1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
July 7, 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, City Attorney Thomas Watson, Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell, Fire Chief Bradley Dandridge, Director of Community Development Chenin Dow, Director of Recreation and Parks Ramon Galo, Director of Public Works 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
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CLOSED SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
At 4:05 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Flores called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Councilmember Aguilera (arrived at 4:10 p.m.), Councilmember Batalla, Councilmember Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Flores, and Mayor Patino (arrived at 4:30 p.m.).
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
3.a Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Pursuant to Government Code §54957(b)(1)
3.b Conference with Labor Negotiators, Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6
3.c Conference with Legal Counsel - Significant Exposure to Litigation, Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(d)(2) - [one case]
3.d Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) [one case]
4. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
REGULAR SESSION - 5:30 P .M.
5. INVOCATION
Timothy Canivel from Vida Church gave the Invocation.
2 6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Aguilera led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino called the meeting to order at 6:13 p.m.
8. REPORT BY THE CITY ATTORNEY FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Watson reported that instructions were provided to the City's negotiators and various attorneys.
9. PRESENTATIONS
9.a Proclamation Proclaiming July as “Recreation and Parks Month” The City Council presented a Proclamation, accepted by the Baza Family, proclaiming July 2026 as "Recreation and Parks Month" in the City of Santa Maria.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Gwenever Cannon, Eileen Armijo, Esther Jensen, Stella Felix-Villarreal, Brandon Felix-Villarreal, Dena Rae Soares, Ed Carcarey, Jaime Flores, and Todd Ventura.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 11.a.1 through 11.f.1 (except 11.d.1) were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2026 -106, 2026-107, 2026-108, 2026-109, 2026-110, 2026-111, 2026- 112, 2026 -113, 2026 -114, 2026 -115, 2026 -116, 2026 -117, 2026 -118, 2026 -119, 2026 -120, 2026 -121, 2026-122, 2026-123, and 2026-124. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Mayor Patino announced that staff has requested to pull item 11.d.1.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
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 Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Waived the reading in full of all Ordinances and Resolutions.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Approved the Minutes of the regular City Council meeting of June 16, 2026.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
3 11.a.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Thorn Run Partners LLC for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-106.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution approving an agreement with Thorn Run Partners LLC for federal legislative advocacy services; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
11.b.1 Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-04, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 7.05-04 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code Concerning Catering Vehicles
Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2026-04.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Waived the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2026 -04, repealing and replacing Chapter 7.05-04 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code concerning Catering Vehicles.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.b.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Recommendation of Santa Maria Census Tracts for Opportunity Zones 2.0
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-107.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving the recommendation of Santa Maria Census tracts for Opportunity Zones 2.0.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.b.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Public Convenience or Necessity Determination for a Type 20 Alcohol Beverage Control License for Super Canasta at 2011 South Miller Street Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-108.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving a determination of public convenience or necessity for the issuance of a Type 20 (Off -Sale Beer and Wine) alcohol beverage control license for Super Canasta located at 2011 South Miller Street, Santa Maria, California.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4 11.b.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for Additional Funds to Complete the Remaining Environmental Analysis of the Package Delivery Warehouse Planned Development Permit (PD2
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-109.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for additional funds to complete the remaining environmental analysis required for the Package Delivery Warehouse Planned Development (PD2024-0003); and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute the amendment.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
11.c.1 Payment of Warrants
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
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 Soto
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.c.3 Adoption of a Resolution Establishing the City of Santa Maria’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 Appropriation Limit
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-110.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution establishing the City of Santa Maria’s Fiscal Year 2026 -27 appropriation limit.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.d POLICE DEPARTMENT
11.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application for the U.S.
Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Fiscal Year 2026 Technology and Equipment Program Grant
Staff pulled this item from consideration.
5 11.e PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
11.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with SZS Engineering Access, Inc. for the Americans with Disabilities Act Self- Evaluation and Transition Plan Update
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-111.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with SZS Engineering Access, Inc. for the Americans with Disabilities Act Self -Evaluation and Transition Plan Update, increasing the total not -to- exceed amount by $90,335 for a revised total of $690,070; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute Amendment No. 1 to agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Moore & Associates, Inc. for Transit Marketing, Communications, and Outreach Services for Santa Maria Regional Transit
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-112.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Moore & Associates, Inc. for Transit Marketing, Communications, and Outreach Services for Santa Maria Regional Transit, approving revision to Scope of Work and confirming contract term through Fiscal Year 2028-29; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute Amendment No. 1 to agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6 11.e.3 Adoption of Resolutions Awarding Professional Services Agreements for On-Call Right of Way Appraisal Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-113, 2026-114, and 2026-115.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Be nder Rosenthal, Inc. for On -Call Right -of-Way Appraisal Services with an aggregate not-to-exceed fee of $1,000,000 per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and a total aggregate not -to-exceed amount of $2,000,000 for the full term of the Agreement; and
2. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Curtis - Rosenthal, Inc. for On -Call Right -of-Way Appraisal Services with an aggregate not-to-exceed fee of $1,000,000 per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and a total aggregate not -to-exceed amount of $2,000,000 for the full term of the Agreement; and
3. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Hamner, Jewell & Associates for On -Call Right -of-Way Appraisal Services with an aggregate not-to-exceed fee of $1,000,000 pe r fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and a total aggregate not -to-exceed amount of $2,000,000 for the full term of the Agreement; and
4. Authorized City Manager, or designee, to execute agreements.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.e.4 Adoption of a Resolution Retroactively Authorizing the Emergency Procurement of Two Replacement HVAC Units in The Amount Of $28,099 For Fire Administration and Fire Station 5 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-116.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution retroactively authorizing the replacement of two HVAC units in the amount of $28,099 for Fire Administration and Fire Station 5; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute emergency procurements for staff s afety purposes using the adopted Unforeseen Facility Repairs account provided such procurements are within the scope of the definition of emergency procurements and are within the adopted budgeted account.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7 11.e.5 Adoption of Resolutions to Award Four Professional Services Agreements for On-Call Construction Stormwater Inspection Services
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-117, 2026-118, 2026-119, and 2026-120.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Omni Design, Inc. for On -Call Construction Stormwater Inspection Services with an aggregate not-to-exceed fee of $1,000,000 per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and a total aggregate not -to-exceed amount of $2,000,000 for the full term of the Agreement; and
2. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Tetra Tech, Inc. for On -Call Construction Stormwater Inspection Services with an aggregate not-to-exceed fee of $1,000,000 per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and a total aggregate not -to-exceed amount of $2,000,000 for the full term of the Agreement; and
3. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Trihydro for On-Call Construction Stormwater Inspection Services with an aggregate not -to- exceed fee of $1,000,000 per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and a total aggregate not -to-exceed amount of $2,000,000 for the full term of the Agreement; and
4. Adopted a Resolution awar ding a Professional Services Agreement to Wallace Group for On -Call Construction Stormwater Inspection Services with an aggregate not-to-exceed fee of $1,000,000 per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and a total aggregate not -to-exceed amount of $2,000 ,000 for the full term of the Agreement; and
5. Authorized City Manager, or designee, to execute agreements.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
8 11.e.6 Adoption of Resolutions to Award Three Professional Services Agreements for On-Call Geotechnical Engineering and Materials Testing Services Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-121, 2026-122, and 2026-123.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Achievement Engineering Corp. for On -Call Geotechnical Engineering and Materials Testing Services with an aggregate not-to-exceed fee of $1,000,000 per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and a total aggregate not -to-exceed amount of $2,000,000 for the full term of the Agreement; and
2. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to Earth Systems Pacific for On -Call Geotechnical Engineering and Materials Testing Services with an aggregate not-to-exceed fee of $1,000,000 per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and a total aggregate not -to-exceed amount of $2,000,000 for the full term of the Agreement; and
3. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to ENGEO Incorporated for On-Call Geotechnical Engineering and Materials Testing Services with an aggregate not-to-exceed fee of $1,000,000 per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), and a total aggregate not -to-exceed amount of $2,000,000 for the full term of the Agreement; and
4. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreements.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
11.f UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
11.f.1 Adoption of a Resolution Retroactively Approving Amendments to Agreement with Water Systems Consulting, Inc. for Hydraulic Model Updates
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-124.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
1. Adopted a Resolution retroactively approving amendments to Professional Services Agreement with Water Systems Consulting, Inc. for Hydraulic Model Updates; and
2. Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
9 12. APPOINTMENTS
12.a Annual Appointments to City Boards, Commissions, and Committees – July 2026 Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Mayor Patino
Block Grants Advisory Committee
The Mayor and each Councilmember considered appointments for a term of three years ending July 2029, to be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by Council.
Two new applications were received by Eva Avila and Hugo Rios.
Councilmember Batalla did not make an appointment.
Mayor Patino appointed Mackenzie Greeley. Mayor Pro Tem Flores appointed Jose Ramirez.
Councilmember Aguilera appointed Corrie Meals. Councilmember Soto appointed Eva Avila.
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)
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Downtown Revitalization Committee
The Mayor considered two appointments for a term of two years ending July 2028.
Mayor Patino appointed Recreation and Parks Commissioner Rebecca Carey and Planning Commissioner Esau Blanco.
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)
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Central Coast Commission for Seniors, Area Agency on Aging The Mayor considered one appointment for a term of two years ending July 2028.
Mayor Patino appointed Midge Nicosia.
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)
Moved by: Mayor Patino
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera
Library Board of Trustees
Mayor Patino considered one appointment for a term of three years ending July 2028.
Mayor Patino appointed Laura Selken.
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)
10 Measure U Citizens’ Oversight Committee
Councilmember Soto considered one appointment for an unexpired term ending January 2027.
Councilmember Soto did not make an appointment.
Motion carried unanimously
13. PUBLIC HEARING
13.a Adoption of a Resolution Declaring its Intent to Levy and Collect the 2026 – 2027 Landscape Assessments and Approval of the Engineer’s Reports
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-125.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Aguilera
Adopted a Resolution confirming the Engineer’s Reports, Assessment Diagrams, and Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 for the City of Santa Maria Landscape Maintenance Districts and Special Benefit Zones and Authorized the Levy and Collection of Assessments.
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 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Updated 2026 User Fee Schedule Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-126.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Adopted a Resolution approving the update of Citywide User Fees identified in the Annual User Fee Update and 2026 User Fee Schedule. Council provided direction to staff to retroactively utilize the new methodology for PD overtime billing rate calculation for special events to April 1, 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)
14. REGULAR BUSINESS
14.a Introduction of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 3-8B to the Santa Maria Municipal Code Imposing a Transactions and Use Tax
1. Waived first reading and introduce an ordinance adding Chapter 3 -8B imposing a transactions and use tax to be administered by the Department of Tax and Fee Administration; and
2. Set said Ordinance for adoption at the next regular City Council meeting. Although introduced and set for adoption, is subject to voter approval at the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election.
Motion carried unanimously
11 15. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands reported the next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Agenda items include a presentation on Businesses of the Quarter; a public hearing considering the introduction of an ordinance regarding th e Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay, consideration of a Resolution approving the General Fund Reserve Policy and Section 115 Trust, and a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for the Santa Maria Fairpark Authority.
Fire Chief Dandridge provided a short debrief on July 4th.
16. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Mayor Pro Tem Flores announced she attended the City Leadership hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, Santa Maria Speed Race, America's 250th Celebration, and assisted t he Japanese Community Center Site Visit with Congressman Salud Carbajal.
Councilmember Batalla shared he attended the Police Council Golf Tournament, Battle of the Badges Tournament hosted by the YMCA, and the America's 250th Celebration.
Councilmember Aguilera announced she attended the followiong: Juan Pacifico Ontiveros Elementary School Career Day, the Ribbon Cutting for the Japanese Community Center, City Leadership hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, North County EconAlliance Forum, Police Council Golf Tournament, and assisted the Japanese Community Center Site Visit with Congressman Salud Carbajal.
Councilmember Soto highlighted she attended the New Beginnings Luncheon and assisted the Japanese Community Center Site Visit with Congressman Salud Carbajal.
Mayor Patino reported she attended the following: 3CE Policy Board of Directors Meeting, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Board Meeting, Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation Board Meeting, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Di rectors Meeting, the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District Board of Directors Meeting, California Association of Councils of Governments Board Business Meeting, America's 250th Celebration, and assisted the Event hosted for Salud Carbajal at the Japanese Community Center.
17. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor