1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
October 21, 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: Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, City Attorney Thomas Watson, Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell, Deputy Fire Chief Shane Brown, Director of Community Development Chenin Dow, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Director of Recreation & Parks Alex Posada, Chief Human Resources Officer Graciela Reynoso, Director of Utilities Shad Springer, Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez, Deputy City Clerk Ashley Arciniega
_____________________________________________________________________
CLOSED SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 4:34 p.m. Mayor Patino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez, Councilmember Flores, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo, and Mayor Patino.
Mayor Pro Tem Escobedo arrived at 4:53 p.m. and joined the closed session.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, City Attorney Thomas Watson, and Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Mayor Patino opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
3. RECESS-CLOSED SESSION
At 4:36 p.m. Mayor Patino recessed to Closed Session.
3.a Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code §54956.9 for the following case:
3.b Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9 for the following case:
3.c Conference with Legal Negotiators, Pursuant to California Government Code §54957.6 Assistant City Clerk Valadez announced a clerical error on the title of item 3.c. Instead of "Conference with Legal Negotiators", the title should read "Conference with Labor Negotiators".
3.d Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation, Pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(2)
2 3.e Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Pursuant to California Government Code §54957(b)(1)
4. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
REGULAR SESSION - 5:30 P .M.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Mark Wright of Heritage Church gave the Invocation.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino called the meeting to order at 5:47 p.m.
8. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported that instructions were provi ded to legal counsel for items 3.a and 3.b, instruction were provided to the City's Labor Negotiator for item 3.c, and instructions were provided to legal counsel for item 3.d. Item 3.e will be continued to the next meeting in the interest of time.
9. PROCLAMATIONS
9.a Proclamation Proclaiming October 24, 2025, as World Polio Day The City Council presented a proclamation to Leonard Champion, Rotary Assistant Governor, Group 12, recognizing October 24, 2025, as “World Polio Day” in the City of Santa Maria.
9.b Proclamation Proclaiming October 2025, as Arts and Humanities Month The City Council presented a proclamation to Robert Dickerson, declaring October 2025 as "Arts and Humanities Month" in the City of Santa Maria and recognizing the importance of arts and humanities in enhancing quality of life, promoting community identity, and supporting local culture and economy.
10. PRESENTATIONS
10.a GROW Initiative Cohort III ACCESS/ACCESO Program and Council to Present Certificates of Recognition
The City Council received a presentation by Mark van de Kamp, Public Information Officer, regarding GROW Initiative Cohort III’s ACCESS/ACCESO program trial and presented Certificates of Recognition to the GROW Initiative Cohort III graduates.
10.b Presentation – Certificates of Recognition to the GROW Cohort IV The City Council received a presentation from Neville Smeda, Recreation and Parks Business Manager, regarding GROW Initiative Cohort IV’s Paws in the Park capstone project and presented Certificates of Recognition to the GROW Initiative Cohort IV graduates.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was George Alvarez, Gary Hall, and Ignacio "Nash" Moreno.
3 12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 12.a.1 through 12.f.3 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2025 -168, 2025-169, 2025 -170, 2025-171, 2025 -172, 2025 -173, 2025-174, 2025-175, 2025-176, 2025-177, 2025-178, 2025-179, 2025-180, 2025-181, 2025-182, 2025-183, 2025-184, 2025- 185, 2025-186, 2025-187, and 2025-188. 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)
12.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
12.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
12.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of September 16, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.3 Approve Bond Releases for Centennial Square Planned Development No. PD2020-0009 Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
City Council approved the release of various bonds in connection with Centennial Square Planned Development Permit No. 2020-0009 at 360 East Plaza Drive.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Budget Amendment for Public, Education, and Government (PEG) for Several Audiovisual and Production Solutions for Fiscal Year 2025-26 Action: Adopted as Resolution 2025-168.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution approving a budget amendment for Public, Education, and Government for an audiovisual and production solution project for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4 12.a.5 Adoption of a Resolution Adding a Regular City Council Meeting on December 2, 2025, and Canceling the Regular City Council Meeting on December 16, 2025 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-169.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution adding a regular City Council meeting on December 2, 2025, and canceling the regular City Council meeting on December 16, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b CITY ATTORNEY DEPARTMENT
12.b.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Execution of a Settlement Agreement and Related Support Documents in the Matter of City of Santa Maria vs. California State Water Resources Control Board
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-170.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution approving the Settlement Agreement and related supporting documents in the matter of City of Santa Maria vs. C alifornia State Water Resources Control Board et al. (Case No. 25CV -0136) and all related litigation, appropriation, and authorizing payment of settlement funds; and
2. Authorized the Mayor, or designee, to execute the Settlement Agreement and any related supporting documents.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.b.2 Adoption of Resolution Approving Execution of a Settlement Agreement and Related Support Documents in the Matter of Central Coast Water Authority et al. vs. Santa Barbara County Flood Control District et al.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-171.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution approving Settlement Agreement and any related supporting documents necessary to effectuate the settlement of the matter of Central Coast Water Authority et al. vs. Santa Barbara County Flood Control District et al. (Case No. 21CV02432) and ratifying all prior signatures; and
2. Authorized the Mayor, or designee, to execute the Settlement Agreement and any related supporting documents.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
5 12.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
12.c.1 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
12.d PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
12.d.1 Adoption of Resolutions to Award Five Professional Services Agreement for On-Call Landscape Architecture and Site Design Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-172, 2025-173, 2025-174, 2025-175, and 2025-176.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Firma Consultants Inc. for On -Call Landscape Architecture and Site Design Services in the amount of $300,000; and
2. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to G ates + Associates for On -Call Landscape Architecture and Site Design Services in the amount of $300,000; and
3. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Hirsch and Associates Inc. for On-Call Landscape Architecture and Site Design Services in the amount of $300,000; and
4. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to KTUA for On-Call Landscape Architecture and Site Design Services in the amount of $300,000; and
5. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Melton Design Group, Inc. for On-Call Landscape Architecture and Site Design Services in the amount of $300,000; and
6. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute all agreements.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.d.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Donation of a Surplus Toro Small Ride-On Mower Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-177.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Adopted a Resolution declaring a 2012 Toro GM3280-D Small Ride-On Mower, Asset ID Number (BA-0003052) (F438 -12) (serial number 312000153), as surplus property and approving its donation to the Orcutt Youth Softball Association.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6 12.d.3 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing a Lease Agreement with Central Coast Community Energy for Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at 418 South McClelland Street Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-178.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing a lease agreement with Central Coast Community Energy for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at 418 South McClelland Street with the condition that the charging stations provide free, unrestricted public access twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week, year-round; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.d.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Award of Bid to J.F. Will Company Inc. for the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project, Bid No. 2025-05, in the amount of $783,720.47 and Approving Agreement for Construction of said Project
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-179.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a bid to The J.F. Will Company, Inc., for the construction of the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project, Bid No. 2025 -05 in the amount of $783,720.47; and
2. Authorized City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement and approve Contract Change Orders so long as expenditures do not exceed funding approved for the project.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.d.5 Adoption of a Resolution Awarding a Bid to Hartzell General Engineering Contractor, Inc. and Approving an Agreement for Construction of Well 15 Equipping Project, Bid No. 2025-04 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-180.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a bid to Hartzell General Engi neering Contractor, Inc., and approving an agreement for the construction of the Well 15 Equipping Project, Bid No. 2025-04, in the amount of $4,343,870; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7 12.d.6 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Award of a Professional Services Agreement to SZS Engineering Access, Inc. for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan Update
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-181.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution approving the award of a Professional Services Agreement to SZS Engineering Access, Inc. for the Americans with Disabilities Act Self - Evaluation and Transition Plan Update in the amount of $599,735; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.d.7 Adoption of a Resolution Amending Professional Services Agreement with Finance DTA for the Growth Mitigation Nexus Fee Update
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-182.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution amending professional services agreement K -PW-2023- 052 with Finance DTA extending the term and approving an additional amount of $30,990 for the Growth Mitigation Nexus Fee Update; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.d.8 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Final Payment and Reaffirmation of Santa Maria Regional Transit Electric Bus Purchase Through State Contracts Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-183.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution authori zing execution of the final payment and reaffirmation to New Flyer and Gillig for the purchase of electric buses procured under the State of California and State of Washington Electric Bus Consortium Contracts that were active at the time of the original orders; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the final payment.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
8 12.d.9 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Job Order Contract Agreement with Newton Construction & Management for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Metal Building Maintenance Project
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-184.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution approving a Job Order Contract Agreement with Newton Construction & Management for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Metal Building Maintenance Project in the amount of $449,122.36; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.e RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT
12.e.1 Adoption of Resolution Approving Appropriation of Additional Funding and Award of Remaining Bid Alternatives for the Santa Maria Sports Complex Project Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-185.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution approving the appropriation of additional funding in the amount of $5,530,000 for the Santa Maria Sports Complex Project and the award of remaining bid alternatives for the Project; and
2. Authorized the City Manag er, or designee, to take all actions necessary to allocate and expend the appropriated funds from designated grant and growth mitigation funds to the project.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.f UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
12.f.1 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing a Communication Site License Agreement with T-Mobile West LLC and Easement Deed to Pacific Gas and Electric Company at Minami Park Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-186.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing a Communications Site License Agreement with T -Mobile West LLC and authorizing execution of an Easement Deed to Pacific Gas and Electric Company to provide electric service to the facility; and
2. Authorized City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
9 12.f.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Science Discovery for Solid Waste Education Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-187.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Science Discovery for Solid Waste Education Services; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to administer the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.f.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for Contract Administration and Inspection Services for the Water Supply Well 15 Equipping Project Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2025-188.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Adopted a Resolution approving an agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for Contract Administration and Construction Inspection Services for the Water Supply Well 15 Equipping Project; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13. APPOINTMENTS
13.a Continued from the September 16, 2025, City Council Meeting - Appointment to the Recreation and Parks Commission
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Patino
Councilmember Soto appointed Yolanda Zamora to serve an unexpired term ending in January 2027.
The appointment was confirmed by the Mayor and ratified by the City Council.
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 14. PUBLIC HEARING
14.a Approval of an Ordinance Amending Title 12 “Zoning,” Chapter 12-56 “Accessory Dwelling Units” of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code
Director of Community Development Chenin Dow gave the staff report.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing, there being none, immediately closed the public hearing at 6:25 p.m.
Action: Introduced as Ordinance No. 2025-04.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
1. Waived the first reading and introduce an Ordinance Amending Title 12 “Zoning,” Chapter 12-56 “Accessory Dwelling Units” of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code; 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. REGULAR BUSINESS
15.a 2025 Leisure Needs and Public Art Five-Year Master Plan The City Council received a presentation on the 2025 Leisure Needs Assessment and Public Art Master Plan. The presentation was given by Art Thatcher, Consultant.
15.b Continued from the September 16, 2025, City Council Meeting - Discussion on a Request to Form an Immigration Ad Hoc Committee
Moved by: Councilmember Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Escobedo
Item was tabled until February 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)
16. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu announced that City Manager David Rowlands was unable to attend this evening’s City Council meeting. Mr. Wu also noted the next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Key items on the upcoming agenda include the Chamber of Commerce quarterly reports, a prese ntation recognizing the Businesses of the Quarter, an update on the Encampment Response, updates to the Building Code Ordinance, and the Finance Department's fourth- quarter update for fiscal year 2024–2025.
17. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores shared that she recently toured the local homeless encampment and participated in several key events, including the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture & Business of San Luis Obispo County Fall Forum, United Way of Northern Santa Barbara County’s 2025 Mayor’s Bash, CalCities Conference, 77th Annual Black and White Ball hosted by the Mexican Ladies Social Club, and the grand opening of Homewood Suites.
Councilmember Escobedo had nothing to report.
11 Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez highlighted her attendance at several recent community events, including the State of the City Address, ribbon -cutting ceremony for the inaugural Santa Maria -to- Phoenix flight, grand opening of Homewood Suites, Celebration of Life for He rbert Bolton, Central Coast AirFest, and the 77th Annual Black and White Ball hosted by the Mexican Ladies Social Club.
Councilmember Soto mentioned she attended the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps meeting in Los Angeles, which focused on legislative pol icies for 2026. Participated in the Elected Leaders Homelessness Meeting and attended the 77th Annual Black and White Ball hosted by the Mexican Ladies Social Club.
Mayor Patino recapped her recent engagements, which included attending the Central Coast Community Energy Annual and Policy Meeting, Marian Foundation Board Meeting, and North Santa Barbara County Listening Tour, Santa Maria Valley Chamber Awards Gala, Mayor’s Youth Task Force, a Special City Council Meeting, a Planning Commission Study Session, and a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting. Additional events included the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture & Business Fall Forum, Filipino American History Month celebration, Developer Impact Fees Workshop, League of California Cities Annual Conference, 2nd Annual Cops and Cars Show, and the Resilient Workforce Fund Graduation for the County of Santa Barbara cohort. Mayor Patino also joined the California Alliance of Local Electeds Meeting, State of the City Address, ribbon -cutting for the ina ugural Santa Maria -to- Phoenix flight, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) meeting, Air Pollution Control District (APCD) meeting, and the grand opening of Homewood Suites.
18. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. in memory of Herbert Bolton, former City of Santa Maria Fire Fighter and William "Bill" Spears Sr. former City of Santa Maria Police Sergeant and former City of Willows Chief of Police.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor