1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
January 20, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
110 East Cook Street
Santa Maria
Roll Call: Councilmember Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Gloria Soto, Councilmember Carlos Escobedo, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Alice Patino.
Staff Present: City Manager David W . Rowlands, City Attorney Thomas Watson, Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell, Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Director of Community Development Chenin Dow, Interim Director of Recreation & Parks Dennis Smitherman, Director of Public Work s Brett Fulgoni, Library Director Dawn Jackson, Chief Human Resources Officer Graciela Reynoso, Director of Utilities Shad Springer, Police Chief Christopher Williams, Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz, and Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez
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1. INVOCATION
Pastor Tim Mossholder from Vida Church Santa Maria gave the Invocation.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Escobedo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m.
4. PROCLAMATIONS
4.a Proclamation Proclaiming January 18 through January 24, 2026, as “Respect for Life Week” The City Council presented a Proclamation to Jon Lindgren of Respect for Life Central Coast recog nizing January 18th through January 24, 2026, as "Respect for Life Week" in the City of Santa Maria.
Written public comment was received from Cliff Solomon.
4.b Proclamation Proclaiming January 2026 as “Human Trafficking Awareness Month” The City Council p resented a Proclamation to Ann McCarty on behalf of the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force (SBCHTTF), under the auspices of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office recognizing January 2026, as "Human Trafficking Awareness Month" in the City of Santa Maria.
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.a 2025 Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights Award Winner Recognition The City Council acknowledged the winners of the 30th Annual "Lights, Sights, and Holiday Nights Holiday Decoration Contest". The presentation was made by Interim Recreation & Parks Director Dennis Smitherman.
2 5.b Winter 2026 Class of Hometown Heroes
The City Council received a presentation from Dennis Smitherman, Interim Recreation & Parks Director, on the Winter 2026 Class of Hometown Heroes . Honorees included Harry Masatani (Army), Jess Verdin (Army), Rebekah Jeanne May (Coast Guard), Vincent Deparini (Navy), Gregory H. Kurokawa (Navy), and Lauren Guy Payne (Navy).
6. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comments. Speaking from the public was John Rohner, Sara Macdonald, Sue Heitman, Cliff Solomon, Danny Mogg, Pam Gates, Gale McNeeley, Michelle Ambriz, Adam Pacheco, Lisa Thornhill, Jeanne Sparks, Fernando Martinez, and Gary Hall.
Written public comments were received from Michelle Ambriz Quintero, Kathy Sharum, and Julie Steyer.
Councilmember Aguilera -Hernandez requested that an agenda item be placed on the upcoming meeting agenda for consideration of a resolution or proclamation expressing support for the immigrant community of Santa Maria.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 7.a.1 through 7.f.2 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2026 -01, 2026 -02, 2026 -03, 2026-04, 2026 -05, 2026 -06, 2026 -07, 2026 -08, 2026-09, 2026-10, 2026-11, 2026-12, 2026-13, 2026-14, 2026-15, 2026-16, 2026-17, and 2026-18. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Councilmember Flores pulled item 7.d.2 for discussion.
Written public comment was received from Geoffrey Wheeler regarding items 7.d.2 and 7.d.4.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopt the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, 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 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
7.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of December 2, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
3 7.a.3 Adoption of a Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2025-209, to Comply with CalPERS Requirements for Holiday Pay as Pensionable Compensation and to Incorporate the Cesar Chavez Holiday for Fire Battalion Chiefs
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-01.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1.Adopted a Resolution amending Resolution No. 2025 -209, approving a Wage and Benefit Package Resolution for the Public Safety Managers to comply with CalPERS Requirements for Holiday Pay as pensionable compensation and to incorporate the Cesar Chavez Holiday for Fire Battalion Chiefs; and
2.Authorized the Mayor to execute the terms of the Resolution.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.a.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Selection of The Mejorando Group to Provide Strategic Planning and Goal Setting Session Facilitation Services Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-02.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving the selection of The Mejorando Group to provide Strategic Planning and Goal Setting Session Facilitation Services; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to award, negotiate, and execute an agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.a.5 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Selection of DHM Research for Public Opinion Survey Research and Ballot Measure Polling Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-03.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving the selection of DHM Research to provide Public Opinion Survey Research and Ballot Measure Polling Services not to exceed the amount of $36,500; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to award, negotiate, and execute the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.a.6 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule to Correct Two Hourly Rates
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-04.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule, effective December 27, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4 7.b FINANCE DEPARTMENT
7.b.1 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 in the Department of Finance, and having been approved for payment by the Director of Finance.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.b.2 Receive and File the Financial Report for the First Quarter Ending September 30, 2025 Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
City Council received and filed the Financial Report for the First Quarter ending September 30, 2025.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.c POLICE DEPARTMENT
7.c.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Donation of Tactical and Rescue Equipment from the Santa Maria Police Council
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-05.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving the donation of tactical and rescue equipment to the Santa Maria Police Department from the Santa Maria Police Council.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.c.2 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application for the 2027 California Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-06.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the submission of an application for the 2027 Grant Program Cycle of the California Office of Traffic Safety Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to submit the application, appropriate and expend the funds awarded to the Santa Maria Police Department.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
5 7.d PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
7.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Acceptance of a Public Landscape Easement Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-07.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution accepting a public landscape easement located at 2326 South Broadway (State Route 135), Santa Maria, California; and
2. Directed City Clerk’s Office to send “Grant of Easement for Public Landscape” document to the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder for recordation.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.d.2 Adoption of Resolution Accepting a Public Right-of-Way Dedication and In-Lieu Payment Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-08.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution accepting a public right -of-way dedication located at 1202 West Betteravia Road, Santa Maria, California, and an in -lieu payment for the construction of Betteravia Road widening; and
2. Directed the City Clerk’s Office to send to the Santa Barbara County Clerk - Recorder the “Irrevocable Offer to Dedicate Public Right -of-Way” document for recordation.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.d.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Revised Memorandum of Understanding for the Pilot Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo Express Transit Services Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-09.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving and adopting a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments and the City of San Luis Obispo for th e Pilot Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo Express Transit Service (SLO 210); and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the revised MOU.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6 7.d.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for the State Route 135 Comprehensive Corridor Study Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-10.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approvi ng a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Santa Maria and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments to complete the State Route 135 Comprehensive Corridor Study, committing a total City contribution of $150,000; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the MOU.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.d.5 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with R. Baker Inc. for the Church Street Sewer Line Project, Formal Bid No. 2024-07 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-11.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with R.
Baker Inc., for the Church Street Sewer Line Project, Bid No. 2024 -07, increasing the total not -to-exceed amount by $113,949.90 for a revised total of $1,614,533.90; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.e RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT
7.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Application for the 2025 Whale Tail Grant Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-12.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving the submission of an application to the California Coastal Commission for the 2025 Whale Tail Grant funding up to $28,000; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to administer the grant.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7 7.e.2 Adoption of Resolutions Approving the Annexation and Assessment of Parcels into City Landscape Maintenance Districts
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2026-13, 2026-14, 2026-15, and 2026-16.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resoluti on annexing and authorizing the assessment of Landscape Maintenance Fees to the Sears Building Remodel, CCD Orange Street Duplexes, 309 Mill Street Apartments, and 123 East Fesler Street Apartments in the Northeast Landscape Maintenance District (Streets a nd Highways Code Section 22500, Et Seq.) ;and
2. Adopted a Resolution annexing and authorizing the assessment of Landscape Maintenance Fees to Depot Street Apartments located in the Northwest Landscape Maintenance District (Streets and Highways Code Section 2 2500, Et Seq.); and
3. Adopted a Resolution annexing and authorizing the assessment of Landscape Maintenance Fees to the Arby’s to KFC Remodel located in the South Miller Street/South College Drive Landscape Maintenance District (Streets and Highways Code Section 22500, Et Seq.); and
4. Adopted a Resolution annexing and authorizing the assessment of Landscape Maintenance Fees to Planes of Fame, the Airport Business Park, and Industrial Parkway Battery Storage located in the Southwest Landscape Maintenance District (Streets and Highways Code Section 22500, Et Seq.) Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.f UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
7.f.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with S.E. Chambers Construction, Inc. for Utility Locating and Marking Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-17.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving an agreement with S.E. Chambers Construction, Inc. for Utility Locating and Marking Services; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7.f.2 Adoption of a Resolution Designating Additional Funds for the Well 12S Rehabilitation Project, Bid No. 2024-15
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-18.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution authorizing and designating additional funds in the amount of $98,853 within the approved budget for Fiscal Year 2025 -26, to the Well 12S Rehabilitation Project, Bid No. 2024-15.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
8 8. PUBLIC HEARING
8.a Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Issuance of a Bond under the Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Regarding Hancock Terrace Apartments Mayor Patino conducted a public he aring at 6:53 p.m. under the requirements of the Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. There being no requests to speak, it was immediately closed.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-19.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving the issuance of the California Municipal Finance Authority Qualified 501(c)(3) Bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $105,000,000 for the purpose of financing or refinancing the acquisition, rehabilitation, improvement and equipping of Hancock Terrace Apartments and certain other matters relating thereto.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
9. REGULAR BUSINESS
9.a Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Rebalancing Analysis and Adoption of a Resolution Approving Budget Amendments
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-20.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Received and filed the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Rebalancing Analysis; and
2. Adopted a Resolution approving First Quarter Budget Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for personnel, operational, and capital changes, and delegating the City Manager to implement the same.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez, Councilmember Soto, Councilmember Escobedo, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
10. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands stated that the next City Council meeting is scheduled for February 3. Items on the agenda include the 2025 General Plan Report and an ordinance introducing AB 1600 fees. Mr.
Rowlands also mentioned that the Immigration item would be brought back on February 3 for discussion and approval.
9 11. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores reported she attended the CommUnify M eeting, the Boys and Girls Club 60th Anniversary Celebration, 48th Annual Fire Protection and AMR Appreciation Night, Santa Maria Valley Homewood Suites Tourism Celebration, and the EconAlliance Dinner.
Councilmember Escobedo indicated he attended the Boys and Girls Club 60th Anniversary Celebration.
Councilmember Aguilera-Hernandez announced she attended an Investment Committee Meeting, Jim Glines Sign Dedication, Swearing In of Monique Limon, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Guadalupe Early Learning Center, 48th Annual Fire Protection and AMR Appreciation Night, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors meeting, Santa Maria Valley Homewood Suites Tourism Celebration, and the EconAlliance Dinner.
Councilmember Soto reported she att ended the Ad Hoc Budget Committee meeting, Public Revenue Workshop, and the 48th Annual Fire Protection and AMR Appreciation Night.
Mayor Patino stated she attended the Planning Commission Study Session, Ad Hoc Budget Committee meeting, 3CE Policy Board of Directors meeting, California Coastal Commission meeting, Local Agency Formation Commission meeting, Elected Leaders Forum on Housing and Homelessness, the 2nd Annual Machado Plaza Holiday Market, Monthly Lobbyist Briefing, Boys and Girls Club 60th Annive rsary Celebration, Cal Cities Mayor and Councilmember Roundtable, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Guadalupe Early Learning Center, the 48th Annual Fire Protection and AMR Appreciation Night, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Director s meeting, Air Pollution Control District meeting, Santa Maria Valley Homewood Suites Tourism Celebration, the EconAlliance Dinner, and she also attended the Jim Glines Sign Dedication.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Counci l, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor