1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
April 15, 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, Fire Marshal Jim Austin, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Director of Community Development Chenin Dow, Principal Planner Frank Albro, Library Director Dawn Jackson, Director of Recreation & Parks Alex Posada, Interim Chief of Police Daniel Cohen, Director of Utilities Shad Springer, Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz, Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez
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CLOSED SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 4:30 p.m. Mayor Patino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Flores, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo, and Mayor Patino.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez.
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 4:31 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
Jim Larrabee with First Christian Church gave the Invocation.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Soto led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2 7. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino convened the meeting and called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez, Councilmember Flores, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo, and Mayor Patino.
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 – “Arbor Day” - April 25, 2025
The City Council recognized April 25, 2025, as “Arbor Day” in the City of Santa Maria and invites all residents a nd businesses to celebrate and take part in the festivities by planting trees and acknowledging the important role trees have in the City. The Proclamation was received by Candis Lott, Alvin Elementary School teacher.
9.b Proclamation – “William Alvin Newton Day” – April 25, 2025 The City Council recognized April 25 th as “William Alvin Newton Day” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Dena Maddison, daughter of William Alvin Newton.
9.c Proclamation – “Alcohol Awareness Month” - April 2025 The City Council recognized the month of April 2025 as “Alcohol Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Maria and encouraged all Santa Maria residents to join in the effort to prevent alcohol misuse and promote healthy choices for a stronger commun ity. The Proclamation was accepted by Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley's Youth Action Coalition.
9.d Proclamation – “National Day of Prayer” - May 1, 2025 The City Council recognized May 1, 2025, as “National Day of Prayer” in the City of Santa Maria and encouraged people of all faiths to participate in “Day of Prayer” according to their own traditions. The Proclamation was accepted by Nuri Roman with Community of Prayer.
9.e Proclamation – “2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast Youth of the Year” The City Council recognized Ruth Sinico-Luna as the “2025 Youth of the Year for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast”. The Proclamation was accepted by Ruth Sinico-Luna.
10. PRESENTATIONS
10.a Homelessness and Encampment Response – Costs, Goals, Objectives, and Action Items.
The City Council received a presentation on costs associated with assisting the unhoused by the City of Santa Maria, and goals, objectives, and action items for continuing to address homelessness and encampment response. The Pr esentation was given by Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, along with Seargent Felix Diaz and Senior Park Services Officer Ruben Ramirez.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. One written public comment was received by Barry Stotts.
Speaking from the public was Gary Hall, Esther Jensen, and Andrew Klein.
3 12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 12.a.1 through 12.c.1 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2025 -40, 2025 -41, 2025-42, 2025 -43, 2025 -44, and 2025 -45. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopt 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)
12.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
12.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
12.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 1, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b FINANCE DEPARTMENT
12.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 and having been approved for payment by the Director of Finance.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b.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 De partment of Finance, and having been approved for payment by the Director of Finance.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4 12.b.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Accounts Receivable and Uncollectible Debt Policy Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-40.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution approving an Accounts Receivable and Uncollectible Debt Policy.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.c PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
12.c.1 Adoption of Resolutions Approving Professional Services Agreements for On-Call Environmental Planning And Permitting Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-41.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement for On -Call Environmental Planning and Permitting Services to Kevin Merk Associates, LLC.; and Motion carried by a recorded vote
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-42.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
2. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement for On -Call Environmental Planning and Permitting Services to Rincon Consultants Inc.; and Motion carried by a recorded vote
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-43.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
3. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement for On -Call Environmental Planning and Permitting Services to CSG Consultants Inc.; and Motion carried by a recorded vote
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-44.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
4. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement for On -Call Environmental Planning and Permitting Services to EMC Planning Group Inc.; and Motion carried by a recorded vote
5 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-45.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
5. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement for On -Call Environmental Planning and Permitting Services to Nichols Consulting Engineers.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13. PUBLIC HEARING
13.a Introduction of an Ordinance Adopting the Cost-of-Service Study
13.b Introduction of an Ordinance regarding Zoning Text Amendments for Battery Energy Storage Systems, Title 12 of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code
Staff report was given by Director of Community Development Chenin Dow.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 6:51 p.m.
Speaking from the public was Eric Daniels and Andy Caldwell.
Mayor Patino closed the public hearing at 7:01 p.m.
Action: Introduced as Ordinance No. 2025-01.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Conducted the first reading and introduce an Ordinance amending Title 12, to add a new definition for Battery Energy Storage Systems to Chapter 12 -2, limiting Battery Energy Storage Systems facility location to 12-17 with a Conditional Use Permit and/or Planned Development Permit, and Establishing specific development standards for certain Battery Energy Storage System uses; and
2. Set for adoption at the next regular City Council meeting.
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.c Adoption of a Resolution Approving Measure A Five-Year Local Program of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 through 2029/2030
Staff report was given by Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni.
Mayor Patino opened and closed the public hearing at 7:14 p.m., with no public comments received.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-46.
Adopted a Resolution approving t he Measure A Five -Year Local Program of Projects for fiscal years 2025/2026 through 2029/2030; and certifying that the City of Santa Maria will provide sufficient funding in the 2025/2026 budget to meet the Measure A Maintenance of Effort requirement.
Motion carried unanimously
13.d Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section 11-9.05 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code Concerning Quimby Park Fees.
Director of Recreation & Parks Alex Posada gave the staff report. He announced that "Attachment B - Quimby Fee Proposal Update" was included in error and will be removed from the agenda packet.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 7:42 p.m.
6 Two written public comments from Laurie Tamura and Michael Stoltey. Speaking from the public was Pete Simmons and Andy Caldwell.
Mayor Patino closed the public hearing at 7:50 p.m.
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Continue the public hearing to June 3, 2025, to give staff the opportunity to engage the development community.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
14. REGULAR BUSINESS
14.a Introduction of an Ordinance Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Santa Maria Staff report was given by Fire Marshal Jim Austin.
Action: Introduced as Ordinance No. 2025-02.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Conducted the first reading and introduce an Ordinance designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Santa Maria; and
2. Set for adoption at the next regular City Council meeting.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
15. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands announced the next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025, agenda will include proclamations recognizing Municipal Clerk’s Wee k, Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, Go Rodeo Days, and National Public Works Week. In addition, the meeting will feature the swearing-in and introduction of the City’s new Police Chief and Finance Director. A Public Hearing will also be held regarding the Dow ntown Permit for the proposed El Super Grocery Store at the former Sears building location.
16. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores announced she attended several community events, including the Auti sm Awareness event hosted by Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County, CommUnify, the 2025 Elks Lodge Queen Kick -Off Dinner, and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
Councilmember Escobedo had nothing to report.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez reported she attended the 2025 Elks Lodge Queen Kick-Off Dinner, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and a meeting of the Women Lawyers Association.
Councilmember Soto had nothing to report.
Mayor Patino provided a detailed report of her recent activities, which included attending the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Board Meeting, the grand opening of El Toro Loco Supermarket, the 2025 Elks Lodge Queen Kick -Off Dinner, and a follo w-up meeting regarding food trucks and pop -up vendors. She also participated in an Affordable Housing Tour at West Cox Cottages
7 and Centennial Gardens, attended the Marian Breakfast with the President, spoke at an Altrusa meeting, and appeared on a segment of the Ben Heighs Radio Show.
17. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor