1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
January 21, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
110 East Cook Street
Santa Maria
Roll Call: Mayor Alice Patino, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Soto, Councilmember Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Carlos Escobedo, Councilmember Gloria Flores
Staff Present: City Manager David W. Rowlands, City Attorney Thomas Watson, Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, Interim Finance Director Xenia Bradford, Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Interim Chief of Police Daniel Cohen, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Dawn Jackson, Chief Information Officer Jeffrey Marecic, Director of Utilities Shad Springer, Chief Human Resources Officer Graciela Reynoso, Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz, and Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez,
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CLOSED SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 4:32 p.m. Mayor Patino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmembers Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez, Carlos Escobedo, Gloria Flores, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Soto, and Mayor Alice Patino.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
City Manager David W. Rowlands and City Attorney Thomas Watson were present, along with Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna G. Schwartz.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Mayor Patino opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
3. RECESS-CLOSED SESSION
At 4:30 p.m. Mayor Patino recessed to Closed Session.
3.a Conference with Labor Negotiators, Pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6 Mayor Patino recessed to a Closed Session at 4:33 p.m.
4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:30 P.M.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Gary Howes gave the Invocation.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CALL TO ORDER
2 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 were provided to the City's Labor Negotiator.
9. PROCLAMATIONS
9.a Proclamation – “Respect for Life” – January 19 through January 25, 2025 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing January 19 through January 25, 2025, as “Respect for Life Week” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Jon Lindgren, President of Right to Life of the Central Coast.
Public comment was received from Cliff Solomon.
9.b Proclamation – “Human Trafficking Awareness Month” – January 2025 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing January 2025, as “Human Trafficking Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Ann McCarty, Executive Director at North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center.
Public comment was received from Susan Hubele.
10. PRESENTATIONS
10.a Presentation – Status Update on Encampment Response Efforts The City Council received a status update on encampment response efforts and services to assist the unsheltered in the Santa Maria community. Presentation given by Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, Sergeant Felix Diaz, and Senior Parks Services Officer Ruben Ramirez.
10.b Presentation – Fire Department Readiness
The City Council received a presentation regarding Fire Department readiness to respond to emergencies within the City. Presentation was made by Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Chris Huckabey, Matt Chircop, Gary Hall, Caritina Martinez, and Julie (no last name provided).
12. APPOINTMENTS
12.a Annual Appointments to City Boards, Commissions, and Committees – January 2025 Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Measure U Citizens Oversight Committee
Mayor Patino and Councilmembers Flores and Escobedo considered appointments for new terms of four years ending January 2029.
Applications were received from incumbents Trent Benedetti (previously appointed by Mayor Patino) and Jack Owen, Jr. (previously appointed by Councilmember Cordero). One new application was received by Jennifer Camacho.
Mayor Patino appointed incumbent Trent Benedetti to serve a term of four years.
Councilmember Flores appointed incumbent Jack Owen, Jr. to serve a term of four years.
Councilmember Escobedo appointed Jennifer Camacho to serve a term of four years.
Ayes (5): Mayor Patino, Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
3 Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Planning Commission
Mayor Patino and Councilmembers Flores and Escobedo considered appointments for new terms of four years ending January 2029.
Applications were received from incumbents Robert Dickerson (previously appointed by Mayor Patino), Tom Lopez (previously appointed by Councilmember Cordero), and Tim Seifert (previously appointed by Councilmember Escobedo). Two new applications were received by Larry Crawford and Geoffrey Wheeler.
Mayor Patino appointed incumbent Robert Dickerson to serve a term of four years.
Councilmember Flores appointed incumbent Tom Lopez to serve a term of four years.
Councilmember Escobedo appointed incumbent Tim Seifert to serve a term of four years.
Ayes (5): Mayor Patino, Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Recreation & Parks Commission
Mayor Patino and Councilmembers Flores and Escobedo considered appointments for a new term of four years ending January 2029.
Applications were received from incumbents Rebecca Carey (previously appointed by Mayor Patino) and Cynthia Gudino (previously appointed by Councilmember Escobedo). Two new applications were received by Jose Ramirez and Vlahdemir Cruz.
Mayor Patino appointed incumbent Rebecca Carey to serve a term of four years.
Councilmember Flores appointed new applicant Jose Ramirez to serve a term of four years.
Councilmember Escobedo appointed incumbent Cynthia Gudino to serve a term of four years.
Ayes (5): Mayor Patino, Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Santa Barbara County Library Committee
The Mayor considered one appointment for the unexpired term ending July 2025.
Two new applications were received from Michelle Graham and Suzanne Hajnik.
Mayor Patino appointed new applicant Suzanne Hajnik to serve the unexpired term.
Ayes (5): Mayor Patino, Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
4 12.b Appointments to Outside Boards, Commissions, and Committees Requiring City Council Representation – January 2025
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
City Council confirmed appointments to outside boards/committees requiring City Council representation. The following 11 assignments were made:
1. Air Pollution Control District (APCD) - Patino (primary)/Aguilera-Hernandez (alternate)
2. Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Policy Board - Patino (primary)/Flores (alternate)
3. Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Operations Board - City Manager (primary)/Assistant City Manager (alternate)
4. Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) - Escobedo (primary)/Utilities Director (alternate)
5. Central Coast Collaborative on Homelessness (3CH) - Soto (primary)/Escobedo (alternate)
6. CommUnify (CAC) - Flores
7. Investment and Audit Oversight Committee (IAOC) - Aguilera-Hernandez
8. Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) - Patino
9. Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) - Patino (primary)/Aguilera- Hernandez (alternate)
10. Santa Maria Airport/Council Informational (SMA/CI) - Escobedo/Soto
11. Schools Quarterly Roundtable (SQR) - Soto/Escobedo
Ayes (5): Mayor Patino, Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 13.a.1 through 13.g.2 were approved as presented, except item 13.f.3, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2025-01, 2025-02, 2025-03, 2025-04, 2025-05, 2025-06, 2025-07, 2025-09, 2025-10 and 2025-11.
Item 13.f.3 was pulled for discussion and a separate vote by Councilmember Flores. The item was approved and adopted as Resolution No. 2025-08.
The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopt the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Ayes (5): Mayor Patino, Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
13.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
13.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
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.
5 Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.c.2 Payment of Payroll
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
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.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
13.a.1 Ordinances and Resolutions
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
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 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule and Establish the Class Specification of Electrical and Instrumentation Technician Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-01.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution approving a Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule to implement the following salary and classification changes:
A. Implement Salary Adjustments for Certain Classifications in the Service Employees International Union Local 620 (SEIU) Salary Group, effective December 28, 2024; and
B. Approve the establishment of the Electrical and Instrumentation Technician class specification, as previously adopted by Council in the FY24-26 Adopted Budget.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.a.3 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of December 17, 2024.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.a.4 Adoption of a Resolution Granting Consent to the County of Santa Barbara to Establish the Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District and Include the City of Santa Maria in the Established Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-02.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
6 Adopted a Resolution granting consent to the County of Santa Barbara to establish the Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District and include the City of Santa Maria in the established Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.a.5 Request for Bond Reductions for Northman Residential, Tract 6018 Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
By motion, authorized the reduction of Faithful Performance Bond – Public Improvements [#4457483] in the partial (50 percent) amount of $992,954.32 posted in the form of a Surety to guarantee the construction and installation of public improvements; and authorize the reduction of Faithful Performance Bond – Landscaping & Irrigation [#4457484] in the partial (50 percent) amount of $263,700.50 posted in the form of a Surety to guarantee landscaping, trees, irrigation.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.a.6 Adoption of a Resolution Entering into an Agreement with the ReDesign Group for the Implementation of a Cloud-based Computer Backup System
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-03.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to enter into an agreement with the ReDesign Group to implement a cloud-based computer backup system and provide three years of system maintenance, licensing, and support.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
13.b.1 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-08 Amending the Official Zoning Map for the Bellecrest Senior Residences Project at 1571 East Main Street Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2024-08.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Conducted the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2024-08 amending the Official Zoning Map for 14.43 acres (net) located at 1571 East Main Street from PD/R-1 (Planned Development/Single Family Residential) Zone District to PD/R-2 (Planned Development/Medium Density Residential) Zone District.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.b.2 Code Enforcement Division Update
The City Council received and filed an informational report concerning the Code Enforcement Division’s outreach efforts and accomplishments for the 2024 calendar year, and goals for the upcoming 2025 calendar year.
7 13.d FIRE DEPARTMENT
13.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Donation of Extractors and Fitness Equipment from the One805 organization.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-04.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution approving the donation of two extractors and fitness equipment to the Santa Maria Fire Department from the One805 organization.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.e POLICE DEPARTMENT
13.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application for 2026 Office of Traffic Safety Grant Application
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-05.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the submission of an application for the 2026 Grant Program Cycle of the California Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.f PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
13.f.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Award of Bid for Citywide Wharf Fire Hydrant Replacement Project, Bid No. 2024-12
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-06.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution awarding a bid to Main Line Engineering, in the amount of $208,500, for the construction of the Citywide Wharf Fire Hydrant Replacement Project, Bid No. 2024-12.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.f.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Proposed Quitclaim of Portions of East Jones Street, South McClelland Street, and South Miller Street
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-07.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution approving the acceptance of quitclaims for portions of South Miller Street and South McClelland Street and granting a quitclaim for a portion of East Jones Street to G.A.
Hancock Properties Inc and acceptance of a 20-foot-wide Public Utility Easement, Multi-Purpose Trail and Landscape Easement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.f.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Proposed Grant of Easement to Pacific Gas & Electric for the Rule 20A Program
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-08.
8 Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute Easement Deeds for portions of City property along South Miller Street and South McClelland Street to accommodate the Pacific Gas & Electric Rule 20A Program.
Ayes (5): Mayor Patino, Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Aguilera- Hernandez, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
13.g RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT
13.g.1 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of 2024 Asphalt Art Initiative Grant Application
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-09.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the submittal of a project application to Bloomberg Philanthropies Foundation for the Santa Maria Asphalt Art Initiative.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13.g.2 Adoption of Resolutions Approving Annexation and Assessment of Parcels into City Landscape Maintenance Districts
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-10 and 2025-11.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution annexing and authorizing the assessment of landscape maintenance fees to Alvin Newton Apartments in the Northeast Landscape Maintenance District (Streets and Highways Code Section 22500, Et Seq.); and
2. Adopted a Resolution annexing and authorizing the assessment of landscape maintenance fees to Casa Del Bambini and Bradley Commercial located in the South Miller Street / South College Street Maintenance District (Streets and Highways Code Section 22500, Et Seq).
Motion carried by a recorded vote
14. REGULAR BUSINESS
14.a Annual Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Mayor Patino nominated Councilmember Escobedo as Mayor Pro Tem for calendar year 2025.
Ayes (5): Mayor Patino, Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
15. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands announced that the City Council meeting scheduled for February 4th has been canceled. The next meeting will take place on February 18th, with agenda items including the recognition of the Winter 2025 Class of Hometown Heroes, Santa Maria Police Council donations, the
9 Second Quarter Financial Report, and a report on SMPOA/SPAMM. Additionally, the City Manager formally introduced the newly hired Community Development Director, Chenin Dow, who began on January 13th and previously worked for the City of Lancaster.
16. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores had nothing to report.
Councilmember Escobedo had no formal updates but expressed his gratitude to the Francia team for their generous donation of a ping pong table to the City of Santa Maria Fire Department.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez reported attending a meeting with Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley.
Councilmember Soto had nothing to report.
Mayor Patino reported that she attended Ben Heighes, Federal Lobbyist Meeting, California Alliance of Local Electeds, Econalliance Forum and Annual Dinner, LAFCO Meeting, Pastor's Network Luncheon, SBCAG Meeting, City Selection Committee Meeting, APCD Meeting, and the Rotary Fire Relief Effort.
17. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor
Alice Patino (Feb 19, 2025 16:16 PST)02/19/2025