COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Donna G. Schwartz, Chief Deputy City Clerk
DATE: August 4, 2026
SUBJECT: Appointment to the Block Grants Advisory Committee
Description:
The City Council will consider making an appointment to the Block Grants Advisory Committee.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Block Grants Advisory Committee
Councilmember Batalla will have the opportunity to make one nomination for an unexpired term ending July 2029, appointed by the Mayor, and confirmed by Council.
Applicant: Nomination to be made by:
Cynthia Gudino Councilmember Batalla
Incumbent – Not Appointed
Isaias Berumen
Esther Acosta
BACKGROUND:
Attendance
Members of the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees serve an important role in advising staff and the City Council on matters that affect policy and issues that affect the future of the community; therefore, Members’ attendance is key to the work these Boards, Commissions, and Committees perform. Members serve in their capacity as Members at the pleasure of the City Council pursuant to Santa Maria Municipal Code (SMMC) Section 2-16.02. As established by SMMC 2 -16.01, Members are required to attend meetings regularly and not miss 25 percent of the regular meeti ngs in a calendar year, or they would be deemed to have resigned upon acceptance by the City Council. While the Municipal Code focuses on the Planning Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, Board of Appeals, and Library Board, it is the expectation t hat all City 2 Boards and Committee Members participate and attend meetings in the same manner as those Boards, Commissions, and Committees defined in the Municipal Code.
DISCUSSION:
Members of the Block Grants Advisory Committee are required by the Political Reform Act (Govt. Code Section 81000 -91014), and the City’s Conflict of Interest Code, to file Statements of Economic Interest, Form 700, disclosing personal assets and income within 30 days of appointment, annually thereafter, and upon leaving o ffice. Committee Members must also disqualify themselves from participating in decisions which may affect their personal economic interests. Statements of Economic Interests are public documents and may be inspected by any member of the public and copied i f requested.
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is the State agency which interprets the law’s provisions.
Copy of the application may be obtained from the City Clerk's office upon request.
Alternative(s)
A Councilmember could decide to withh old their nomination to a Board, Commission, or Committee until such time as additional applications could be received or there is sufficient opportunity for the Councilmember to make contact with the existing applicant(s) to be considered for nomination.
Impact on the Community
Having members of the public serve on the City’s Advisory Bodies provides a positive impact to the community, enabling the City to obtain input from all segments of the community and ensures that the community receives information regarding the activities of the City’s Boards, Committees, and Commissions.