1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
February 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
110 East Cook Street
Santa Maria
Roll Call: Councilmember Maribel Aguilera -Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Soto, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Escobedo, and Mayor Alice Patino.
Staff Present: City Manager David W. Rowlands, Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, City Attorney Thomas Watson, Interim Finance Director Xenia Bradford, Chief Human Resources Officer Graciela Reynoso, Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Director of Recreation & Parks Alex Posada, Interim Chief of Police Daniel Cohen, Director of Utilities Shad Springer, Director of Community Development Chenin Dow, Recreation S ervices Manager Dennis Smitherman , Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz, and Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez.
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CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Patino announced Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez requested to participate in the Closed Session portion of the meeting via video conference per AB 2449.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez was present via Zoom.
Mayor Patino asked for a motion to approve Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez request to participate via video conference.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Ayes (3): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Soto, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Absent (1): Councilmember Escobedo
Motion carried by a recorded vote (3 to 0)
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 4:33 p.m. Mayor Patino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmembers Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez (via video conference), Gloria Flores, Gloria Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Escobedo (Arrived at 4:35 p.m.), and Mayor Alice Patino.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
City Manager David W. Rowlands , City Attorney Thomas Watson were present, and 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
2 At 4:35 p.m. Mayor Patino recessed to Closed Session.
3.a Conference with Labor Negotiators, Pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6
4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:30 P .M.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Daniel Cassels of Life Way Fellowship Church gave the Invocation.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Soto led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino convened the meeting and called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
8. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported, instructions were provided to the City's Labor Negotiator.
9. PROCLAMATIONS
9.a Proclamation – “Future Farmers of America Week” – February 15 through 22, 2025 The City Council recognized the week of February 15 through 22, 2025, as "Future Farmers of America Week" in the City of Santa Maria and encourage awareness in the city. The Proclamation was accepted by the Santa Maria FFA Chapter.
10. PRESENTATIONS
10.a Presentation - Winter 2025 Class of Hometown Heroes The City Council received a presentation from Alex Posada, Director of Recreation and Parks on the Winter 2025 Class of Hometown Heroes. Honorees include d Patrick M. Derig (Army), Danny Albert Montgomery (Navy), Francis R. Maciel (Navy), Luis A. Navarro (Army), Manuel A. Cabrera (Navy), Ruben E. Pineda (Army), James D. Glines (Chairman of the Board, Community Bank of Santa Maria), and Vince Sternjacob (Army).
10.b Presentation – Businesses of the Quarter – January to March 2025 The City Counc il received a presentation from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce of the featured Businesses of the Quarter (January to March 2025) – The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant and Xtreme Electronics. Council presented t he certificates that w ere accepted by Rodger Galvan of Xtreme Electronics and Reda Kchik of The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant.
10.c Presentation – Combined Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and Economic Development Impact of the First Six Months of Fiscal Year 2024-2025 The City Co uncil received a presentation from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce on Economic Development endeavors of the first six months of Fiscal Year 2024 -2025. The presentation was given by CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Michael Boyer.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Roberta Thompson, Gary Hall, Nancy Mastropieri, Jayla Verdialez, Luz Ramirez, Flor Viellegus, Claudia Santos, Andrea Cardonas, Maydeli Aguirre, Esperanza, Antonio Sierra, Jesus Herrera Romero, Michelle Ambriz, Destiny Jimenez, David Rosales, and Cesar Vasquez.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 12.a.1 through 12.g.2 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2025 -12, 2025 -13, 2025 -14, 2025-15, 2025 -16, 2025 -17, 2025 -18, 2025 -19, 2025-20, 2025-21, 2025-22, 2025-23, 2025-24, 2025-25, 2025-26, and 2025-27. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
3 Mayor Patino pulled item 12.f.6 for comment.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopt the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Ayes (5): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Escobedo, and Councilmember Gloria Flores
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 Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
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
12.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of January 21, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a New Citywide Records Retention Schedule Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-12.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving the new Citywide Records Retention Schedule.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.4 Adoption of Resolutions Approving Tentative Agreements and Successor Memorandum of Understandings; Amending Resolution No. 2024-48 and Repealing 2024-93; Approving a Wage and Benefits Package for Public Safety Managers
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2025-13, 2025-14, 2025-15, and 2025-16.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution Approving and Ratifying the Tentative Agreement and Successor Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Maria Police Officers’ Association and Approving and Ratifying the Tentative Agreement and Successor Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Maria Police Association of Middle Management;
2. Adopted a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2024 -48 Authorizing and Approving a Wage and Benefits Package for the Public Safety Managers and Repealing Side Letter Resolution No. 2024-93 Authorizing and Approving the Revised Wage and Benefits Package for the Public Safety Managers Regarding
4 Employer Paid Member Contributions to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System;
3. Adopted a Resolution Authorizing and Approving a Wage and Benefit Package for the Public Safety Managers; and
4. Adopted a Resolution approving CalPERS 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 Adoption of Resolution Approving Professional Services Agreement with Rincon Consultants for Environmental Analysis of Package Delivery Warehouse Planned Development Permit and Authorize Director of Community Development to Execute Agreement Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-17.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for the environ mental analysis and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Package Delivery Warehouse Planned Development (PD2024-0003); and
2. Authorized the Director of Community Development to execute the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
12.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
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
12.c.2 Payment of Payroll
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
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
12.d LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
12.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with the County of Santa Barbara and the Cities of Lompoc, Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria for the Operation of a County-wide Free Library System for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-18.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
5 Adopted a Resolution approving an Agreement with the County of Santa Barbara, the cities of Lompoc, Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria to provide for the operation of a Countywide Free Library System for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.e POLICE DEPARTMENT
12.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Donation of K9 and Headset Equipment from the Santa Maria Police Council
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-19.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving the donation of K9 and headset equipment to the Santa Maria Police Department from the Santa Maria Police Council.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.f PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
12.f.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Award of Bid to John Madonna Construction Co., Inc. for Well 6s Intertie Project, Bid No. 2024-13
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-20.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution awarding a bid to John Madonna Construction Co., Inc., in the amount of $1,153,158.55, for the construction of Well 6s Intertie Project, Bid No. 2024-13.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.f.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Award of Bid to Kaweah Pump Inc. for Well 12s Rehabilitation Project, Bid No. 2024-15
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-21.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution awarding a bid to Kaweah Pump Inc., in the amount of $349,615, for the construction of the Well 12s Rehabilitation Project, Bid No. 2024-15.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.f.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the DDS Partnership Parcel Map, Tract 6039 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-22.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving the DDS Partnership Parcel Map, Tract 6039.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.f.4 Adoption of Resolution Authorizing Signing of the Landowner Concurrence Form for Eat Sweet Farms to Seek Grant Funding Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service to Construct Improvements Across City-Owned Property Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-23.
6 Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the signing of the Landowner Concurrence Form for Eat Sweet Farms to see k grant funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service to construct improvements across City-owned property.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.f.5 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Final Map and Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Skylight Homes, Tract 6033
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-24.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving the final map and Subdivision Improvement Agreement with People’s Self-Help Housing Corporation, allowing the deferral of certain public improvements for Skylight Homes, Tract 6033;
2. Authorized the Mayor to sign the Subdivision Improvement Agreement; and
3. Authorized the Chief Deputy City Clerk to certify the t itle sheet and forward the map to the County Clerk-Recorder for official recordation.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.f.6 Authorization to Explore the Consolidation of Guadalupe Transit Bus Services Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
The City Council authorized the City Manager to direct staff to prepare a Letter of Intent to the City of Guadalupe to explore the potential consolidation of Guadalupe’s transit bus service with Santa Maria Regional Transit. Once th e evaluation is complete, staff will report back to the Council with their findings and a formal recommendation.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.f.7 Adoption of a Resolution Confirming the Transit Division’s Legal Capacity to Administer Federal Transit Administration-Funded Programs and Projects Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-25.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution confirming the Transit Division’s legal capacity to administer Federal Transit Administration-funded programs and projects.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.g RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT
12.g.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the 2025 Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Grant Application Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-26.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funds for the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Off -Highway Vehicl e Grant Funds.
7 Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.g.2 Adoption of Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborist for Tree Maintenance Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-27.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborist for Tree Maintenance Services
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13. REGULAR BUSINESS
13.a Receive and File the Financial Report for the Second Quarter ending December 31, 2024, and Adoption of a Resolution Approving Second Quarter Amendments Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-28.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
1. Received and filed the Financial Report for the Second Quarter ending December 31, 2024; and
2. Adopted a Resolution approving Second Quarter Amendments to the 2024-25 Budget for personnel and operational changes.
Ayes (4): Mayor Patino, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, and Councilmember Gloria Flores
Noes (1): Councilmember Escobedo
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 1)
14. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands reported that the next City Council Meeting woul d be March 4th. Items on the agenda would include a SoCalGas easement, recognitions for Fair Housing Month and Community Development Week, and the Five-Year Consolidation Plan for CDBG Fiscal Year 2025-26.
City Manager Rowlands also provided a brief report on the League of California Cities City Manager’s Conference he attended two weeks ago. The conference covered several important topics, including leadership, economic development, childcare, mental health support for employees, the Dream Initiative, and performance evaluations.
15. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores reported she attended the AT Still University Dean's Breakfast, ribbon cutting for Dan Blough Drive, Veterans Roundtable via Zoom, Ele cted Leaders Forum on Housing and Homelessness via Zoom, Library Foundation Fundraiser, and the Mayors and Councilmembers Academy.
Councilmember Escobedo reported he attended the AT Still University Dean's Breakfast.
Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez report ed she attended the Downtown Revitalization Committee Meeting, and the Marian Regional Hospital Board Meeting.
Councilmember Soto reported she attended the Downtown Revitalization Committee Meeting.
Mayor Patino reported she attended the League of California Cities Policy Committee in Sacramento, Leadership Santa Maria Valley Panel, California Alliance of Local Electeds Meeting, ribbon cutting for Dan Blough Drive, North County Subregional Meeting, Ro taract event at Allan Hancock College, 61st
8 Annual Employee Service Awards, Elected Leaders Forum on Housing and Homelessness, History of Sports in Santa Maria presentation, and another California Alliance of Local Electeds Meeting.
16. ADJOURNMENT
There b eing no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor