1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA September 1, 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, and 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, 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, Assistant City Clerk Alexandra Valadez, and Transit Manager Gamaliel Anguiano.
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1. INVOCATION
Pastor Justin Jacobs from the Bridge Central Coast Church gave the Invocation.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a Proclamation proclaiming the month of September as “Library Card Sign-up Month” The City Council presented a Proclamation, accepted by Charlene Baczkiewciz, proclaiming September 2026 as "Library Card Sign-up Month" in the City of Santa Maria.
4.b Proclamation proclaiming the month of September as “National Preparedness Month” The City Council presented a Proclamation, accepted by Emergency Services Specialist Roy Dugger, proclaiming September 2026 as "National Preparedness Month" in the City of Santa Maria.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Gary Hall, Gwenever Cannon, and Geoffrey Wheeler.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 6.a.1 through 6.e.6 (except 6.a.3) were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2026-183, 2026-184, 2026-185, 2026-186, 2026-187, 2026-188, 2026-189, 2026-190, and 2026-191 and Ordinance Nos. 2026-06, 2026-07, and 2026-08.
Item 6.a.3 was pulled for a separate vote by Councilmember Soto.
The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
2 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)
6.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
6.a.1 Ordinances and Resolutions
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Waived the reading in full of all Ordinances and Resolutions.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.a.2 Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Approved the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of August 4, 2026, and the Special City Council meeting of August 12, 2026.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.a.3 Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-09 Amending the Santa Maria Municipal Code Increasing City Council Salaries
Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2026-09.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Waived second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2026-09, Amending Chapter 2-2, “City Council Salaries,” Section 2-2.02, “Salaries Designated” of the Santa Maria Municipal Code, increasing City Council salaries by $341.31 per month.
Ayes (4): Councilmember Aguilera, Councilmember Richard Batalla, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, and Mayor Patino
Noes (1): Councilmember Soto
Motion carried by a recorded vote (4 to 1)
6.b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
6.b.1 Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-06 amending Title 12 – Zoning, to Establish a “Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay District”, Adding Related Definitions, and Amending the Official Zoning Map of the City
Action: Adopted as Ordinance No. 2026-06.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Waived second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2026-06, amending Title 12 – Zoning, to establish a “Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay District”, adding related definitions, and amending the official zoning map of the City.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
3 6.b.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Alta Planning + Design for Closeout of the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan Update
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-183.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Alta Planning + Design for completion of responses to public comments received throughout the final phases of the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan Update Project; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the amendment to the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.b.3 Adoption of Ordinance Nos. 2026-07 and 2026-08 Amending Various Sections of Title 12 - Zoning, Relating to Child Day Care Centers, Non-Taxable Merchandise Limitations, Transitional and Supportive Housing, Density Bonus, and Accessory Dwelling Units Action: Adopted as Ordinance Nos. 2026-07 and 2026-08.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Waived second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2026-07, amending various sections of Title 12 - Zoning of the Santa Maria Municipal Code relating to Child Day Care Centers, Non-Taxable Merchandise Limitations, Transitional and Supportive Housing and Density Bonus; and
2. Waived second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2026-08, amending Title 12 - Zoning, Chapter 12-56, "Accessory Dwelling Units" of the City of Santa Maria Municipal Code.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.c FINANCE DEPARTMENT
6.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
6.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.c.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with InfoSend, Inc. for Utility Billing Printing and Mailing Services
4 Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-184.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving an agreement with InfoSend, Inc. for utility bill data processing, printing, and mailing services; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.d POLICE DEPARTMENT
6.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application for the 2026 U.S.
Department of Justice Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program Grant Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-185.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the submission of an application for the 2026 U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program grant; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or designee to submit the grant application.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.e PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
6.e.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Proposed Establishment of All-Way Stop Control at the Intersection of West Stowell Road and Black Road
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-186.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution establishing an All-Way Stop control at the intersection of West Stowell Road and Black Road.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.e.2 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Proposed Establishment of Limited Time Parking Zone on East Mill Street
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-187.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
Adopted a Resolution establishing a limited time parking zone on East Mill Street.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.e.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with NCE for the PA&ED – Active Santa Maria Safe Routes to School Corridor Improvement Project
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-188.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
5 1. Adopted a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chtd. for the Project Approval and Environmental Document – Active Santa Maria Safe Routes to School Corridor Improvement Project, and increasing the total not-to-exceed amount by $25,000 for a revised total of $514,270 and extending the agreement term by 15 months; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.e.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with PG&E Electric Vehicle Fleet Electrification Program for the Transit Center
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-189.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving an agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to participate in the PG&E Electric Vehicle Fleet Electrification Program at the Transit Center; and
2. Authorized the Finance Director to amend the Transit Enterprise Fund budget to reflect the receipt of program incentive and rebate revenues; and
3. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute agreement, letter of commitment, and all documents necessary to implement the program.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.e.5 Adoption of a Resolution Rescinding Resolution No. 2026-69 and Approving a Cooperative Agreement with the County of Santa Barbara for Bus Stop Amenities Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-190.
Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution rescinding Resolution No. 2026-69 and approving a Cooperative Agreement with the County of Santa Barbara for the Orcutt and Tanglewood Transit Stop Furniture Improvements Project and authorizing the acceptance of revised funding in the amount of $109,265; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute agreement and accept the revised funding amount of $109,265; and
3. Authorized the Amendment to City’s adopted FY 2026-27 Transit Budget to reflect these added funds and expenditure for Bus Stop Improvements; and
4. Approved exercising contract options for the purchase of fourteen benches and five bus shelters from Tolar Manufacturing Company, Inc., utilizing the California Association for Coordinated Transportation / Morongo Basin Transit Authority purchasing consortium Contract No. 21-01, as originally intended.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
6.e.6 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Job Order Contract Agreement with Newton Construction & Management for the Santa Maria Transit Center Roofing and Display Panels Project
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-191.
6 Moved by: Councilmember Aguilera
Seconded by: Councilmember Soto
1. Adopted a Resolution approving a Sourcewell Job Order Contract Agreement work order with Newton Construction & Management for the Santa Maria Transit Center Display Panels and Roofing Project in the amount of $220,576; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
7. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands reported that four town hall meetings will be held to provide educational information regarding Measure C2026 and to answer questions from community residents. The meetings will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates and at the following locations:
Monday, September 14, at Grogan Community Center; Monday, September 21, at Edwards Community Center; Monday, September 28, at Minami Community Center; and Monday, October 5, at Shephard Hall. Spanish interpretation will be available at each meeting.
8. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Mayor Pro Tem Flores announced she attended the Town Hall Meeting hosted by Councilmember Batalla, Day of Hope Event, and the CommUnify Policy and Council Recognition Meeting.
Councilmember Batalla reported he hosted a Town Hall Meeting, and attended the Day in the Park Event, the Boys and Girls Club BBQ, and the Santa Maria Police Department Community Academy.
Councilmember Aguilera noted she attended the Grand Opening for Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Navigation Center and the 13th Annual Day of Hope Event.
Councilmember Soto stated she attended the Cook Street Apartment Development Meeting, the City Council Special Closed Session Meeting, Affordable Housing Meeting with Santa Barbara County, the Grand Opening for Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Navigation Center, and the 13th Annual Day of Hope Event.
Mayor Patino shared she attended the following: Santa Barbara County Local Agency Formation Commission Meeting, Cal Cities Virtual Roundtable Impacts of SB 357 and City Responses Meeting, Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting, the North County Subregional Planning Commission Meeting, the City Council Special Closed Session Meeting, YMCA Social, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors Meeting, Air Pollution Control District Board Meeting, the Grand Opening for Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Navigation Center, the Day of Hope Car Show, the California Women for Agriculture Meeting, the Unity Shoppe Focus Group, and the Santa Maria Natural History Museum 30th Anniversary.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor