1 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA October 8, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
110 East Cook Street
Santa Maria
Roll Call: Councilmember Richard Batalla, Councilmember Gloria Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores, Mayor Alice Patino
Members Absent: Councilmember Maribel Aguilera
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, and Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz
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1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Patino called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. PRESENTATIONS
2.a Proclamation Proclaiming October 4 through 10, 2026, as “Fire Prevention Week” The City Council presented a Proclamation to Jim Austin, Santa Maria Fire Marshall, proclaiming the week of October 4 through 10, 2026, as “Fire Prevention Week” in the City of Santa Maria.
2.b Proclamation Proclaiming the month of October 2026 as “Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month”
The City Council presented a Proclamation to Joselyn Nicanor, Santa Maria Shelter Lead Advocate, proclaiming the month of October as “Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month” in the City of Santa Maria.
2.c Proclamation Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments
The City Council presented a Proclamation to Marjie Kirn, Executive Director of Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, commemorating the “60th Anniversary of the Santa Barbara County of Association of Governments” in the City of Santa Maria.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Not to exceed 15 Minutes)
Mayor Patino invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Cliff Solomon, Sofia Navarro, Gary Hall, Celest Mendoza, Patricia Solorio, Teresa Suarez, Adam Pacheco, Michelle Ambriz, Armando Santiago, Sergio Castillo, and Reynaldo Rodriguez.
Written public comment was received from Danny Mogg, Mike Ashmore, Fernanda Ambriz, Grace Ambriz, Michelle Ambriz, Maria Garcia, Marisol Olivera, Sofia Estrada Navarro, and Shirlee Heitman. 2 4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent Calendar Items 4.a.1 through 4.d.2 were approved as presented, including the adoption of Resolution Nos. 2026-210, 2026-211, 2026-212, 2026-213, 2026-214, and 2026-215. Items 4.a.3 and
4.a.4 were pulled for a separate vote and discussion by Councilmember Soto. The recorded vote appears with each item below.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Adopted the Consent Calendar as submitted.
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)
4.a CITY MANAGER/CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
4.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.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4.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 September 15, 2026.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4.a.3 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Wage and Benefits Package for the Non-Represented Management and Confidential Employees and Increase City’s Contribution to Health Benefits Premiums
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-210.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing and approving a Wage and Benefits Package for the Non-Represented Management, and Confidential Employees to effect a cost of living base salary adjustment of two percent (2%) for certain classifications, and increase the City’s contribution to the health benefits premiums in 2027; and
2. Authorized the Mayor to execute the terms of the Resolution.
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)
3 4.a.4 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Wage and Benefits Package for the Public Safety Managers Increase to City’s Contribution to Health Benefits Premiums Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-211.
Moved by: Councilmember Soto
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Adopted a Resolution authorizing and approving a Wage and Benefits Package for the Public Safety Managers employee group’s increase the City’s contribution to the health benefits premiums in 2027; and
2. Authorized the Mayor to execute the terms of the Resolution.
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)
4.a.5 Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Amended and Restated Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule, effective October 17, 2026
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-212.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Adopted a Resolution approving a Comprehensive Schematic Pay Schedule, effective October 17, 2026, to implement pay changes to select employees in the Non-Represented Management and Confidential employee group.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4.b FINANCE DEPARTMENT
4.b.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
4.b.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
4 4.c FIRE DEPARTMENT
4.c.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Donation of One Fire Engine (E101) to the City of Guadalupe
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-213.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Adopted a Resolution declaring the City of Santa Maria’s Fire Engine 101 to be surplus equipment and authorize the donation of the engine to the City of Guadalupe.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4.d PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
4.d.1 Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement and a budget amendment for MOVE Santa Barbara County to Implement the City’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-214.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Adopted a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement and approves a budget amendment for MOVE Santa Barbara County to implement the City’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Education and Outreach Program; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
4.d.2 Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Submission of an Application to the California Department of Transportation for the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Funding for the Active Transportation Plan Update
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-215.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to submit an application to the California Department of Transportation for the Fiscal Year 2027–28 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant to update the City’s Active Transportation Plan for a proposed $677,750 project, including a $600,000 grant request and a $77,750 City cash match.
Motion carried by a recorded vote
5 5. PUBLIC HEARING
5.a Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Urban Water Management Plan 2025 Update, Water Shortage Contingency Plan 2026 Update, and Rescinding the City’s Stage 2 Water Shortage Condition and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section 8-10.33 of the Santa Mayor Patino opened the public hearing. As there were no requests to speak, she subsequently closed the public hearing.
Action: Adopted as Resolution No. 2026-216 and Ordinance No. 2026-10.
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Gloria Flores
Seconded by: Councilmember Richard Batalla
1. Conducted a Public Hearing for the Urban Water Management Plan 2025 Update and Water Shortage Contingency Plan 2026 Update; and
2. Adopted a Resolution adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Update and Amended Water Shortage Contingency Plan 2026 Update and Rescinded the City’s Stage 2 Water Shortage Condition; and
3. Authorized the City Manager or designee to submit and file the 2025 Update to the Urban Water Management Plan with the California Department of Water Resources, in accordance with Assembly Bill 797; and
4. Waived first reading and introduced an Ordinance amending Section 8-10.33, Water Waste:
Outdoor Water Use Restrictions of Title 8 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code; and
5. Set said Ordinance for adoption at the next regular City Council Meeting.
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. REPORT BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Rowlands reported on the conclusion of the four town hall meetings regarding Measure C2026, which had a combined attendance of 35 residents. He stated that the meetings provided an opportunity to explain the proposed tax, with exemptions on food, prescription medications, hygiene products, and its potential impact on overall quality-of-life improvements. He concluded by commending City staff for their efforts in organizing and conducting the meetings. 6 7. ORAL REPORTS OF COUNCILMEMBERS AND OFFICERS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS) Councilmember Aguilera - Absent.
Councilmember Batalla shared that he attended the 54th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, 2026 Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Gala, and the Concert with a Cause event.
Councilmember Soto stated she attended the 2026 Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Gala.
Mayor Pro Tem Flores reported attending the 54th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, 2026 Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Gala, recognition of community members at Downtown Fridays, Santa Maria Barbecue Festival, Concert with a Cause event, League of California Cities Annual Conference, Airport Forum, Allan Hancock College Forum, and Scouting America event.
Mayor Patino announced she attended the following: Landlord-Tenant Question and Answer Workshop, 54th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board Meeting, 2026 Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Gala, State Route 135 Community Focus Group, recognition of community members at Downtown Fridays, Santa Maria Barbecue Festival, Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation Board Meeting, 19th Annual Cruzin’ for Life Car Show, Mayor’s Youth Task Force meetings, California Association of Councils of Governments Board Meeting, 56th Annual Maintenance Superintendents Conference, Local Agency Formation Commission Meeting, Pacific Christian’s 3rd Annual Project Rescue Fundraiser, grand opening of Sourdough & Co., and Filipino American History Month Celebration.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Patino declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
Chief Deputy City Clerk Alice M. Patino, Mayor