1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
August 5, 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 Alice Patino
Members Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Escobedo
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, Principal Civil Engineer David Beas, Library Director Dawn Jackson, Chief Information Officer Jeffrey Marecic, Director of Recreation & Parks Alex Posada, Chief Human Resources Officer Graciela Reynoso, Directo r of Utilities Shad Springer, Police Chief Christopher Williams, 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 5:01 p.m. Mayor Patino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Flores, Councilmember Soto, and Mayor Patino.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo.
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 5:02 p.m. Mayor Patino recessed to Closed Session.
3.a Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
3.b Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
4. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
2 OPEN SESSION - 5:30 P .M.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Mike Collins of Crestwood Christian Fellowship Church gave the Invocation.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Soto led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino convened the meeting and called the meeting to order at 5:41 p.m.
8. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported that instructions were provided to the City staff for items 3.a and 3.b.
9. PRESENTATIONS
9.a Presentation – Fireworks Education, Enforcement, and Entertainment The City Council received a presentation from Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge on the Fire Department responses and firework enforcement efforts on July 4, 2025.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 11.a.1 through 11.e.1 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2 025-120, 2025-121, 2025 -122, 2025-123, 2025 -124, 2025 -125, 2025-126, 2025-127, 2025-128, 2025 -129, 2025 -130, 2025 -131, 2025 -132, 2025 -133, 2025 -134, and 2025 -135. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Assistant City Clerk Valadez announced a revised Attachment B to Item 11.e.1.
One written public comment was received for items 11.d.1 through 11.d.4.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopt the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Escobedo
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
11.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
11.a.1 Ordinances and Resolutions
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
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
3 11.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of July 1, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.a.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Purchasing Agreement with The ReDesign Group for Refreshing the City’s Hyperconverged Computer Infrastructure Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-120.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution awarding a Purchasing Agreement to The ReDesign Group for upgrading the City’s hyperconverged computer infrastructure.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.a.4 Adoption of Resolution Approving an Amendment to an Agreement with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce for Economic Development Services Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-121.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving an amendment to an agreeme nt with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce for Economic Development Services.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.a.5 Bond Release for Betteravia Plaza, Tract 6008
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
City Council approved the release of all bonds in connection with Betteravia Plaza, Tract 6008.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.a.6 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Agreement with CentralSquare Solutions (CentralSquare Technologies, LLC) for Annual Software Support) Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-122.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving an Amendment to the agreement with CentralSquare Solutions (CentralSquare Technologies, LLC) for annual software support; and
2. Authorized City Manager or designee to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4 11.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
11.b.1 Adoption of Resolutions to Award Five Professional Services Agreements for On-Call Building and Planning Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2025-123, 2025-124, 2025-125, 2025-126, and 2025-127.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution award ing a Professional Services Agreement to Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $500,000 annually for On -Call Building and Planning Services; and
2. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to CSG Consultants, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $300,000 annually for On-Call Building and Planning Services; and
3. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to JAS Pacific in an amount not to exceed $750,000 annually for On-Call Building and Planning Services; and
4. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to MDG Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $300,000 annually for On-Call Building and Planning Services; and
5. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Service s Agreement to TW Land Planning & Development, LLC in an amount not to exceed $300,000 annually for On -Call Building and Planning Services; and
6. Authorized City Manager or designee to execute agreements.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
11.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
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
11.c.2 Payment of Payroll
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Order ratified subject to having been certified by the proper Department Directors, as shown on records on file i n the Department of Finance, and having been approved for payment by the Director of Finance.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
5 11.c.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Amendment to Agreement with PFM Asset Management LLC for Investment Management Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-128.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving an amendment to agreement with PFM Asset Management LLC for Investment Management Services; and
2. Authorized agreement to take effect retroactively June 19, 2025; and
3. Authorized City Manager or designee to enter into extensions and modifications consistent with the terms of the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
11.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of No Stopping Zones on West Morrison Avenue
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-129.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution establishing No Stopping Zones on West Morrison Avenue.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d.2 Adoption of a Resolution Establishing a Multi-Way Stop Control at the Intersection of South Thornburg Street and West Morrison Avenue
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-130.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution establishing a multi -way stop control at the intersection of South Thornburg Street and West Morrison Avenue, pursuant to Section 7 -5.20 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of Passenger Loading Zones on South Thornburg Street
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-131.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving the establishment of Passenger Loading Zones on South Thornburg Street, adjacent to Santa Maria High School, pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 22507.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6 11.d.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of Passenger Loading Zones on West Morrison Avenue
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-132.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving the establishment of a Passenger Loading Zone on West Morrison Avenue, adjacent to Santa Maria High School, pursuant to Section 22507 of the California Vehicle Code.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d.5 Adoption of a Resolution Accepting a Public Sidewalk Easement Located at 1925 S Broadway (State Route 135)
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-133.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution accepting a public sidewalk easement located at 1925 South Broadway.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d.6 Adoption of a Resolution Awarding a Bid to Pavement Coatings Co. and Approving an Agreement for Citywide Road Resurfacing Project, Bid No. 2025-01 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-134.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a bid to Pavement Coatings Co. and approving an agreement for the Citywide Road Resurfacing Project, Bid No. 2025-01, in the amount of $2,910,328.82; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
11.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Griffin Structures, Inc. to complete a Space Needs Assessment and Provide Facility Planning for the Utilities Department Consolidation
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-135.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving an agreement with Griffin Structures, Inc. to complete a space needs assessment and provide facility planning services for the Utilities Department consolidation; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7 12. PUBLIC HEARING
12.a Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Downtown Permit for the Construction of Perlman Apartments Located at 100 North Broadway
The City Council conducted a public hearing to consider approving a Downtown Permit (DT2025 -0003) for the construction of Perlman Apartments located at 100 North Broadway.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 6:00 p.m.
76 written public comments were received.
Speaking from the public was Jeff Lee, Susan Sorenson, Cynthia Gasca, Dan Revetto, James Siedeman, Doreen Worrehl, Lonnie E. Frye, Jennifer Reinhart, Frank Nacapuy, Ralph Martinez, Laurie Lee, Cliff Reynolds, Laurel Freeman, and Bea Reynolds.
Mayor Patino closed the public hearing at 6:28 p.m.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-136.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving a Downtown Permit (DT2025 -0003) for the construction of Perlman Apartments located at 100 North Broadway with the condition that the applicant reach out to the 14 tenants affected by the project to offer relocation.
Ayes (3): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Soto, and Mayor Patino Noes (1): Councilmember Gloria Flores
Absent (1): Councilmember Escobedo
Motion carried by a recorded vote (3 to 1)
8 13. REGULAR BUSINESS
13.a Adoption of Resolutions Approving New Employment Agreements Between the City of Santa Maria and David Wayne Rowlands and Thomas Watson and Approving the Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule and the City Attorney Class Specification
One written public comment was received.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Continue this item until all five councilmembers are present and approve a process how raises occur for the City Manager and City Attorney positions.
Ayes (2): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, and Councilmember Gloria Flores Noes (2): Councilmember Soto, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Escobedo
Motion defeated by a recorded vote (2 to 2)
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Continue this item to closed session for the purpose of developing a process prior to consi dering this item. The process shall consist of a written evaluation utilizing the ICMA evaluation document previously provided to the Council. This document shall be completed by the Council and provided to the two staff members at least one week prior to the closed session scheduled for September 16, or the next regular Council meeting, whichever occurs earlier. During that closed session, the Council will discuss performance of City Attorney and City Manager with the staff members. Furthermore, the same agenda shall include a regular business item addressing the contracts as outlined in the current agenda.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Flores, Councilmember Soto, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Escobedo
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
14. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands announced that the next City Council meeting is scheduled for September 16.
Agenda items will include a presentation on the Pavement Management Program, appointments to the Recreation and Parks Commission, and consideration of a contract for dispatching services for the City of Guadalupe.
9 15. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores reported she attended the 2025 Police Explorer Graduation, the Block Grants Advisory Committee’s Community Needs Workshop, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Monthly Board Meeting, the Dejoy Pocket Park Dedication Cere mony, and the Public Works Department BBQ.
Councilmember Escobedo was not present to report.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez had nothing to report.
Councilmember Soto requested that an item be added to the agenda to discuss recent ICE raids. She expressed interest in holding a meeting with any interested Councilmembers and potential stakeholders to address the issue and explore ways to effectively communicate with the community.
Mayor Patino stated she attended the Community Coffee event at Café Con Azúca r, the Rotary Fireworks Booth, the Space Launch Delta 30 Change of Command Ceremony, the North County Subregional Board Meeting, the 2025 Police Explorer Graduation, and the Airport Specific Plan Update.
She also met with Congressman Carbajal and participa ted in the Block Grants Advisory Committee’s Community Needs Workshop, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Monthly Board Meeting, and the Rick Blaemire Radio Show. Additionally, she served as a judge at the Growing Grounds Farm 25th Anniver sary celebration, attended the Dejoy Pocket Park Dedication Ceremony, the Care Court Peer Training Webinar, the West Coast Kustoms Meeting, the Elected Leaders Forum Meeting, the Santa Maria Probation Report and Resource Center Graduation, and appeared on the Ben Heighs Radio Show.
16. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor