1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
June 2, 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, Recreation Services Manager Dennis Smitherman, Director of Recreation and Parks Ramon Galo, 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 Patino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Aguilera (arrived at 4:33 p.m.), Councilmember Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Flores, and 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 Patino opened public comment. Speaking from the public was Nicole Bryant.
Written public comment was received by Gavin Harrington, Patrick Crowley, and Tiffany Pelletier.
3. RECESS-CLOSED SESSION
At 4:34 p.m. Mayor Patino 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
3.c Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) [one case]
4. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
REGULAR SESSION - 5:30 P .M.
5. INVOCATION
Pastor Mark Wright from Heritage Evangelical Presbyterian Church gave the Invocation.
2 6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Batalla led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
8. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported that instructions were provided to the Ci ty's negotiators for items 3.a through 3.c.
9. PRESENTATIONS
9.a Proclamation Proclaiming June 2026 as “Pride Month” The City Council presented a Proclamation proclaiming June 2026 as "Pride Month" in the City of Santa Maria. The Proclamation was accepted by Suzette Lopez Boren, Executive Director of House of Pride and Equality.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Nicole Bryant, Scott Washburn, Lyiam Galo, Chad Connolly, and Jimmy Melena.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 11.a1 through 11.f.1 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2026 -79, 2026 -80, and 2026 -81 and Ordinance Nos. 2026 -02 and 2026 -03. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
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: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Waived the reading in full of all Ordinances and Resolutions. Ordinances on the Consent Agenda will be adopted by the same vote cast at t he 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: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of May 5, 2026.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
3 11.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
11.b.1 Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-02 repealing and reenacting the City of Santa Maria Official Zoning Map
Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2026-02.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Waived the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2026 -02, approving a Zoning Map Amendment (Z2026-0001) repealing and reenacting the City of Santa Maria Official Zoning Map.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
11.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
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: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
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
11.d PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
11.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Filing of FY 2026-27 CA Transit Development Act Claim For $7,320,246
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-79.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the filing of the City of Santa Maria’s claim for California Tr ansit Development Act funds with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for allocation of Transit Development Act funds for Fiscal Year 2026-27; and
2. Authorized City Manager or designee to execute and file claim.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4 11.e RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT
11.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Rental Fees for the Japanese Community Center Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-80.
Adopted a Resolution approving rental fees for the Japanese Community Center.
Motion carried unanimously
11.e.2 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Submittal of a Grant Application to the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program and Approving Allocation of One Limited-Term Park Services Officer II Position
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-81.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program and approving the allocation of one limited-term Park Services Officer II position; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute all required grant documents.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.f UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
11.f.1 Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-03 Approving Solid Waste Collection Rates Commencing Each July 1 from 2026 through 2029
Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2026-03.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
The City Council waived second reading and adopted Ordin ance No. 2026 -03, approving solid waste collection rates commencing each July 1 from 2026 to 2029.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12. PUBLIC HEARING
12.a Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Preliminary FY 2026-28 Budget Development Mayor Patino reques ted City staff and the Budget Ad Hoc Committee work closely with Santa Maria Swim Club leadership regarding the proposed pool closure prior to the June 16, 2026, City Council meeting.
Mayor Patino closed the meeting for a short recess.
The City Council rec eived a presentation from the Director of Finance, Rebecca Campbell on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 -28 Biennial Budget, heard public testimony on the preliminary budget proposals, and provided input.
Councilmember Aguilera left the meeting at 6:57 p.m.
Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.. Speaking from the public was Nancy Jo Ward.
Written public comment was received by Agnes Wallace, Allyson Appel, Amanda Broggie, Amanda Chojnacky, Amanda Hole, Amanda Kotar Fredrick, Amanda Medina, Amy Bertao, Amy Molina, Amy Silveira, Andrea Marez, Andrea Zuckerbraun, Andrew Kelley & Monika Prince, Armando Ramos, Suzie Guzman, Barbara Sandys, Brandi Yates, Brooks Van Wingerden, Cara Jones, Charlotte Pettit, Chelsea Krause, Cheryl Poirer, Chris Manfredi, Christ ine Hewett, Christine Mann, Cindy Dias, Colleen Medford,
5 Corinna Alavarado, Daisy Herrick, Dalia Zepeda, Denise Woods, Dharamesh Patel, Diana Zarate, Douglas Jones, Dustin Davis, Ed Cacarey, Elain Healy, Emily Mathis, Emily Rhule, Emily Zbin, Enrique Amoro so, Erica Alterwitz Meierhans, Esteban Lopez, Ethan Brown, Fabi, Francesca Muto, Geremy Blandino, Geri Coats, Gina Keough, Hailee Bond, Heather Bouwmeester, Heidi Morse, Fraser, Jacqueline Quezada, Jake, James Freidrich, Jami Fordyce, Jamie Tanner, Jana Zw illing, Jason Fredrick, Jeff Chaney, Jennifer Rock, Jo Bergstrom, Joan Velasquez, Joelene Wiggins, Johnna Perez, Jose Garcia, Joy Cook, Judy Ramos, Julie Southern, Kaitlyn Stone, Katherine Morales, Kathy Calahan, Katia Corona, Kayla O’Kelly Davis, Kelsy Gee, Kevin Ochoa, Kristen Trefflick, Kristen Pluhar, Kristy Schneider, Krystal Zoost, Kyra Hill, Logan Southern, Lori Williamson, Lyuba Corbett, Macy Manfredi, Madeline, Malorie Mendoza, Matt Brown, Megan, Michael Specht, Mike Ashemore, Mike, Natas Coats, Na tasha Martinez, Nicole Latham, Nisa Morey, Noemi Carias, Noemi Carmona, Parker Reynolds, Patrick Wineman, Penny Popp, Piper Manfredi, Raeanna Dupuis, Reynolds Family, Rob Knight, Roberta Thompson, Rocio Cowley, Roxanne Leasure, Ruth Jackson, Ryan Tully, Sa mantha Mello, Sara Chaney, Sarah Wineman, Sheri Etheridge, Tiffany Barnick, Victor Velasquez, Witny Gill, Zabella Coats, Andrea Zuckerbraun, Kaitlyn Stone, Mark T.
Bennett, Noemi C. Carias, Nova Bevier, and Sandra A. Ricca.
Mayor Patino closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Exclude proposed pool closure from today's budget discussion.
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 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Updated 2026 User Fee Schedule Mayor Patino opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. With no public speakers present, the hearing was immediately closed.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-82.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving the addition and update of Citywide User Fees identified in the Annual User Fee Update and 2026 User Fee Schedule excluding Utilities fees that were not changed correctly (S-191, S-192, S-198, S-222A.1, S-222A.2.).
Ayes (4): Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
6 13. REGULAR BUSINESS
13.a Adoption of Resolutions Approving a Disruption Policy in the Event there is an Interruption to Telephonic or Internet Services During a City Council Meeting and Adoption of a Public Outreach Policy
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2026-83 and 2026-84.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution approving a Disruption Policy in the event there is a disruption of telephonic or internet service occurring during a city council meeting in compliance with Senate Bill 707 and Government Code §54953.4(b)(1)(A)(i)(l)(ib)(la); and
2. Adopted a Resolution approving a Public Outreach Policy.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
13.b Adoption of Resolutions for the General and Special Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2026-85, 2026-86, 2026-87, 2026-88, 2026-89, and 2026-90.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution calling and giving notice for the holding of a General Municipal Electio n and a Special Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the election of certain municipal officers and filling a vacancy, as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California and for the submission to the voters a question rela ting to adding Chapter 3 -8B imposing a transactions and use tax; and
2. Adopted a Resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara to consolidate and render specified services to the City related to the conduct of a General Municipal Election and Special Municipal Election both to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026; and
3. Adopted a Resolution adopting regulations for candidates for elective office pertaining to Candidates’ Statements submitted to the voters; and
4. Adopted a Resolution providing for the conduct of a Special Runoff Election for Elective Offices in the event of a tie vote at any Municipal Election; and
5. Adopted a Resolution setting priorities for filing written arguments regarding a city measure and directing the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis; and
6. Adopted a Resolution providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments for city measure submitted at the General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
7 13.c Adoption of a Resolution to Rescind Resolution 2026-76 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-91.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution:
1. Rescinding Resolution No. 2026 -76, which previously declared the City Council's intent to levy and collect the 2026-2027 landscape assessments and set a public hearing date; and
2. Approving, or reaffirming approval of, the Engineer's Reports for the 2026 -2027 landscape maintenance districts and special benefit zones assessment proceedings; and
3. Declaring the City Council's intent to levy and collect assessments for the four landscape maintenance districts and the Special Benefit Zones for Fiscal Year 2026-2027; and
4. Setting a new time for a public hearing on July 7, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
14. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands reported the next City Council Meeting is scheduled for June 16th. Items on the agenda include the 2026 -28 Budget Adoption Item, the Urban Water Management Plan, and the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for Santa Maria Fairpark Authority. Lasty he concluded by recognizing the new Director of Recreation and Parks, Ramon Galo.
15. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores shared she attended the CommUnify Meeting, the National Day of Prayer event, Budget Review Meeting, Joint Powers Agreement Meeting for the Santa M aria Fairpark Authority, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo VIP Reception Dinner, and the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade.
Councilmember Batalla announced he attended the Ride Along with Fire Station 1, the Santa Maria Elks Club Student/Citizen of the Year Awards, T ipocot Event, Food Distribution at Vida Church, Allan Hancock Scholarship Awards Ceremony, West Coast Kustoms Hall of Fame Media Dinner, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo VIP Reception Dinner, and the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade.
Councilmember Aguilera was not present.
Councilmember Soto informed she attended the Agriculture Labor Relations Board Grand Opening Ceremony, the Town Hall Press Conference in Down Town Los Angeles, Joint Powers Agreement Meeting for the Santa Maria Fairpark Authority, and the Non-profit Santa Barbara State Sector Event.
Mayor Patino reported attending the Ben Heighes Show, the Santa Maria Elks Club Student/Citizen of the Year Awards, the National Day of Prayer event, a meeting of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), the Figh ting Back Santa Maria Valley Board Meeting, the Mayor’s Youth Task Force meeting, the Pastors Network Navigation meeting, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Board of Directors meeting, the Memorial Day Ceremony at Santa Maria Cemetery, the Mission Hope Cancer Center Donor Sign Unveiling, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo VIP Reception Dinner, the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade, and the Vandenberg Space Force Base Regional Housing Strategy Session.
8 16. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor