1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
June 16, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
110 East Cook Street
Santa Maria
Roll Call: Councilmember Gloria Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, Mayor Alice Patino, Councilmember Richard Batalla
Members Absent: Councilmember Maribel Aguilera
Staff Present: 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 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, Director of Recreation and Parks Ramon Galo
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1. Councilmember Aguilera participated remotely during closed session pursuant to Government Code §54953.8.3. due to "just cause".
CLOSED SESSION
2. CALL TO ORDER
At 4:06 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Flores called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Aguilera (remotely), Councilmember Batalla, Councilmember Soto (arrived at 4:15 p.m.), Mayor Pro Tem Flores and Mayor Patino (arrived at 5:10 p.m.).
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu, City Attorney Thomas Watson and Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna G.
Schwartz.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Mayor Patino opened public comment, there being none, closed public comment.
4. RECESS-CLOSED SESSION
At 4:06 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem recessed to Closed Session.
4.a Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Pursuant to Government Code §54957(b)(1)
4.b Conference with Labor Negotiators, Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6
5. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
REGULAR SESSION - 5:30 P .M.
6. INVOCATION
Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu gave the Invocation.
2 7. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance.
8. CALL TO ORDER
Councilmember Aguilera did not attend regular session.
Mayor Patino called the meeting to order at 5:48 p.m.
9. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported that instructions were provided to the City's Negotiator for items 4.a and 4.b.
10. PRESENTATIONS
10.a Proclamation Recognizing Ann McCarty
The City Council presented a Proclamation to Ann McCarty honoring her decades of dedicated service, compassionate leadership, and lasting contributions to the community.
10.b Presentation - Quarterly Economic Development Impact Reports by Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce for October 2025 to March 2026
The City Council received a presentation from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce on the Economic Development endeavors for the quarters October 2025 to March 2026.
10.c Presentation - Fireworks Education and Enforcement The City Council received a presentation on this year's fireworks education campaign and enforcement efforts, presented by Administrative Analyst Jane Teh.
11. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Roberta Thompson, Gary Hall, Nicole Bryant, Maia Hoffman, Monica Davis, Kristine Jacobs, Luis Magallon, and Rosy Martinez.
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 12.a.1 through 12.f.2 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2026 -92, 2026-93, 2026-94, 2026-95, 2026-96, 2026-97. 2026-98, 2026-99, 2026-100.
The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Schwartz announced a clerical error in the title of item 12.d.1 in which "Santa Barbara Public Airport District" was published instead of "Santa Maria Public Airport District". In addition, item 12.d.1 has an updated Attachment B that was provided to the City Council at the dais and would be published on the City's Agenda Portal page.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Adopted the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, Mayor Patino, and Councilmember Richard Batalla
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
3 12.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
12.a.1 Ordinances and Resolutions
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
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: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of June 2, 2026.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.3 Update on the Status of Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) Amendments to the Ralph M. Brown Act Implementation Requirements
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Received and filed an informational update regarding Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) Amendment s to the Ralph M. Brown Act and the City’s implementation status of the requirements that are due on or before July 1, 2026.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule, effective June 27, 2026
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Adopted a Resolution approving a Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule, effective June 27, 2026, to implement pay changes to address equity a nd cost of living increases, pursuant to Memorandum of Understanding with Santa Maria Police Officers’ Association; and Santa Maria City Firefighters Union Local 2020.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.a.5 Adoption of Resolution Approving Amendment No. 2 to Letter Agreement with Aleshire and Wynder, LLP
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Adopted a Resolution approving Amendment No. 2 to the Letter Agreement with Aleshire and Wynder, LLP . for continued legal employment and labor services and an increase of $100,000 for a total amount of $450,000; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4 12.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
12.b.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment to Sales and Disposition Agreement (SDA), Estoppel, Amendment, and Partial Assignment of SDA, Subordination Agreement, and Parking Agreement with The Vernon Group
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate, finalize, and execute an amendment to various agreements pertinent to the closing on the downtown parcel known as Lot 2 in order to facilitate the development of the Perlman Apartments and the implementation of the Sales and Disposition Agreement dated September 17, 2024, with Vernon Property Group, LLC. These agreements include:
1. Approving the Estoppel, Amendment, and Partial Assignment of the SDA to Danco Group; and
2. Approving the Subordination Agreement by and among the City; Citibank, N.A.; and Santa Maria North Broadway LP , a related party of Danco Group; and
3. Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate, finalize, and execute a Parking Agreement with Vernon Property Group, LLC in substantially the form submitted hereto; and
4. Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate, finalize, and execute an amendment to the SDA in a form approved by the City Attorney based on the terms outlined in this staff report; and
5. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any related documents.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
12.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
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
12.c.2 Payment of Payroll
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
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.c.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the 2026 Investment Policy Update Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Adopted a Resolution approving the City of Santa Maria’s 2026 Investment Policy.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
5 12.c.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Vertosoft LLC, an Authorized Reseller for OpenGov, for Delivery and Implementation of a Budget & Financial Planning, Capital Project Management, and Grants Management System Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the use of a cooperative purchasing agreement with Vertosoft, LLC, an authorized reseller for OpenGov, for delivery and implementation of a Budget & Financial Planning, Capital Project Management, and Grants Management System; and
2. Approved a term of three years, in an amount not to exceed $889,242.46, with an option to renew for up to two additional one -year extension terms in an amount not t o exceed $250,187.86 for the fourth year and in an amount not to exceed $262,697.25 for the fifth year; and
3. Authorized the City Manager or designee to enter into the Agreement and execute any and all renewals, contingent on City Council approval of the Fis cal Year 2026-28 biennial budget.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.d FIRE DEPARTMENT
12.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Santa Barbara Public Airport District for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Adopted a Resolution approving an agreement with the Santa Maria Public Airport District for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services, contingent upon approval by the Airport District’s Board; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement and to take all steps necessary to implement and sustain the program.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.e POLICE DEPARTMENT
12.e.1 2025 Annual Police Department Report
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Received and filed the 2025 Annual Police Department Report.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.e.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Annual Military Equipment Use Report 2025-2026 Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Adopted a Resolution approving the Annual Military Equipment Use Report June 2025 to June 2026, including the acquisition of additional equipment and renewing Ordinance No. 2022 -03, which adopted a Military Equipment Use Policy in compliance with Assembly Bill 481.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6 12.f PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
12.f.1 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing a Grant of Easement to Pacific Gas & Electric Company for Utility Infrastructure Associated with the ForeFront Solar Project Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing an Easement Deed to Pacific Gas & Electric Company for a portion of City-owned property identified as APN 123-280-026 for utility infrastructure improvements associated with the ForeFront solar project; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Easement Deed and any related documents necessary; and
3. Directed City Clerk’s Office to send to County for recordation.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
12.f.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Award of Construction Contract to CalPortland Construction for the Mahoney and Black Road Paving 2026 Project (Bid No. 2026-03) Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Construction Agreement to CalPortland Construction for the Mahoney and Black Road Paving 2026 Project, Bid No. 2026- 03, in the amount of $1,987,998; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any future amendments or change orders necessary, provided such amendments are within the scope of the project and consistent with the adopted project bud get; and
3. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute necessary project amendments to the agreement not to exceed the contingency amount.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
13. REGULAR BUSINESS
13.a Adoption of a Resolution Approving Alexander “Alex” Posada as Eligible for Naming Consideration of a City Park or Facility
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-101.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving the placement of Alexander “Alex” Pos ada on the City’s eligibility/resource list for future park, trail, and facility naming consideration.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, Mayor Patino, and Councilmember Richard Batalla
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
7 13.b Consideration of Renaming Cesar E. Chavez Drive
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Received the community input summary for the renaming of Cesar E. Chavez Drive and provided direction to staff to move forward with the name change.
Speaking from the public was Ann McCarty, Monica Lopez, and Stella Felix-Villarreal.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, Mayor Patino, and Councilmember Richard Batalla
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
13.c Adoption of a Resolution and Presentation of the Santa Maria Downtown Multimodal Assessment Engagement Recap and Next Steps
The City Council received a presentation on the Santa Maria Downtown Multimodal Assessment by Caltrans representative Finn James.
Action: Adopted a Resolution No. 2026-102.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution accepting the concepts developed in the Santa Maria Downtown Multimodal Assessment, which recommends transportation improvements for State Route (SR) 166 (Main Street) between Pine Street and Miller Street, as well as SR 135 (Broadway) from Cook Street to Mill Street.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, Mayor Patino, and Councilmember Richard Batalla
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
13.d Small Business Support Initiative
The City Council received a presentation from Community Develo pment Director Chenin Dow and provided direction related to prospective updates to the Santa Maria Municipal Code and Downtown Specific Plan.
13.e Introduction of an Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 7-5.04 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code Concerning Catering Vehicles
Staff report provided by Community Development Director Chenin Dow.
Action: Introduced as Ordinance No. 2026-04.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Waived first reading and introduce an Or dinance repealing and replacing Chapter 7 -5.04 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code concerning Catering Vehicles; and
2. Set said ordinance for adoption at the next regular city council meeting.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, Mayor Patino, and Councilmember Richard Batalla
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
8 13.f Continued from the May 5, 2026, City Council meeting: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapters 8-10A (Cross-Connections) and 8-1.07 (Appeals) of Title 8 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Moved the item to the next meeting.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, Mayor Patino, and Councilmember Richard Batalla
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
13.g Adoption of a Resolution for Proposed FY 2026-28 Budget The City Council received a presentation from Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell on the Fiscal Year 2026-28 Biennial Budget.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-103.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Adopted a Resolution adopting the budget for Fiscal Years 2026 – 2027 and 2027-2028, and delegating the City Manager to implement the same.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, Mayor Patino, and Councilmember Richard Batalla
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
13.h Adoption of Resolutions Amending Election Resolutions Regarding Submission of a Question to Voters at the General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Staff report provided by Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz.
Action: Adopted as Resolution Nos. 2026-104 and 2026-105.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Adopted a Resolution amending Resolution No 2026 -85, calling and giving notice for the holding of a General Municipal Election and a Spe cial 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 relating to adding Chapter 3-8B imposing a transactions and use tax; and
2. Adopted a Resolution amending Resolution No. 2026 -89, setting priorities for filing written arguments regarding a city measure and directing the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, Mayor Patino, and Councilmember Richard Batalla
Absent (1): Councilmember Aguilera
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 0)
9 14. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
Assistant City Manager Chuen Wu filled in for City Manager David Rowlands and reported that the next City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7. Items on the agenda include a Proclamation for Recreation and Parks Month, a Consulting Agreement for Retroactive Approval of Water Systems, and a Resolution regarding the Urban Water Management Plan.
15. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Flores announced she attended the following: CommUnify 2026 Awards Dinner, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Gr and Opening of Angry Chickz Restaurant, Japanese Community Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Community Leader BBQ at Allan Hancock College, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Coalition Meeting, Santa Maria Valley Chamber North County Economic Forecast, and the Santa Maria Police Department Badge Pinning and Promotion Ceremony.
Councilmember Aguilera was not present to report.
Councilmember Batalla noted his attendance at the Mixteco Agriculture Fair, Japanese Community Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, West Side Little League Championship Game, Theft Prevention and Business Partnership Meeting, Community Leader BBQ at Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria Valley Chamber North County Economic Forecast, and the Santa Maria Police Department Badge Pinning and Promotion Ceremony.
Councilmember Soto reported she attended the Japanese Community Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and the Santa Barbara County Budget Hearing.
Mayor Patino stated she attended the following: Ben Heighs Show, Public Works Week BBQ, Planning Commission Meeting, League of California Cities Policy Committee, CommUnify 2026 Awards Dinner, Japanese Community Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting, Block Grants Advisory Committee, Santa Barbara County Association of Governm ents (SBCAG) North County Subregional Planning Committee, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Coalition Meeting, Community Leader BBQ at Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria Valley Chamber North County Economic Forecast, and the Santa Maria Police Department Badge Pinning and Promotion Ceremony.
Councilmember Soto proposed the City Council bring forward a discussion of the model mobile home lease and enforcement agreement.
16. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino decl ared the City Council meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor