1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
June 3, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
110 East Cook Street
Santa Maria
Roll Call: Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Gloria Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Escobedo, Mayor Alice Patino
Members Absent: Councilmember Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez
Staff Present: City Manager David W . Rowlands, City Attorney Thomas Watson, Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell, Police Chief Christopher Williams, Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Library Director Dawn Jackson, Director of Recreation & Parks Alex Posada, Director of Community Development Chenin Dow, Interim Chief of Police Daniel Cohen, Director of Utili ties Shad Springer, Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz, Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez, Deputy City Clerk Ashley Arciniega
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CLOSED SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 4:47 p.m. Mayor Patino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Flores, Councilmember Soto, and Mayor Patino.
Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo arrived at 4:54 p.m.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
City Manager David W. Rowlands, City Attorney Thomas Watson, 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
At 4:48 p.m. Mayor Patino recessed to Closed Session.
3.a Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Pursuant to California Government Code §54957(b)(1)
4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:30 P .M.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Chris Ivens with First Orcutt Presbyterian Church gave the Invocation.
2 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 5:40 p.m.
8. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported that positive employee performance evaluations were provided.
9. PROCLAMATIONS
9.a Proclamation – “Women Veterans Day” - June 12, 2025 The City Council presented a Proclamation to Kate Ferguson recognizing June 12, 2025, as “Women Veterans Day” to honor and recognize the bravery of all women veterans, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives to protect our state and country.
9.b Proclamation – “Pride Month” – June 2025
The City Council presented a Proclamation to Suzette Lopez, Executive Director of the House of Pride and Equality recognizing the month of June 2025 as “Pride Month” in the City of Santa Maria an d encouraging all residents and businesses to respect the entire community and build a culture that strives for equity and equality for all people.
10. PRESENTATIONS
10.a Measure U – Youth Services
The City Council received a presentation made by Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu on how Measure U funds are spent on Youth Services.
10.b 2024 Annual Police Department Report
The City Council received and filed a presentation made by Commander Dan Cohen regarding the 2024 Annual Police Department Report.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Laurie Tamura.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 12.a.1 through 12.e.6 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2025 -67, 2025 -68, 2025 -69, 2025-70, 2025 -71, 2025 -72, 2025 -73, 2025 -74, 2025-75, 2025-76, and 2025-77. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopt the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
3 12.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
12.a.1 Ordinances and Resolutions
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
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, unl ess City Council indicates otherwise.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of May 6, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
12.b.1 Adoption of Resolutions for Final Approval of the Community Development Block Grant Program’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029 and Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2025-67, 2025-68, 2025-69, and 2025-70.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution approving the Five -Year Consolidated Plan for Community Development Block Grant Program for Fiscal Years 2025-2029; and
2. Adopted a Resolution approving the Public Services activities and allocations under the Community Development Block Grant Program incorporated in the Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
3. Adopted a Resolution approving the Capital Development activities and allocations under the Community Development Block Grant Program incorporated in the Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
4. Adopted a Resolution approving the General Administrative acti vities and allocations under the Community Development Block Grant Program incorporated in the Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b.2 Employee Housing Resource Officer Annual Report
The City Council received, reviewed, and filed the Employee Housing Resource Officer annual report.
4 12.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
12.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
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 Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
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.c.3 Appointment of Deputy City Treasurer, Rebecca Campbell Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Accepted, by motion, the appointment of Rebecca Campbell as Deputy City Treasurer as of May 7, 2025, to act as City Treasurer when the City Treasurer Teressa Hall is unavailable.
Furthermore, any previous Deputy City Treasurer appointments are to be revoked.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.d POLICE DEPARTMENT
12.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Annual Military Equipment Use Report 2024-2025 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-71.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving the Annual Military Equipment Use Report June 2024 to June 2025, including the acquisition of add itional equipment and renewing a Military Equipment Use Policy which was adopted by Ordinance No. 2022-03, in compliance with Assembly Bill 481.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.e PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
12.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Accepting the Right-of-Way Dedication from BE819CA, LLC Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-72.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution accepting the dedication of public right-of-way from BE819CA, LLC.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
5 12.e.2 Adoption of a Resolution Granting a Temporary Construction Easement to the California Department of Transportation
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-73.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving a Temporary Construction Easement to the California Department of Transportation and authorizing the Mayor to execute all associated documents.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.e.3 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Recommended Consolidation of Guadalupe Transit Bus Service with Santa Maria Regional Transit
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-74.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the consolidation of Guadalupe transit bus service with Santa Maria Regional Transit.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.e.4 Adoption of a Resolution Establishing a Large Vehicle Parking Restriction on Inger Drive Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-75.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution establishing a large vehicle parking restriction on Inger Drive, between South Broadway and McClelland Street.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.e.5 Adoption of a Resolution Establishing a “Keep Clear” Pavement Marking Policy Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-76.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving the establishment of the “Keep Clear” Pavement Marking Policy for the City of Santa Maria.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.e.6 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Project List for Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-77.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2025 -26 funded by Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6 13. PUBLIC HEARING
13.a Adoption of a Resolution Declaring to Levy and Collect the 2025-26 Landscape District.
The City Council considered the adoption of the engineers' reports and the levying and collection of the 2025-26 l andscape district assessments. Staff report given by Director of Recreation and Parks Alex Posada.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 6:57 p.m., there being none, closed public comment.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-78.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
1. Approved 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.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
13.b Adoption of a Resolution Adopting Objective Residential Design Standards The City Council considered adopting Objective Residential Design Standards (SP2023-0003), applicable to future single-family developments of two or more units, multi-family projects, and residential mixed- use development projects throughout the City, and which are established to provide more certainty to developers and members of the public regarding the expectations for the desi gn of housing development projects within Santa Maria. Staff report given by Community Development Director Chenin Dow.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
Speaking from the public was Laurie Tamura.
Mayor Patino closed the public hearing at 7:06 p.m.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-79.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution adopting the Objective Residential Design Standards.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
7 13.c Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Updated 2025 User Fee Schedule The City Council considered approving the addition and update of the Citywide User Fees identified in the Annual User Fee Update and 2025 User Fee Schedule. Staff report given by Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 7:13 p.m., there being none, closed public comment.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-80.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving the addition and update of Citywide User Fees identified in the Annual User Fee Update and 2025 User Fee Schedule.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
14. REGULAR BUSINESS
14.a Adoption of a Resolution Adopting a Cost-of-Service Study The City Council considered a recommendation by the Recreation and Parks Commission to adopt a Cost-of-Service Study prepared by Revenue & Cost Specialists. The study evaluates the direct and indirect costs of providing recreation and parks services in Santa Maria and establishes a framework for future fee adjustments and cost recovery strategies. Staff report given by Director of Recreation and Parks Alex Posada, along with Recreation Services Manager Dennis Smithe rman and Recreation and Parks Commissioner Cynthia Gudino.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-81.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving a new Cost Recovery Structure for Recreation and Parks Programs and Services based on the 2025 Cost-of-Service Study prepared by Revenue & Cost Specialist.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
8 14.b Receive and File the Financial Report for the Third Quarter Ending March 31, 2025, and Adoption of a Resolution Approving Third Quarter Amendments
The City Council considered the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Third Quarter Financial Report and proposed budget amendments. Staff report given by Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-82.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
1. Received and filed the Financial Report for the Third Quarter ending March 31, 2025; and
2. Adopted a Resolution approving Third Quarter Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024 -25 Budget for personnel and operational changes.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
14.c Adoption of a Resolution to name a City Park in honor of James “Jim” Glines.
The City Council considered the report given by Director of Recreation and Parks Alex Posada on the naming of a City facility in honor of James "Jim" Glines. Motion was made to continue the item to a future meeting.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Moved the item to a future meeting.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
14.d Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendments to the Previously Adopted FY 2025-26 City Budget (Second Year of the Approved Two-Year Budget)
The City Council considered the report given by Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell on the amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 mid-cycle City Budget.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-83.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Mid -Cycle City Budget, and delegating the City Manager to implement the same.
Ayes (3): Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, and Mayor Patino Noes (1): Councilmember Escobedo
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Motion carried by a recorded vote (3 to 1)
9 15. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands reported the next City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17th to include agenda items: Landscape Maintenance Contract Award, Tourist Marketing District Annual Report, and Budget Ad Hoc Committee recommendations, and for the Jul y 1st meeting agenda items:
Leisure Needs Assessment, Appointments for Boards, Committees, and Commissions. He announced the report on the youth program will be coming back to the council and is currently working with finance and city staff on the budget.
16. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores reported she attended Veterans Home Event with Fred Pratt, the sports complex ground-breaking ceremony, Elks Rodeo, and the West Coast Kustoms Car Show.
Councilmember Escobedo mentioned he attended the sports complex ground-breaking ceremony.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez was absent.
Councilmember Soto announced she attended the downtown revitalization committee.
Mayor Patino reported the following: Guest speaker at McKenzie Junior High "Career Day," attended the Local Agency Formation Commission Board Meeting, participated in the Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Board Meeting, spoke at Righetti High School government classes, met with United Way, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Youth and Family Center. She also participated in the Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony for the Santa Maria Police Department, the Citizen and Student of the Year Awards at the Elks L odge, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board Meeting and Measure A Workshop, the Air Pollution Control District Board Meeting, and the Annual FFA Awards. In addition, she spoke to the Santa Maria High School AVID class, attended the Inte rnational Council of Shopping Centers Conference, participated in the Hope Village meeting with the Santa Maria Police Department and Santa Barbara County, spoke at Career Day at Arellanes Elementary School, and attended the West Coast Kustoms dinner event, car show, and awards ceremony. She also participated in the Memorial Day Veterans Ceremony at the Santa Maria Cemetery, the Sports Complex groundbreaking ceremony, the Marian Foundation Board Meeting, the Elks Rodeo, VIP Reception, and Parade, and lastly attended the 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run.
17. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor