk Valadez (for roll call only).
2. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Mayor Patino invited publi c comment. Speaking from the public was Herbert Bolton, Fermin Barbosa, Jeff Lee, Cory Pascolla, Matt Chircop, and Becka Ruebsamen.
3. RECESS-CLOSED SESSION
3.a Conference with Labor Negotiators, Pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6
3.b Public Employee Recruitment - City Manager, Pursuant to California Government Code §54956.8 Mayor Patino recessed to a Closed Session at 4:51 p.m.
4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:30 P.M.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Daniel Cassels from Life Way Fellowship Church gave the Invocation.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2 Councilmember Escobedo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino convened the meeting and called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.
8. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported that instructions provided and direction given for items 3.a and 3.b.
9. PROCLAMATIONS
9.a Proclamation - “Water Awareness Month” - May 2024
The City Council declared the month of May 2024 as “Water Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Water Conservation Specialist Myra Ritchie.
9.a.1 Presentation - Water Awareness Poster Contest Winners Water Conservation Specialist Myra Ritchie presented the 2024 Water Awareness School Poster Contest winners. This year's winners are Janice Ochoa Jaramillo, Alvin Elementary School (Most Educational); Luz Vitervo, Sanchez Elementary School (Best Celebration of Water); Dal eyza Coxcahua-Mata, Sanchez Elementary School (Most Artistic); Enrique Andrade, Rice Elementary School (Most Colorful); and Javet Lopez, Alvin Elementary School (Most Water Aware).
9.b Proclamation – “Fentanyl Awareness Day” – May 9, 2024 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing May 9 th, 2024, as “Fentanyl Awareness Day” in the City of Santa Maria to raise awareness and prevent overdose caused by fentanyl. The Proclamation was accepted by Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley.
9.c Proclamation – “Compost Awareness Week” – May 5 through 11, 2024 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing May 5 th through 11 th, 2024, as Compost Awareness Week in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Bob Engel of Engel & Gray.
9.d Proclamation - “National Police Week” - May 12 through May 18, 2024, and “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” – May 15, 2024.
The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing the week of May 12 th through May 18 th, 2024, as “National Police Week” an d Wednesday, May 15 th, 2024, be declared “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Lieutenant Daniel Rios of the Santa Maria Police Department.
9.e Proclamation – “Go Rodeo Days” – May 7 through June 2 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing May 7 th through June 2 nd, 2024, as “Go Rodeo Days” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Scott Parsons and Peter Sterling of the Santa Maria Elks Lodge.
9.f Proclamation – “National Bike Month” – May 2024
The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing May 2024, as “National Bike Month” in the City of Santa Maria, and encourage people to join in celebrating bicycling. The Proclamation was accepted by Aaron Bonfilio the Director of Multimodal Programs of SBCAG.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Benjamin Ortiz, Mavis Deparini, Dr. Tami Waterman, and Andy Davis.
Mayor Patino requested Interim City Manager Posada follow up with Ms. Depaini and Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu follow up with Mr. Davis.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
3 Consent Calendar Items 11.a.1 through 11.d.6 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2024 -55, 2024-56, 2024-57, 2024-58, 2024-59, 2024-60, and 2024 -61. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Lourdes Luna on item 11.d.6.
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)
11.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
11.a.1 Ordinances and Resolutions
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Waive the reading in full of all Ordinances and Resolutions. Ordinances on the Consent Agenda will be adopte d by the same vote cast at the first meeting, unless City Council indicates otherwise.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.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 16, 2024.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.a.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Amendment to Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Joint Powers Agreement
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-55.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution approving an amendment to the Joint Powers Authority Agreement for Santa Barbara County Association of Governments to add the role of coordination of broadband activities.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
11.b.1 Employee Housing Resource Officer Annual Report
The City Council received, reviewed, and filed the Employee Housing Resource Officer annual report.
11.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
11.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
4 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
11.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
11.d PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
11.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Establishment of Angle Parking on West Cypress Street
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-56.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution approving the establishment of angle parking on West Cypress Street.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Establishment of Limited-Time Parking Zone on Dal Porto Lane
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-57.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution establishing a limited-time parking zone on Dal Porto Lane.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d.3 Adoption of a Resolution to Approve the Establishment of Limited-Time Parking Zone on Fairway Drive
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-58.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution establishing a limited-time parking zone on Fairway Drive.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d.4 Adoption of a Resolution to Approve the Establishment of Limited-Time Parking Zone on Thompson Way
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-59.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution establishing a limited-time parking zone on Thompson Way.
5 Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d.5 Adoption of a Resolution to Approve the Establishment of Limited Time Parking Zone on South Thornburg Street
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-60.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution establishing a limited-time parking zone on South Thornburg Street.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d.6 Adoption of a Resolution to Approve the Establishment of Preferential Parking Privileges in The Pacific Crest Estates Neighborhood
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-61.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution approving the establishment of preferential pa rking privileges to vehicles displaying a valid parking permit in the Pacific Crest Estates Neighborhood bounded by the southerly Right of Way of West Battles Road, easterly Right of Way of Biscayne Street, northerly Right of Way of Sonya Lane, westerly Ri ght of Way of Pergola Street, and the existing pedestrian path.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
12.a The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act The City Council considered adopting a Resolution opposing Initiative No. 21 -0042A1, the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act”. The Presentation was given by League of California Cities' Regional Public Affairs Manager Dave Mullinax.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-62.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution opposing Ballot Initiative No 21 -0042A1, the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act”.
For (5): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Cordero, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Soto
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
12.b Conceptual Review of Proposed Downtown Redevelopment by the Vernon Group on City-Owned Parcels
The City Council received a presentation from Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu and representatives from RRM Design Group and The Vernon Group. Direction was provided to staff.
One written public comment was received from Teresa Paredes of the Maya Restaurant.
Councilmember Soto left the meeting at 7:50 p.m. prior to the beginning of item 12.c.
12.c Review of the Financial Report for the Third Quarter Ending March 31, 2024, and Adoption of Resolutions Approving Third Quarter Amendments to the 2023-24 Budget
6 The City Council received a presentation from Interim Finance Director Xenia Bradford. The Financial Report for the Third Quarter ending March 31, 2024, was received by the City Council and filed.
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Matt Chircop.
Councilmember Escobedo made a motion to approve the Resolution with an amendment to remove the Confidential Technician position in the City Manager's Office from the Resolution.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2024-63
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution approving Third Quarter amendments to the 2023-24 Budget for personnel and operational changes, as amended.
For (4): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Cordero, and Councilmember Escobedo
Absent (1): Councilmember Soto
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
13. REPORT BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER
Interim City Manager Posada reported that the next City Council Meeting would be May 21st. Ite ms on the upcoming agenda would include a potential closed session, a Proclamation for Public Works Week, a Presentations regarding Santa Maria Community Television, Homeless Encampment Response, Pavement Management, a Public Safety Managers Resolution Upd ate, an Engineer's Report, and the Preliminary Budget. Items on the agenda for the City Council Meeting on June 4th would include a Proclamation for Pride Month, a Presentation for the Annual 3CE Update, a Presentation on the Waste Water Treatment Plans an d Water Discharge Requirements Program Management Project, a Consent item on Elections Consolidation, Final Approval of CDBG Action Plan, Annual Report for Military Use Equipment Policy, Limited Time Parking on Airpark Drive, Storm Water Basin Policy, Park Assessment, and the Urban Forest Management Plan. Items on the agenda for the City Council Meeting on June 18th would include a Proclamation for Juneteenth, a Consent item on the 2024 Investment Policy, and a Budget Hearing. Interim City Manager Posada f urther recommended that the council explore the option of rescheduling the July 2nd City Council meeting.
14. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Cordero reported that he attended the Student of the Year for the Elks Lodge.
Councilmember Escobedo reported that he attended the Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit, Let's Get Loud by CALM, 2024 Annual Strawberry Industry Appreciation Dinner, and Festival Ñuu Savi.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez reported that sh e attended the EconAlliance Board Meeting, the Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit, the Annual Strawberry Industry Appreciation Dinner, the Women Lawyer Association, the Strawberry Festival, and the (COLAB) Coalition Labor of Agriculture and Business Event.
Councilmember Soto was not present to report.
Mayor Patino reported that she attended the SBCAG Monthly Board Meeting, the Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit, the Annual Strawberry Industry Appreciation Dinner, SERVE Santa Maria, the Space X Tour, the Mayor 's Forum at Vandenberg, Santa Barbara County Economic Roundtable, Joint Cities - County Affordable Housing Task Group, the Strawberry Festival, Friends of Waller Park, the California Alliance of Local Electeds Meeting, the Mayor's Teen Council Southern Calif ornia Museums & Universities Excursion, LAFCO Meeting, the 27th Annual National Day of Prayer, Rotary Fundraiser, and West Coast Kustoms Meeting.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Counc il meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
7 _________________________
Chief Deputy City Clerk
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Alice M. Patino, Mayor