1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
July 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, Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell, Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Director of Community Development Chenin Dow, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Library Director Dawn Jackson, Chief Information Officer Jeffrey Marecic, Director of Recreation & Parks Alex Posada, Chief Human Resources Officer Graciela Reynoso, Police Chief Chr istopher Williams, Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz, Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez
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CLOSED SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 4:37 p.m. Councilmember Soto called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez, Councilmember Flores, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo, and Mayor Patino.
Mayor Patino arrived at 5:01 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo arrived at 5:06 p.m. and did not attend closed session.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
City Manager David W. Rowlands, City Attorney Thomas Watson, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna G.
Schwartz.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Councilmember Soto opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
3. RECESS-CLOSED SESSION
At 4:38 p.m. Councilmember Soto recessed to Closed Session.
3.a Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Pursuant to California Government Code §54957(b)(1)
3.b 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 from Life Way Fellowship 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 5:36 p.m.
8. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported instructions were provided to the City's Labor Negotiator and discussions were conducted regarding the performance evaluation of City Manager and City Attorney.
9. PROCLAMATIONS
9.a Proclamation – “Recreation and Parks Month” – July 2025 The City Council presented a proclamation to Chuck Provencio with Allan Hancock College Recreation Program, declaring July 2025 as Recreation and Parks Month in the City of Santa Maria to recognize the essential services, programs, and community events provided by the Recreation and Parks Department.
10. PRESENTATIONS
10.a Presentation – Summer 2025 Hometown Heroes Recognition Mayor Patino presented item 10.b before item 10.a
The City Council received a presentation of the Summer 2025 Class of Honorees for the Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program. The Summer 2025 Class of Honorees include Gregory Joseph Amaral (Army), Daniel Raymond Mendoza (Air Force), Jared M. Files (Air Force), Donald E. Getty (Air Force), William Ostini (Army), William Alvin Newton (Firefighter), Joseph Glen Alexander (Firefighter), and Joan Lynn Stanton (Navy).
10.b Ceremonial Resolution for 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 35 th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
10.c Central Coast Community Energy Annual Member Agency Update The City Council receiv ed a presentation from Das Williams, Central Coast Community Energy Senior Advisor and Community Relations Manager Spencer Brandt on the Central Coast Community Energy annual member agency update.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez exited the meeting at 6:17 p.m. and returned at 6:21 p.m.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino opened public comment. Speaking from the public was Elizabeth Villegas, Emily Vargas, Erick Youngern, Jesus Herrera Romero, Leah Ruiz, Claudia Santos, Elyna Rinon, Alora Lagraige, Cesar Vasquez, Erica Vargas, Gary Hall, and Jim Bray.
One written public comment was received from Barry Stotts.
3 12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 12.a.1 through 12.d.1 (except 12.b.3) were approved as presented, includin g adoption of Resolution Nos. 2025 -105, 2025-106, 2026-107, 2025-108, 2025-109, 2025-110, 2025-111, 2025-112, 2025-113, 2025-114, 2025-115, and 2025 -116. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Mayor Patino announced that item 12.b.3 is being pulled from the agenda at the request of staff.
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
Waive 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 June 17, 2025, and special City Council meeting of June 24, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving and Adopting an Amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule and Updates to New and Previously Established Classifications, and Corresponding Job Specifications
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-105.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution approving and adopting an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule and updates to new and previously established classifications and corresponding job specifications.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4 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 confor mity 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 Department of Finance, and having been approved for payment by the Director of Finance.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Amended Agreement with PFM Asset Management LLC for Investment Management Services
This item was pulled from the agenda at staff's request.
12.b.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the 2025 Investment Policy Update Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-106.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution approving the City of Santa Maria’s 2025 Investment Policy.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b.5 Adoption of a Resolution Establishing the City of Santa Maria’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Appropriation Limit
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-107.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution establishing the City of S anta Maria’s Fiscal Year 2025 -26 appropriation limit.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b.6 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-108.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution approving amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget implementing a Fiscal Year 2024 -25 third quarter amendment, confirming the amendment for the homeless encampment cleanup project, and providing for an operational need identified after the budget was adopted.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
5 12.c PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
12.c.1 Adoption of Resolution Approving a Private Stormwater Management System Operation and Maintenance and Right of Entry Agreement with SM Skyline Estates, LLC (Developer) and Skyview Estates HOA(Owner)
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-109.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
1. Adopted Resolution Approving a Private Stormwat er Management System Operation and Maintenance and Right of Entry Agreement with SM Skyline Estates LLC (Developer) and Skyview Estates HOA (Owner); and
2. Authorized City Manager to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.c.2 Adoption of Resolution Granting to PG&E a Portion of City Property Located on South McClelland Street to Accommodate the Necessary Infrastructure for the Rule 20A Program Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-110.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
1. Adopted a Resolution granting to PG&E a portion of City Property located on South McClelland Street to accommodate the necessary infrastructure for the Rule 20A Program; and
2. Authorized the Mayor to execute all documents necessary to complete the grant of easement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.c.3 Adoption of a Resolution Awarding a Bid to South Valley Companies, Inc. and Approving an Agreement for Construction of Well 15 Drilling Project, Bid No. 2025-03 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-111.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution awarding a bid to South Valley Companies, Inc., and approving an agreement for the construction of the Well 15 Drilling Project, Bi d No. 2025 -03, in the amount of $2,382,450.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6 12.c.4 Adoption of Resolutions Awarding Five Professional Services Agreements for On-Call Traffic Engineering Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2025-112, 2025-113, 2025-114, 2025-115, and 2025-116.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Advanced Mobility Group in the amount of $300,000 for On -Call Traffic Enginee ring Services; and
2. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Associated Transportation Engineers in the amount of $300,000 for On -Call Traffic Engineering Services; and
3. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreemen t to DKS Associates in the amount of $300,000 for On -Call Traffic Engineering Services; and
4. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Interwest Consulting in the amount of $300,000 for On -Call Traffic Engineering Services; and
5. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Kimley - Horn and Associates, Inc. in the amount of $300,000 for On -Call Traffic Engineering Services; and
6. Authorized City Manager, or designee, to execute agreements.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.d RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT
12.d.1 Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-03, Amending the Santa Maria Municipal Code, Title 2, Chapter 2-14 "Recreation and Parks Commission," and Title 10, Section 10-1.02 "Adoption of Regulations"
Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2025-03.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted Ordinance No. 2025 -03, Amending the Santa Maria Municipal Code Title 2 “Administration,” Chapter 2 -14 “Recreation and Parks Commission,” Section 2-14.06 “Recommendations to Council: Powers Generally” and Title 10 “Recreation and Parks,” Chapter 10-1 “Administration,” Section 10-1.02 “Adoption of Regulations”.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7 13. APPOINTMENTS
13.a Annual Appointments to City Boards, Commissions, and Committees – July 2025 Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz gave the staff report. No applications were received for the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Block Grants Advisory Committee
Mayor Patino and Councilmembers Aguilera -Hernandez, Flores, and Escobedo considered appointments for new terms of three years ending July 2028.
Applications were received from incumbents Rosalie Marquez (previously appointed by Councilmember Flores), Denise Martinez (previously nominated by Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez), Tim Seifert (previously nominated by Mayor Patino), and Jason Tamura (previously nominated by Councilmember Escobedo).
Mayor Patino appointed incumbent Tim Seifert to serve a term of three years.
Councilmember Flores appointed incumbent Rosalie Marquez to serve a term of three years.
Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez appointed incumbent Denise Martinez to serve a term of three years.
Councilmember Escobedo momentarily exited the meeting at 6:49 p.m.
Councilmember Escobedo appointed incumbent Jason Tamura to serve a term of three years.
Councilmember Soto has two nominations to serve an unexpired term ending July 2027. No new applications were received.
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: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Downtown Revitalization Committee
Mayor Patino considered two appointments for a term of two years ending July 2027 and two appointments for unexpired terms ending July 2026.
Mayor Patino appointed Councilmembers Aguilera-Hernandez and Soto to serve two new terms ending in July 2027. Plan ning Commissioner Esau Blanco, Recreation & Parks Commissioner Rebecca Carey were appointed to serve two unexpired terms ending in July 2026.
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 Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Mayor Patino considered two appointments for terms ending July 2028.
Applications were received from incumbents Charlie Baker-Boyd and Helen Galvan.
Mayor Patino appointed both incumbents to new terms ending in July 2028.
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.b Appointment of Two Councilmembers to the Newly Established City Council Budget Ad Hoc Committee
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
City Council appointed Councilmember Soto and Mayo r Patino to the newly established City Council Budget Ad Hoc Committee.
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)
14. PUBLIC HEARING
14.a Adoption of Resolution Approving Issuance of Revenue Bonds Under the Requirements of the Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Public Hearing Regarding Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
Staff report presented by Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 7:01 p.m.
Speaking from the public was Gary Locken. In response to Mr. Locken's comments, Mayor Patino requested staff send a letter to Community Health Centers of Central Coast, Inc.
Mayor Patino closed the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-118.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Adopted a Resolution Approving the Issuance of Rev enue Bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority in an Aggregate Principal Amount Not to Exceed $47,000,000 for the Refinancing of Certain Outstanding Obligations and Financing of the Acquisition, Design, and Construction of Certain Real Property Located in the City of Santa Maria, to be Utilized by Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, Inc., and Certain Other Matters Relating Thereto.
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. REGULAR BUSINESS
15.a Landscape District Bid Award Follow up Information The City Council received and filed additional information provided by Director of Recreation and Parks Alex Posada regarding the award of a contract to provide landscape services Citywide.
9 15.b Continued from the June 17, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting - Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Services Agreement with J.D. Humann, Inc. for Citywide Landscape Maintenance Services
Staff reported presented by Director of Recreation and Parks Alex Posada.
Two public written comments were received from Joy Cook and Rande Downer.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-119.
Moved by: Councilmember Escobedo
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving a Services Agreement with JD Humann, Inc. for Citywide Landscape Maintenance Services; and
2. Authorized City Manager or designee to execute agreement.
Ayes (3): Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, and Mayor Patino Noes (2): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Motion carried by a recorded vote (3 to 2)
15.c Continued from the June 17, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting - Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendments to the Purchasing Guidelines Manual Staff report presented by Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-120.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving staff's recommended amendments to the City’s Purchasing Guidelines Manual to take effect July 1, 2025, with the exception of thresholds for Non-Public Works Purchases for the Finance Director/City Manager and City Council.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, and Councilmember Escobedo
Noes (1): Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 1)
16. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager David Rowlands announced there will be no City Council meeting on July 15, and the next meeting is scheduled for August 5. Agenda items will include the Quarterly Reports from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, amendments to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Contract, and the award of a professional services agreement for the City to implement AI detection in Code Enforcement.
Mr. Rowlands also shared details about the upcoming Independence Day celebration, Red, White, and Play, taking place on July 4 from 12:00 p.m. to 4: 00 p.m. at the Elks Baseball Field. He noted that the Police and Fire Department will utilize drones to monitor illegal fireworks activity, with violators subject to a $1,000 fine. He concluded by encouraging everyone to be mindful of their neighbors and p ets who may be sensitive to loud noises.
17. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores announced she attended the Special City Council Meeting on June 24, 2025.
Councilmember Escobedo had nothing to report.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez reported she attended the Special City Council Meeting on June 24, 2025, and the Santa Maria Airport’s announcement of new air service to Phoenix.
10 Councilmember Soto announced she attended the Special City Council Meeting on June 24, 2025, and acknowledged all the public speakers and comments presented before council.
Mayor Patino reported she attended the following: the Project Update hosted by the Housing Authority for the County of Santa Barbara, groundbreaking cer emony for Bellecrest a new affordable housing development for adults 55 and older. She also participated in the Santa Maria Police Council Fundraiser Dinner, the Marian Class of 2025 resident graduation, the Maria Foundation Board meeting, the Santa Maria Airport’s announcement of new air service to Phoenix, and participated in the Ben Heights radio segment.
18. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor