1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA May 5, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
110 East Cook Street
Santa Maria
Roll Call: Councilmember Maribel Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Gloria Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, 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, Interim Director of Recreation & Parks Dennis Smitherman, Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni, Library Director Dawn Jackson, Chief Human Resources Officer Graciela Reynoso, Interim Director of Utilities Michelle Ruiz, Police Chief Christopher Williams, Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz, Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez
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CLOSED SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 4:31 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Flores called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Batalla, Councilmember Soto (arrived at 4:34 p.m.), and Mayor Pro Tem Flores.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Mayor Patino.
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 Pro Tem Flores opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
3. RECESS-CLOSED SESSION
At 4:32 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Flores recessed to Closed Session.
3.a Conference with Labor Negotiators, Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6
3.b Conference with Real Property Negotiators, Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8
4. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
REGULAR SESSION - 5:30 P.M.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Israel Gonzalez from Central City Church gave the Invocation. 2 6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Batalla led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Flores called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
8. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported that instructions were provided to the City's Labor Negotiator and Real Property Negotiator.
9. PRESENTATIONS
9.a Presentation of a Certificate of Appointment to Newly Appointed Councilmember Richard Batalla Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz presented Councilmember Batalla with a certificate of appointment.
This item was moved to the end of the "Presentations" category at the meeting.
9.b Proclamation Proclaiming May 2026 as “Water Awareness Month” The City Council presented a Proclamation proclaiming May as "Water Awareness Month" to Water Conservation Specialist Myra Ritchie.
9.b.1 Presentation – Water Awareness Poster Contest Winners The City Council received a presentation of the 2026 Water Awareness Poster Contest winners.
Water Conservation Specialist Myra Ritchie gave the presentation.
9.c Proclamation Proclaiming May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Municipal Clerks Week The City Council presented a proclamation proclaiming May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Municipal Clerks Week. Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz accepted the Proclamation.
9.d Proclamation Proclaiming May 3 through 9, 2026, as “Compost Awareness Week” The City Council presented a Proclamation proclaiming May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Compost Awareness Week. Bob Engel accepted the Proclamation.
9.e Proclamation Proclaiming May 7, 2026, as “National Day of Prayer”.
The City Council presented a Proclamation proclaiming May 7, 2026, as "National Day of Prayer".
Veenita Munoz accepted the Proclamation.
9.f Proclamation Proclaiming May 10 through May 16, 2026, as “National Police Week” and May 13, 2026, as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day”
The City Council presented a Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and Wednesday, May 13, 2026, as "Peace Officers' Memorial Day". Lieutenant Felix Diaz accepted the Proclamation.
9.g Proclamation Proclaiming May 17, 2026, as the “80th Anniversary of Life Way Fellowship”.
The City Council presented a Proclamation proclaiming May 17, 2026, as the "80th Anniversary of Life Way Fellowship". The leadership of Life Way Fellowship Church accepted the Proclamation.
9.h Proclamation Proclaiming May 17 through May 23, 2026, as “National Public Works Week” The City Council presented a Proclamation proclaiming May 17 through 23, 2026, as "National Public Works Week". Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni accepted the Proclamation.
9.i Proclamation Proclaiming May 2026, as “Bike Month”.
The City Council presented a Proclamation proclaiming May 2026, as "Bike Month". Peter Williamson accepted the Proclamation.
3 9.j Businesses of the Quarter – April to June 2026
The City Council presented certificates to the featured Businesses of the Quarter (April to June 2026) - Santa Maria Town Center (Sylvia Palacios) and Fusion Colors (Marcos Limon).
Following the Businesses of the Quarter item, Mayor Patino joined the meeting at 6:12 p.m.
The City Council presented a Proclamation proclaiming May 27 through May 31, 2026, as "Go Rodeo Days".
10. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Eddie Navarro, Gary Hall, and Nicole Bryant.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 11.a through 11.f.2 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2026-52, 2026-53, 2026-54, 2026-55, 2026-56, 2026-57, 2026-58, 2026-59, 2026-60, 2026-61, 2026-62, 2026-63, 2026-64, 2026-65, 2026-66, 2026-67, 2026-68, 2026-69, 2026-70, 2026-71, 2026-72, and 2026-73. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopt the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
11.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
11.a.1 Ordinances and Resolutions
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
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
11.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Approved the Minutes of the special City Council meeting of February 28, 2026, the regular City Council meeting of April 7, 2026, and the special City Council meeting of April 21, 2026.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4 11.a.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Third Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Santa Maria and the Service Employees International Union Local 620 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-52.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing and approving the Third Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Santa Maria and the Service Employees International Union Local 620, February 20, 2024, through December 31, 2025; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Memorandum of Understanding.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.a.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving City Council Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Years 2026-28 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-53.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving City Council Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Years 2026-28.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
11.b.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Skylight Homes Planned Development Permit Request for a Time Extension
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-54.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution approving Permit Amendment A2026-0004 granting a two-year time extension for Planned Development Permit PD2022-0006 located at 3170 Santa Maria Way.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
5 11.b.2 Adoption of Resolutions for Final Approval of the Community Development Block Grant Program’s Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-27
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2026-55, 2026-56, and 2026-57.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. 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 2026-27; and
2. 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 2026-27; and
3. Adopted a Resolution approving the General Administrative activities and allocations under the Community Development Block Grant Program incorporated in the Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-27; and
4. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the necessary documents.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.b.3 Adoption of a Resolution to Award a Professional Services Agreement to MDG Associates, Inc. for Grants Compliance Management for the Santa Maria Sports Complex Project Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-58.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to MDG Associates, Inc. for Grants Compliance Management for the Santa Maria Sports Complex Project in an amount of $100,000; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
11.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
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
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
6 11.d POLICE DEPARTMENT
11.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of Donated Ballistic Equipment from the Santa Maria Police Council.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-59.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving a donation of ballistic equipment to the City of Santa Maria Police Department from the Santa Maria Police Council; and
2. Directed the City Manager, or designee, to prepare a letter of appreciation to the Santa Maria Police Council.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
11.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Authorization to Submit an Active Transportation Program Grant Application
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-60.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing submission of an Active Transportation Program grant application; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute and submit all documents required for the application.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e.2 Adoption of Resolution Approving a Proposed Establishment of Limited Time Parking Zones and No Stopping Zones On Carmen Lane
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-61.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution establishing limited time parking zones and no stopping zones on Carmen Lane.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e.3 Adoption of Resolution Approving a Proposed Establishment of Limited Time Parking Zones with Street Sweeping Signage on West Cypress Street and South Depot Street Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-62.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution establishing limited time parking zones with street sweeping signage on the 700 block of West Cypress Street and the 200–300 blocks of South Depot Street.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7 11.e.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Proposed Establishment of a No Stopping Zone on Alvin Avenue
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-63.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution establishing a no stopping zone on Alvin Avenue at North Railroad Avenue.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e.5 Adoption of Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of a Loading Zone on West Boone Street
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-64.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution establishing a Loading Zone on West Boone Street between South Depot Street and South Railroad Avenue.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e.6 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of No Stopping Zones on Bethel Lane
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-65.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution to establishing no stopping zones on Bethel Lane at the intersection of Stowell Road and South Blosser Road.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e.7 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of No Stopping Zones on Suey Crossing Road
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-66.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopt a Resolution establishing no stopping zones on Suey Crossing Road.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e.8 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Proposed Establishment of a No Stopping Zone on West Boone Street and South Western Avenue
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-67.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution establishing no stopping zones on West Boone Street and South Western Avenue.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
8 11.e.9 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. 2026-68.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27 funded by Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e.10 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Santa Barbara for Orcutt and Tanglewood Transit Stop Furniture Improvements and Authorization to Purchase Bus Stop Furniture from Tolar Manufacturing Company Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-69.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Santa Barbara for transit stop improvements in Orcutt and Tanglewood; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Memorandum of Understanding; and
3. Authorized staff to purchase bus stop furniture from Tolar Manufacturing Company.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e.11 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing and Appropriating Additional Funding for the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project, Formal Bid No. 2025-05 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-70.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the appropriation of additional funding in the amount of $293,218.98 for the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project, Bid No. 2025-05; and
2. Approved the additional funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the Wastewater Enterprise Fund (SC7445|CC0260|FD640); and
3. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any future amendments or change orders, provided such amendments are within the scope of the project and consistent with the adopted project budget.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
9 11.e.12 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Submittal of an Application for the Santa Maria Regional Transit’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Low Carbon Transit Operations Grant For $342,718 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-71.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving the submittal of an application for the Santa Maria Regional Transits Low Carbon Transportation Operations Program grant with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for Fiscal Year 2025- 26 to fund transit service for Routes 40 and 41 and execute the Certifications and Assurances and authorized agent forms; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute all required documents.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.f RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT
11.f.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with J.D. Humann, Inc. for Landscape Maintenance Services Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-72.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with J.D. Humann, Inc. for Citywide Landscape Maintenance Services (RP-2025-01); and
2. Approved an additional $240,000 for Citywide landscaping needs; and
3. Authorized City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.f.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborist, Inc, for Urban Forest Maintenance Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-73.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborist, Inc. for Urban Forest Maintenance and
2. Approved an additional increase of $100,000 for additional tree maintenance work to be completed; and
3. Authorized City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
10 12. APPOINTMENTS
12.a Appointments to Fill a City Council Vacancy on Outside Boards, Commission, and Committees Requiring City Council Representation
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera
Mayor made the following appointments to fill a City Council vacancy on outside boards, commissions, and committees, and the City Council ratified the selections:
Central Coast Water Authority (alternate) - Councilmember Batalla Central Coast Collaborative on Homelessness (alternate) - Councilmember Batalla Santa Maria Airport/Council Informational - Councilmember Flores Schools Quarterly Roundtable - Councilmember Batalla
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
12.b Appointment to the Block Grants Advisory Committee Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Block Grants Advisory Committee
Councilmember Aguilera nominated Corrie Meals for the unexpired term ending in July 2026.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
11 13. PUBLIC HEARING
13.a Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan Mayor Patino moved this item directly after the Presentations category.
Councilmember Aguilera left the meeting at 6:20 p.m. and rejoined at 6:43 p.m.
Director of Community Development Chenin Dow gave the report. Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 6:43 p.m. Speaking from the public was Claire Wineman and Laurie Tamura.
Written public comment was received from Kelley Taber and Laurie Tamura.
Mayor Patino closed the public hearing at 6:52 p.m.
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2026-74, 2026-75, and Introduced as Ordinance No. 2026-02.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution certifying an Environmental Impact Report, making California Environmental Quality Act findings, adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations for the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan Update; and
2. Adopted a Resolution adopting the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan Update, replacing the existing adopted General Plan, and making certain findings; and
3. Waived first reading and introduced an Ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment (Z2026- 0001) repealing and reenacting the City of Santa Maria Official Zoning Map; and
4. Set said adoption of Ordinance at the next regular City Council meeting.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
13.b Ordinance Approving Solid Waste Collection Rates Commencing each July 1 from 2026 through 2029 Interim Director of Utilities Michelle Ruiz gave the report.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. and closed the hearing immediately thereafter due to the absence of public speakers.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Schwartz provided a report of the petitions received by the City Clerk's Office.
Action: Introduced as Ordinance No. 2026-03.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Waived first reading and introduce an Ordinance approving solid waste collection rates commencing each July 1 from 2026 through 2029; and
2. Set for adoption at the next regular City Council meeting.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
12 13.c Adoption of a Resolution Declaring its Intent to Levy and Collect the 2026 – 2027 Landscape Assessments and Approval of the Engineer’s Reports
Interim Director of Recreation and Parks Dennis Smitherman gave the report.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. and closed the hearing immediately thereafter due to the absence of public speakers.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-76.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Approved the Engineer’s Reports for the 2026-2027 landscape maintenance districts and special benefit zones assessment proceedings; and
2. Adopted a Resolution declaring its intent to levy and collect assessments and setting a time and place for a public hearing thereon for the four landscape maintenance districts and the 20 Special Benefit Zones.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
13.d Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Measure A Five-Year Local Program of Projects for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 through 2030/2031
Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni gave the report.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. and closed the hearing immediately thereafter due to the absence of public speakers.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-77.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving the Measure A Five-Year Local Program of Projects for fiscal years 2026/2027 through 2030/2031; and certifying that the City of Santa Maria will provide sufficient funding in the 2026/2027 budget to meet the Measure A Maintenance of Effort requirement.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
13.e Annual Report Regarding City of Santa Maria Workforce Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Efforts Pursuant to AB 2561
Chief Human Resources Officer Graciela Reynoso gave the report. As permitted under Assembly Bill 2561, representatives Jeremy Mace from Firefighters Local 2020 and Nicole Bryant from Service Employees International Union 620 provided comments.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 8:33 p.m. and closed the public hearing immediately thereafter due to the absence of public speakers.
Written public comment was received by Jeremy Mace.
The City Council received and filed this report and attachments on the City’s workforce vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 (Gov. Code § 3502.3.). 13 13.f Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Hearing Regarding the Perlman Apartments and Adoption of a Resolution Approving Issuance of Bonds
Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell gave the report.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 8:47 p.m. and closed the public hearing immediately thereafter due to the absence of public speakers.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-78.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving the issuance of the California Municipal Finance Authority exempt facility bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $35,000,000 for the purpose of financing or refinancing the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of the Perlman Project and certain other matters relating thereto.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
14. REGULAR BUSINESS
14.a Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapters 8-10A (Cross-Connections) and 8-1.07 (Appeals) of Title 8 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code
Deputy Director Josh Reynolds gave the report.
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Nicole Bryant.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Motioned died to due lack of a second.
1. Waive first reading and introduce an Ordinance amending Chapter 8-10A and Chapter 8-1 of Title 8 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code concerning Cross-Connections and Applications for Public Service; and
2. Set for adoption at the next regular City Council meeting.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Continue item to June 16, 2026, City Council meeting.
Ayes (5): Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Motion carried by a recorded vote (5 to 0)
14.b Ballot Measure Polling Survey
City Manager David Rowlands introduced a representative of DHM Research to give the report.
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Nicole Bryant.
Written public comment was received from Matt Chircop.
City Council provided direction to staff to draft approving Resolutions for Submission of a Question to Voters regarding a proposed sales tax ballot measure to fund essential city services, as part of the General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
15. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands reported the next City Council Meeting is scheduled for June 2nd. Items on the agenda include Sales Tax Ballot Resolutions and 2026/2028 Budget Review. 14 16. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores reported she attended CommUnify meeting, on-duty with Santa Maria Fire Department, Bark Park Ribbon Cutting, 2026 Strawberry Industry Dinner, and Santa Maria Philharmonic event.
Councilmember Batalla reported he attended the Santa Maria Police Department Interview Panel, a meeting with the Director of Utilities, the Firefighters Union Meeting, a meeting with Police Chief Chris Williams, a meeting with Chief of Fire Bradley Dandridge, 2026 Strawberry Industry Dinner, Serve Santa Maria, Arbor Day Celebration, and Mayor's Teen Council Excursion, Santa Maria Philharmonic Event, and the Budget Meeting with the Director of Finance, Rebecca Campbell.
Councilmember Aguilera reported she attended the Housing Summit Meeting, the EconAliiance Board Meeting, Marian Medical Hospital Board Meeting, Root Event, Candidate Academy Event by the Chamber of Commerce, 2026 Strawberry Industry Dinner, and the Raise Them Up North County Rape Crisis Center Fundraiser.
Councilmember Soto reported she attended the Elected Leaders Forum on Homelessness, DHM City of Santa Maria Polling Meeting, Budget Briefing on Public Workshops, Bark Park Ribbon Cutting, Special City Council Meeting, and the Budget Review Meeting.
Mayor Patino reported she attended the CALCOG Virtual Board Meeting, Mayors Youth Task Force Meeting, SBCAG Board Meeting, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Board Meeting, Bark Park Ribbon Cutting, Peace Rose Planting at Rotary Centennial Park, 3CE Policy Board Meeting, Veterans and Military Meeting, SMRT 50 Year Celebration, 2026 Strawberry Industry Dinner, Serve Santa Maria, Arbor Day Celebration, and Mayor's Teen Council Excursion.
17. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor