1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
May 6, 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, Assistant City Attorney Heather Whitham, Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell, Chief Human Resources Officer Graciela Reynoso, Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Library Director Dawn Jackson, Chief Information Officer Jeffrey Marecic, Director of Recreation & Parks Alex Posada, Director of Community Development Chenin Dow, Police Chief Christopher Williams, Interim Chief of Police Daniel Cohen, Director of Utilities Shad Springer, Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz, Deputy City Clerk Ashley Arciniega
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1. INVOCATION
Pastor Mark Wright from Heritage Church gave the Invocation.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino convened the meeting and called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
4. PROCLAMATIONS
4.a Proclamation - “Water Awareness Month” – May 2025
The City Council recognized the month of May 2025 as “Water Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Water Conservation Specialist Myra Ritchie.
4.a.1 Presentation - Water Awareness Poster Contest Winners The City Council received a presentation of the 2025 Water Awareness Poster Contest winners.
The Presentation was given by Water Conservation Specialist Myra Ritchie.
4.b Proclamation – “Toastmasters International District 33 Day” - May 17, 2025 The City Council recognized May 17 th, 2025, as “Toastmasters International District 33 Day” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Ken Jarrett, Eumi Sprague, and Dawn Scott with Toastmasters.
4.c Proclamation – “Municipal Clerks Week” - May 4 through 10, 2025 The City Council recognized the week of May 4 th through 10th, 2025, as “Municipal Clerks Week” in the City of Santa Maria to acknowledge the Office of the Municipal Clerk, the oldest among public servants, a link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels. The Proclamation was accepted by Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna G. Schwartz.
2 4.d Proclamation – “Compost Awareness Week” – May 4 through 10, 2025 The City Council recognized May 4th through 10th, 2025, as Compost Awareness Week in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Bob Engle with Engle and Gray.
4.e Proclamation – “Go Rodeo Days” – May 6 through June 1, 2025.
The City Council recognized May 6 th through June 1 st, 2025, as “Go Rodeo Days” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by President of the Santa Maria Elks Board of Directors, Peter Sterling.
4.f Proclamation - “National Police Week” - May 11 through May 17, 2025, and “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” – May 14, 2025
The City Council recognized the week of May 11 th through May 17 th, 2025, as “National Police Week” and Wednesday, May 14 th, 2025, be declared “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Sgt. Jason Zickuhr.
4.g Proclamation – “National Public Works Week” – May 18 through May 24, 2025 The City Council recognized May 18th through 24th, 2025, as “National Public Works Week” in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni.
4.h Proclamation Recognizing – “Ricardo Gabaldon”
The City Council presented a Proclamation to Ricardo Gabaldón honoring his contributions to the folklórico community.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.a Swearing-in and Badge Pinning for New Police Chief
City Manager David W. Rowlands introduced the new Chief of Police Christopher Williams, Mayor Patino administered the Oath of Office, followed by the badge pinning by his father, Richard Williams.
5.b Introduction of the New Director of Finance
City Manager David W. Rowlands introduced the new Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell.
5.c Presentation - Businesses of the Quarter – April to June 2025 The City Council recognized the Businesses of the Quarter (April to June 2025) – Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens and Straw Hat Pizza. Certificates were accepted by Michael Hoffman, Vice President of Dudley Hoffman Mortuary and Randy and Mary Wise, Owners of Straw Hat Pizza.
5.d Presentation - Quarterly Economic Development Impact Report by Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, January through March The City Council received a presentation from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce on the Economic Development endeavors for the quarter of January through March of Fiscal Year 2024 -2025.
The Presentation was given by President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Michael Boyer.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino opened public comme nt. Speaking from the public was Matt Chircop, Geoffrey Wheeler, Gary Hall, Glenn Morris, Carol Paul, and Eric Daniels.
3 7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 7.a.1 through 7.f.2 (with the exception of items 7.a.3, 7.b.1, and 7.e.8, pulled for discus sion and separate vote) were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2025-49, 2025-50, 2025-51, 2025-52, 2025-53, 2025-54, 2025-55, 2025-56, 2025-57, 2025-58, and Ordinance Nos. 2025-01 and 2025-02. 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): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
7.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
7.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
7.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of April 15, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.a.3 Adoption of Resolutions to Approve and Ratify the Successor Memorandum of Understanding with Santa Maria Fire Fighter’s Union Local #2020; and Approving the City’s Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule
Councilmember Soto pulled this item for discussion and separate vote.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-47 and 2025-48.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
1. Adopted a Resolution Approving and Ratifying the Successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Santa Maria City Fire Fighter’s Union Local #2020; and 2, Adopted a Resolution approving the City’s Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule for all full- time and part-time employees in accordance with CalPERS guidelines.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, and Mayor Patino
Noes (1): Councilmember Escobedo
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 1)
4 7.a.4 Adoption of a Resolution Cancelling May 20, 2025, City Council Meeting Action: Adopted a Resolution No. 2025-49.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution canceling the regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.a.5 Adoption of a Resolution Awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Triton Technology Solutions for Upgrading Shepard Hall Audio Visual System Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-50.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement for upgrading the audio - visual system in Shephard Hall to Triton Technology Solutions.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.a.6 Adoption of a Resolution Awarding a Professional Services Agreement to MGT Impact Solutions, LLC
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-51.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to MGT Impact Solutions, LLC for a comprehensive classification and compensation study.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
7.b.1 Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-01 Amending Title 12 of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code Adding New Definition for Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez pulled item 7.b.1 for a discussion and separate vote.
One written public comment was received from Scott Murtishaw.
Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2025-01.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted Ordinance No. 2025 -01 amending Title 12, to add a new definition for Batter y Energy Storage System Facility Location to the City's General Manufacturing District contained in Chapter 12 -17 with a Conditional Use Permit and/or Planned Development Permit, and Establishing specific development standards for certain Battery Energy Storage System uses.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
5 7.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
7.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.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.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
7.d FIRE DEPARTMENT
7.d.1 Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-02 Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Santa Maria
Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2025-02.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted Ordinance No. 2025 -02 Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Santa Maria.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.e PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
7.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of a Multi-Way Stop Control at the Intersection of East Taylor Street and North Miller Street Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-52.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution establishing multi -way stop control at the intersection of East Taylor Street and North Miller Street.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6 7.e.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Submission of Santa Maria Regional Transit’s Fiscal Year 24/25 Low Carbon Transit Operations Grant For $537,586 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-53.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the Public Works Di rector, or designee, to submit the City of Santa Maria’s Low Carbon Transportation Operations Program grant with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for Fiscal Year 2024/25 for two new services to Guadalupe and execute the Certifications an d Assurances and authorized agent forms for Low Carbon Transportation Operations Program.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.e.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of No Stopping Zones on Jason Way
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-54.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution establishing No Stopping Zones on Jason Way, adjacent to 1430 Jason Way driveways.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.e.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Lot Line Adjustment Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-55.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution approving the recordation of a Lot Line Adjustment between lots 117 - 330-099 and 117-990-020.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.e.5 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Santa Maria Regional Transit’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 California Transit Development Act Claim for $6,884,219 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-56.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the Public Works Director, or designee, to file the City of Santa Maria’s claim for California Transit Development Act funds with the Santa Barbara Cou nty Association of Governments for allocation of Transit Development Act funds for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7 7.e.6 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Appropriation of Santa Maria Regional Transit’s Senate Bill 125 and Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program Grant Funds Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-57.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the appropriation of California Senate Bill 125 and Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program grant funds and authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for Senate Bill 125 funding, effective upon mutual execution and continuing through June 30, 2028.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.e.7 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a US 101/Betteravia Road Interchange Project Study Report Caltrans Cooperative Agreement
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-58.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution approving a Cooperative Agreement (#05 -0324) with Caltrans for the Project Study Report phase of the US 101/Betteravia Road Interchange and authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement; and
2. Authorized Director of Finance to appropriate $175,000 from the Growth Mitigation Traffic Account to fund the necessary oversight of the project.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.e.8 Adoption of a Resolution Prohibiting Pedestrians and Bicyclists on Broadway (State Route 135) Northeast of Intersection with Preisker Lane
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez pulled item 7.e.8 for a discussion and separate vote.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-59.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution prohibiting pedestrians and bicyclists from travelling on Broadway (State Route 135) northeast of the intersection with Preisker Lane.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
8 7.f RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT
7.f.1 Adoption of Resolutions on the Annexation and Assessment of Parcels into City Landscape Maintenance Districts
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2025-60, 2025-61, and 2025-62.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted Resolution annexing and authorizing the assessment of Landscape Maintenance Fees to Bellecrest Sen ior Residences and Holiday Inn Express 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 Heritage Walk Lo fts located in the Northwest Landscape Maintenance District (Streets and Highways Code Section 22500, Et Seq.); and
3. Adopted a Resolution annexing and authorizing the assessment of Landscape Maintenance Fees to Starbucks Drive -Through located in the Sout hwest Landscape Maintenance District (Streets and Highways Code Section 22500, Et Seq.).
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.f.2 Adoption of Resolutions Approving the Engineer’s Reports and Intent to Levy and Collect the 2025 – 2026 Landscape Assessments
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2025-63 and 2025-64.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution approving the Engineer’s Reports for the 2025 -2026 landscape maintenance districts and special benefit zones assessment proceedings; and
2. Adopted a Resolution declaring the intent to levy and collect the property tax assessments for each of the four Landscape Maintenance Districts and the 20 Special Benefit Zones; and set a public hearing for June 3, 2025, to consider the proposed landscape assessments for approval.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
9 8. PUBLIC HEARING
8.a Adoption of Resolutions Approving Former Sears Building Remodel Downtown Permit and Public Convenience or Necessity Determination for a Type 21 Alcohol Beverage Control License for El Super at 226 East Main Street
Mayor Patino conducted the public hearing, and opened public comment. Speaking on behalf of the property owner was Sarah Magana-Withers. Speaking on behalf of the tenant, El Super, was David Radanovich. One written public comment was received by Alicia Bartley, applicants attorney. Mayor Patino closed public comment.
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2025-65 and 2025-66.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution approving Downtown Permit (DT2023 -0012) for the Former Sears Building Remodel at 226 East Main Street; and
2. Adopted a Resolution approving a determination of pu blic convenience or necessity for the issuance of a Type 21 (Off -sale General) Alcohol Beverage Control license for El Super located at 226 East Main Street.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
8.b Annual Report Regarding City of Santa Maria Workforce Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Efforts Pursuant to AB 2561
Mayor Patino conducted the public hearing, opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment. Nicole Bryant, representing SEIU Local 2020 provided comment on the agenda item.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Conducted a public hearing to report on vacancy levels, evaluate hiring and retention efforts; and
2. Received and filed this report and attachments on the City’s workforce vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 (Gov. Code § 3502.3.) Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
9. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands announced the next City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025, noting the meeting for May 20, 2025, has been cancelled. The agenda for the June 3, 2025 meeting will include items such as the SB1 Annual Report and the proposed consolidation of Guadalupe Transit. Mr. Rowlands reported on the rece nt 3CE Board Meeting held at the California Community Choice Association, where the primary topic of discussion was Battery Storage Systems and publicly recognized and thanked Commander Cohen for his outstanding assistance and professionalism during his interim as Chief of Police.
10. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores had nothing to report.
Councilmember Escobedo reported he attended the Ceremony of Firefighter Alvin Newton, the Serve Santa Maria ev ent and publicly recognized and welcomed the City's new Chief of Police, Christopher Williams.
10 Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez reported she attended the Ceremony of Firefighter Alvin Newton and the Santa Maria Discovery Museum Kite Festival.
Councilmember Soto had nothing to report but commended and expressed her appreciation to the library staff, recognizing their outstanding work and dedication.
Mayor Patino reported she attended the following: the Veggie Rescue Leaders event, SBCAG Board Meeting, Santa Maria Post Office Renaming Ceremony in honor of Larry Lavagnino, held with Congressman Carbajal. Mayor Patino participated in the Community Development Free Public Resource Fair, attended the Strawberry Dinner, Ceremony for Firefighter Alvin Newton , West Coast Kustoms meeting, a preview of the OB/GYN Residency Program Clinic, the APCD Open House, the SMPD Gangs and Drugs Information Meeting, Serve Santa Maria, the celebration of May Goodspeed’s 100th birthday, and a segment on the Ben Heighes Radio Show.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor