1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
April 1, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
110 East Cook Street
Santa Maria
Roll Call: Councilmember Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Gloria Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Escobedo, Mayor Alice Patino
Staff Present: City Manager David W. Rowlands, Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, City Attorney Thomas Watson, Interim Finance Director Xenia Bradford, Director of Community Development Chenin Dow, Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Library Director Dawn Jackson, Director of Recreation & Parks Alex Posada, Interim Chief of Police Daniel Cohen, Director of Utilities Shad Springer, Community Programs Manager Rosie Rojo, Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz, Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez
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CLOSED SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 4:41 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez (via Teams), Councilmember Flores, Councilmember Soto, and Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo.
Mayor Patino arrived at 4:45 p.m.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
City Manager David W. Rowlands, City Attorney Thomas Watson and Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna G.
Schwartz.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo announced there was an urgency request by Councilmember Aguilera - Hernandez, which was after the agenda was posted, requesting to participate via video conference for "Just Cause," due to "Childcare" per AB 2449 during the Closed Session portion of the meeting.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez was present via Teams and announced there was no one over the age of 18 present at her location.
Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo asked for a motion to approve Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez request to participate via video conference.
Ayes (3): Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, and Councilmember Escobedo Absent (1): Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (3 to 0)
2. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
2 Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
3. RECESS-CLOSED SESSION
At 4:43 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo recessed to Closed Session.
3.a Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
3.b Conference with Labor Negotiators, Pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6
3.c Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)
4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:30 P.M.
5. INVOCATION
Beverly Taylor with Santa Maria Valley Community of Prayer gave the Invocation.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino convened the meeting and called the meeting to order at 5:42 p.m.
8. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported that instructions were provided to staff for items 3.a, 3.b, and 3.c.
9. PROCLAMATIONS
9.a Proclamation – “Donate Life Month” – April 2025
The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing the month of April 2025 as “Donate Life Month” in the City of Santa Maria and encouraged all Santa Maria residents to check “YES!” to donate their organs when applying for or renewing their driver’s license. The Proclamation was accepted by Sc ott Burns.
9.b Proclamation – "National Library Week" - April 6 through 12, 2025 The City Council presented a Proclamation to recognizing April 6 through 12, 2025, as "National Library Week" in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Libr ary Board of Trustee Helen Galvan.
9.c Proclamation – “National Community Development Week” – April 21 through 25, 2025 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing April 21 through 25, 2025, as “National Community Development Week” to celebrate a nd showcase the programs and projects which are funded by federal grant programs like Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnership. The Proclamation was accepted by the Community Programs Division.
9.d Proclamation – “Fair Housing Month” – April 2025
The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing the month of April 2025 as “Fair Housing Month” in the City of Santa Maria and encouraged the continued celebration of equal housing opportunities and the progress made in opening the doors to housing opportunities for all residents of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Attorney at Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County Madeleine Nantze.
9.e Proclamation – “Child Abuse Awareness Month” – April 2025 The City Council pres ented a Proclamation recognizing the month of April 2025, as “Child Abuse Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Maria and encouraged awareness in the City. The Proclamation was accepted by Executive Director of North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center Ann McCarty.
3 9.f Proclamation – “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” – April 2025 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing the month of April 2025, as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Maria and encouraged awareness in the City. The Proclamation was accepted by Executive Director of North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center Ann McCarty.
9.g Proclamation – “Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month” – April 2025 The City Council presented a Proclamation recognizing t he month of April 2025 as “Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month’ in the City of Santa Maria and encouraged all residents to take this opportunity to learn more about Parkinson’s disease, support those affected, and promote awareness efforts within our commu nity. The Proclamation was accepted by Founder and Coach of Neurofighters April Huckabey.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Esther Jensen spoke individually, while Diego, Juan, Yaqui, Adilene, and Marivel spoke collectively. Additionally, Hilda Zacarias, Angelina Jimenez, and Ilene Pickle also addressed the meeting.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 11.a.1 through 11.c.1 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2025-37, 2025-38, and 2025-39. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Councilmember Escobedo asked for clarification on item 11.a.5.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
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
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
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 March 18, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.a.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a City Legislative Platform Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-37.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
4 Adopted a Resolution approving the Legislative Platform to guide the City’s legislative and intergovernmental activities.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.a.4 Bond Release for Public Improvement Plan Number PIP2022-0001 Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Accepted as complete the public improvements associated with Public Improvement Plan Number PIP2022 -0001 (Building Permit Number B21 -2165) at 512 East Chapel Street, and authorize the release of Faithful Performance Bond [#0832197] in the full amount of $151,822.25 posted in the form of a surety to guarantee public improvements; and order that the Labor and Material Bond in the mount of $75, 911.13 and the Guarantee and Defective Material Bond in the amount of $15,182.23 be retained for six months and one year, respectively, from the date of the release of the Faithful Performance Bond for public improvements.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.a.5 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Budget Amendment for Public, Education, and Government for an Audiovisual and Production Solution Project for Fiscal Years 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-38.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution approving a budget amendment for Public, Education, and Government in the amount of $120,000 for an audiovisual and production solution project for Fiscal Years 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.b FINANCE DEPARTMENT
11.b.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 a nd having been approved for payment by the Director of Finance.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.b.2 Payment of Payroll
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Order ratified subject to having been certified by t he 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.c PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
11.c.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Betteravia Plaza Reimbursement Agreement; and Release of Landscaping Performance Bonds
5 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-39.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing a Reim bursement Agreement with Betteravia Park, LLC; and
2. Authorized the release of Faithful Performance Bond for Landscaping & Irrigation [#30051906] in the full remaining amount of $598,120 (City Council previously approved the reduction by 50 percent on Oct ober 1, 2024) posted in the form of a Surety to guarantee the installation of the required landscaping and irrigation; and order that the Labor and Materials Bond [#30051906 -E] in the amount of $598,120 and the Guarantee and Defective Material Bond [#30051 906-F] in the amount of $119,624 be retained for six months and one year respectively, from the date of the release of the Faithful Performance Bond for Landscaping & Irrigation. Full release was granted by each department.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12. PUBLIC HEARING
12.a Fiscal Year 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant Program Drafted Action Plan and Five-Year Drafted Consolidated Plan
The City Council conducted a public hearing, received comments from the public as part of the drafted Fiscal Year 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan 30-day public review period; and considered the Block Grants Advisory Committee’s recomm endation for the allocation of Fiscal Year 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant Program Public Services and Capital funds.
Staff report and PowerPoint presented by Community Programs Manager Rosie Rojo.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.
Speaking from the public was Yolanda Vasquez/Greg Cornell, Martina Arreola, Midge Nicosia, Bradlee Kirkman, Jacob Buxton, Alexa Martin, Chelsea Crabill, Mary Moore, Arcelia Sencion, Ann McCarty, Michelle Ward, Nicole Fleeman, Daniela Garcia, and Edwin Weaver.
Mayor Patino closed the public hearing at 7:46 p.m.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Approved allocating the $37,500 to Public Services programs:
Councilmember Escobedo allocated $7,500 to Access Central Coast.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez allocated $4,239 to North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center and $3,261 to Access Central Coast.
Councilmember Soto allocated $7,500 to Access Central Coast.
Councilmember Flores allocated $4,837 to Fight ing Back Santa Maria Valley and $2,663 to Access Central Coast.
Mayor Patino allocated $1,087 to Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, $4,239 to Community Partners in Caring, and $2,174 to Meals on Wheels Santa Maria Valley.
Total City Council allocations for the affected organizations are as follows:
Access Central Coast (formerly Independent Living Resource Center): $20,924 Community Partners in Caring: $4,239
Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley: $5,924
Meals on Wheels Santa Maria Valley: $2,174
North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center: $4,239
6 Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Approved the overall allocations and contingencies of the drafted Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan. Amendment to motion to include a request by Councilmember Soto to add, if the re is a decrease in funding, the item will be brought back to City Council for discussion.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
13. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands announced that the next City Council meeting will be held on April 15th. The agenda will include a proclamation recognizing the Boys & Girls Club 2025 Youth of the Year, an introduction to the Quimby Fee Ordinance, and proposed amendments to the Municipal Code. The agenda for the May 6th meeting will feature a presentation on the Businesses of the Quarter, the final allocation and Five-Year Consolidation Plan for the Community Development Block Grants for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and a second reading of the Fire Hazard Severity Zones Ordinance. Additionally, the May 20th City Council meeting will include a presentation on Pavement Management.
14. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores shared her attendance at the Central Coast Community Energy Open House Ribbon Cutting, took part in a tour of the Library and Museum, met with representatives from United Way, participated in the Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit at Allan Hancock College, and toured affordable housing developments.
Councilmember Escobedo mentioned his attendance at the Central Coast Water Authority Board Meeting.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez noted her attendance at the Women Law yers Association Board Meeting and Spoke to Santa Maria Highschool Sophomores on City Government.
Councilmember Soto had no report.
Mayor Patino highlighted her participation in several events, including the Central Coast Community Energy Open House Ribbon Cutting, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board Meeting, and the Air Pollution Control District Board Meeting. She also spoke to 4th -grade students at Libbon Elementary about city government, attended the Santa Maria Valley Chamber Busi ness Expo, and participated in the Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit at Allan Hancock College. Additionally, she appeared on the Rick Blaemire Radio Show, toured affordable housing developments, and took part in the Ben Heighes Radio Segment.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor