HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2025-01-28_11b Update on City Council Goals and PrioritiesItem 11.b.
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Matthew Downing, City Manager
BY: Aleah Bergam, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: Update on City Council Goals and Priorities
DATE: January 28, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive an update regarding progress made toward meeting the City Council’s Goals
and Priorities for Fiscal Years 2023-25 (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025).
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
There are no financial impacts associated with receipt of the update regarding progress
toward meeting the Goals and Priorities for FY 2023-25. Any fiscal impacts associated
with the implementation of Goals and Priorities will be analyzed at the time actio nable
items are brought to the City Council for consideration.
BACKGROUND:
Every two years, staff and the City Council prepare a Biennial Budget document, which
commits government resources and services to accomplish the City’s mission of making
Arroyo Grande the best place possible for everyone who lives, works, and visits here. As
part of the budgeting process, the City utilizes a thoughtful process to establish the City’s
focus and priorities, culminating in the City Council determining goals for the fo llowing
two-year period. These goals become the foundation upon which staff prepare the
Biennial Budget.
On March 2, 20231, the City Council considered and approved a list of Goals and Priorities
for FY 2023-25 to help direct the work of the City Council and staff during the biennial
budget cycle. The identified Goals and Priorities are outlined below. This report provides
an update regarding the City’s progress over the last year on completing the identified
Goals and Priorities for FY 2023-25. This also provides an opportunity for the public to
learn of the City’s progress and share input with the City Council on any of the Goals and
Priorities or for consideration of any additional direction to staff.
1 https://pub-arroyogrande.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=5588
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Item 11.b.
City Council
Update on City Council Goals and Priorities
January 28, 2025
Page 2
Major City Goals
The City Council has set four goals for the City for FY 2023-25.
Goal #1: Funding – Support a thriving community through fiscal responsibility, economic
development efforts, and additional and alternative revenue streams.
Strategies for the next two years:
Economic Development
Pursue Potential Revenue Measure
Evaluate Potential to Enable Cannabis Businesses within the City
Goal #2: Fire Services – Implement operational and fire emergency service delivery
improvements through the Five Cities Fire Authority, and complete the transition of
services to Oceano due to its exit from the Authority.
Strategies for the next two years:
Work with Regional Partners on Fire Services in 5 Cities
Funding for Fire Services
Goal #3: Infrastructure – Invest in and complete critical infrastructure projects throughout
the City through the strategic prioritization of projects based on available resources.
Strategies for the next two years:
Pursue Alternative Funding Sources for Infrastructure Needs
Work with Regional Partners on Infrastructure Projects
Prioritize Key Infrastructure Projects
Goal #4: General Plan Update – Prioritize and complete major work efforts for the
comprehensive General Plan update to provide a vision and framework for future
development within the city.
Strategies for the next two years:
Public Outreach
Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Justice Lens
General Plan Elements
Baseline Analysis of Existing and Future Business Needs
Climate Action Plan
Code Update
Environmental Impact Report
Objective Design Standards
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Item 11.b.
City Council
Update on City Council Goals and Priorities
January 28, 2025
Page 3
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
While each of the goals is large and complex, staff is pleased to report that substantial
progress has been made in many areas. Below is additional information and details of
each goal accompanied by major accomplishments toward meeting those goals.
Additional information regarding the status of work toward meeting the Goals and
Priorities is included in Attachment 1.
Review of Major City Goals
Goal #1: Funding
Strategy: Economic Development
The City has entered into a professional service agreement to conduct an
organizational assessment with an emphasis on Economic Development
Management Services. Staff anticipates bringing recommendations to City Council
in Spring regarding Economic Development Management Services.
Staff completed the process of fulfilling Surplus Land Act requirements for the
disposition and development of the City-owned site located at 400 W. Branch
Street.
Staff are currently working with regional partners on potential new events to drive
visitation during shoulder and winter months, as well as build destination
awareness.
Strategy: Pursue Revenue Measure
The City completed a robust public outreach and edu cation campaign to better
understand the community’s priorities and educate the community on the City’s
needs for the future.
The City Council determined to place a ballot measure to establish a one -cent
sales tax for 10 years on the November 2024 ballot.
At the November 5, 2024 election, Measure E-24 was approved by approximately
65% of voters, establishing a one-cent sales tax for 10 years, providing $6,000,000
annually for general government use.
Strategy: Evaluate Potential to Enable Cannabis Businesses within City
Staff met with individuals well-versed in cannabis regulations, taxation, and
opportunities to better understand the regulatory landscape and potential
opportunities to unlock additional revenue streams for the City.
Goal #2: Fire Services
Strategy: Work with Regional Partners on Fire Services in 5 Cities
Along with partners at the City of Grover Beach, staff worked to negotiate a
contract with the County of San Luis Obispo to provide fire service to the
community of Oceano.
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Item 11.b.
City Council
Update on City Council Goals and Priorities
January 28, 2025
Page 4
Staff worked with the Local Area Formation Commission to support the process
for the community of Oceano to divest its fire service responsibility in support of
the contract with the County of San Luis Obispo.
The contract with the County of San Luis Obispo to provide fire service to the
community of Oceano went into effect on January 1, 2025.
Strategy: Funding for Fire Services
Fire and EMS services were determined to be among the services to prioritize
through the potential revenue measure feasibility study.
Goal #3: Infrastructure
Strategy: Pursue Alternative Funding Sources for Infrastructure Needs
Staff worked with the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments for funding of the
Halcyon Road Complete Streets Project.
Staff applied for grant funding for improvements on East Branch Street near
Paulding Middle School and Huasna Road adjacent to Strother Park.
Staff continues to work with the federal Highway Bridge Program through Caltrans
Local Assistance to meet grant requirements to maintain adequate funding for the
Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project.
Infrastructure funding needs were determined to be among the services to
prioritize through the revenue measure feasibility study.
Strategy: Work with Regional Partners on Infrastructure Projects
Staff brought forward updated information regarding the status of the Central Coast
Blue (CCB) project costs.
Following City Council direction, staff worked with CCB member agencies and the
JPA to withdraw from the Cost Sharing Agreement.
Following City Council direction, staff worked with CCB member agencies to
maintain cooperative relationships for a potential future water resiliency project.
Staff continued to participate with NCMA partners on Management Agreement
Amendments.
Strategy: Prioritize Key Infrastructure Projects
Staff secured construction services and managed the successful completion of the
Swinging Bridge Retrofit Project on budget and ahead of schedule.
Staff coordinated a ribbon cutting for the community to celebrate the completion of
the Swinging Bridge Retrofit Project.
The City entered into a contract and completed the construction of concrete repair
work, including sidewalk repairs, throughout the city.
The City Council entered into a contract for the design phase of the Halcyon Road
Complete Streets Plan.
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Item 11.b.
City Council
Update on City Council Goals and Priorities
January 28, 2025
Page 5
Staff completed design and right-of-way work for the Traffic Way Bridge
Replacement Project.
The City completed the construction of the Public Safety Camera System Project.
The City entered into a contract and completed the construction of the Station 1
Apparatus Doors Replacement Project.
The City entered into contracts and completed street repair, including over four
miles of overlay and eight miles of slurry.
The project to replace the generator at Station 1 was completed.
The City entered into contracts for water main projects, completing the Fair Oaks
waterline replacement and initiating the Cornwall waterline replacement.
The City entered into a contract and completed sewer main lining, including a
critical section of sewer main under Highway 101.
Staff facilitated the installation of a modular building to support the demolition of
the previous Mark M. Millis Community Center building.
Staff and consultants developed a draft of the Active Transportation Plan,
anticipated for approval by the City Council in January 2025.
Roadway improvements on Tally Ho Road were completed and accepted by the
City Council.
Goal #4: General Plan Update (GPU)
Strategy: Public Outreach
On February 28, 2024, the City held its second community workshop for the GPU.
On July 2, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted a Study Session regarding
the citywide vision statement and guiding principles options.
On August 13, 2024, the City Council conducted a Study Session regarding the
citywide vision statement and guiding principles options.
On September 28, 2024, City staff held a pop-up event at the Harvest Festival for
the GPU.
In November 2024, the City sent out a mailer to all residents of Arroyo Grande to
fill out a community survey and gather input on land use scenarios for the GPU.
On November 9, 2024, City staff held a pop -up event at Soto Sports Complex
during the annual soccer tournament to gather input on land use scenarios for the
GPU.
Strategy: General Plan Elements
Staff managed the consultant to begin the development of draft General Plan
Elements.
The City Council adopted an Ordinance updating the City’s Municipal Code to
implement the Housing Element.
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Item 11.b.
City Council
Update on City Council Goals and Priorities
January 28, 2025
Page 6
Other Administrative Accomplishments
In addition to making substantial progress on the City Council’s goals, staff has made
noteworthy progress in other administrative areas, including:
The City Council supported the County of San Luis Obispo rejoining the Integrated
Waste Management Authority through the approval of the Second Amended and
Restated Joint Powers Agreement.
The City Council authorized additional use of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
in support of 63 affordable housing units at 700 Oak Park Boulevard.
City staff secured grant funding for traffic safety programs, including DUI
enforcement, and alcoholic beverage sales education and enforcement.
The City received a $10,000 grant from the Integrated Waste Management
Authority to install water filling stations at three City locations.
The City Council adopted new regulations regarding Formula Businesses.
Appropriated $300,000 in American Rescue Recovery Act (ARPA) Funds for
Homeless Support Services.
The City Council adopted the Corbett Canyon Stream Restoration Conditional Use
Permit and the Arroyo Grande Creek Stream Gauge Conditional Use Permit.
The City Council adopted several new public art projects and updated public art
regulations, guidelines, and donation program requirements.
During the Council Chamber Audio/Video System Upgrade Project, staff
implemented automated production equipment and terminated the service
agreement with the City’s previous production company.
City staff produced four quarterly citywide newsletters providing the public with
more information about City operations, projects, and opportunities to connect.
City staff launched a mobile application, “My AG,” to help facilita te easier access
to information on the City’s website and provide timely information through push
notifications.
Staff managed the installation of a programmable tree lighting system for the
Village Gateway Redwood Tree, developed a lighting schedule that honors various
holidays, community pride, and local heroes, and coordinated a public tree lighting
event.
Updated the User Fees, Development Impact Fees (DIF), and Cost Allocation
Plan, as well as, updated the DIF ordinance.
Updated the City’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures and Municipal Code.
Updated the City’s Reserve Fund Balance Policy.
City received GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and CSMFO
Meritorious Operating Budget Award for FY 2023-25.
The City updated Accessory Dwelling Unit regu lations in compliance with State
law.
The City conducted the 2024 General Municipal Election.
Staff worked with community members for the approval and painting of the Rancho
Hoops basketball court painting project.
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Item 11.b.
City Council
Update on City Council Goals and Priorities
January 28, 2025
Page 7
Staff worked with partner agencies to app rove an updated MOU for the Regional
Special Weapons and Tactics Team.
Staff developed a City Seal, City Logo, and Police Badge Policy.
Staff updated the Ticket Distribution Policy in accordance with FPPC guidelines.
Staff participated in a comprehensive Risk Management Evaluation to conduct an
inventory and identify potential liability, workers’ compensation, and property loss
exposures.
Staff conducted 10 recruitments and successfully onboarded 18 new employees.
Staff completed digitization of all personnel records creating greater records
efficiencies and eliminating the need for physical storage.
FY 2025-27 Council Goal Development
On December 9, 2024, a Community Priorities Survey was published. This four-question
online survey was posted on the City website and promoted on social media channels.
The survey was open for one month and closed on January 15th. The survey allowed
community members to provide input regarding their thoughts on what the top priorities
should be for the City over the next 2 -3 years. The survey included a combination of
multiple choice and short response questions. There was a total of 259 respondents.
Staff is currently analyzing the results of the survey in preparation for the Februa ry 10,
2025, City Council Goal Setting Workshop and is providing the priorities identified by over
20% of respondents for Council review in anticipation of a more detailed overview of the
results at the Goal Setting Workshop.
Table 1: Top Community Priorities Identified by 20% of Community Respondents
Responses
Response
Percentage
Maintain and Repair Streets and Sidewalks 126 48.65%
Economic Vitality/Thriving Economy 73 28.19%
Public Safety 68 26.25%
Community Events/Recreation Activities 55 21.24%
Fiscal Sustainability 55 21.24%
Water Resiliency (Securing sustainable water sources) 52 20.08%
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Receive an update regarding progress toward the Goals and Priorities for FY 2023-
25; or
2. Provide other direction to staff.
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Item 11.b.
City Council
Update on City Council Goals and Priorities
January 28, 2025
Page 8
ADVANTAGES:
Receiving the status report on the Goals and Priorities for FY 2023-25 provides an update
to the City Council and the public on the City’s efforts toward completing and
accomplishing a number of vital work efforts.
DISADVANTAGES:
There are no disadvantages at this time.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Goals and Priorities for FY 2023-25 Status Update
Page 458 of 462
GoalStrategyTask/ActionCarryover Action or New Responsible Department Anticipated to Start Completion Target UpdateFunding 1. 1 Economic Development 1.1a Evaluate Economic Development Management ServicesNewCMO1Q FY2023-24 3Q FY 2024-25 In Progress1.1b Obtain Economic Development Management ServicesNewCMO3Q FY 2023-24 4Q FY 2024-25 Not started1.1c Support Modifications to the AGTBID NewCMO/CA/Rec/LISIn Progress 2Q FY 2023-24 Completed1.1c.i. Transition Administration to City staffNewCMO/Rec/PWIn Progress 1Q FY 2023-24 Completed1.1c.ii. Complete Modifications to AGTBID Bylaws and Advisory Board StructureNewCMO/CA/LISIn Progress 2Q FY 2023-24 Completed1.1d 400 W. Branch Disposition and Development AgreementNewCMO/CA/CDIn Progress 2Q FY 2024-25 In Progress1.1e Complete Transition of Temporary Parklets to Permanent Parklets CarryoverCD/PWIn Progress 1Q FY2023-24 Completed1.1f Develop 1-3 Special Events that drive visitation during shoulder and winter months and build destination awareness NewRecIn Progress 2Q FY 2024-25 In Progress1.2 Pursue Revenue Measure1.2a Issue an RFP for a consultant to develop a survey and outreach strategy to communityNewCMO/LIS1Q FY2023-24 1Q FY2023-24 Completed1.2b Award contract with consultant to develop a survey and outreach strategy to communityNewCMO/LIS1Q FY2023-24 1Q FY2023-24 Completed1.2c Conduct public outreach to the community to communicate need for additional revenue, including facilitation of a Citizen CommitteeCarryoverCMO/LIS1Q FY2023-24 1Q FY 2024-25 Completed1.2d Bring Revenue ballot measure to Council for considerationCarryoverCMO/AS/LIS3Q FY 2023-24 4Q FY 2023-24 Completed1.3 Evaluate Potential to Enable Cannabis Businesses within City1.3a Conduct study session with the City Council regarding potential cannabis ordinanceCarryoverCD/CA/CMO3Q FY 2023-24 4Q FY 2024-25 Not started1.3b Prepare and adopt cannabis ordinance, if directed by the City CouncilNewCD/CA/CMO3Q FY 2023-24 4Q FY 2024-25 Not started1.3c Evaluate feasibility of a Cannabis TaxNewCD/AS/CA/CMO3Q FY 2023-24 4Q FY 2024-25 In ProgressFire Services2.1 Work with Regional Partners on Fire Services in 5 Cities 2.1a Pursue potential contract with the County to serve OceanoNewFire/CMO3Q FY 2023-24 4Q FY 2023-24 Completed2.2 Funding for Fire Services 2.2a Consider including Public Safety in proposed Revenue measure NewCMO/AS/LIS3Q FY 2023-24 4Q FY 2023-24 CompletedInfrastructure3.1 Pursue Alternative Funding Sources for Infrastructure Needs3.1a Consider Community partnership for Mark M. Millis Community Center constructionCarryoverCMO/Rec/PWIn progress 4Q FY 2024-25 In Progress3.1b Include infrastructure in new Revenue Measure plans and outreach CarryoverAS/CMO/LIS/ PW/CD 1Q FY 2023-24 4Q FY 2024-25 CompletedCouncil Goal's Work PlanAttachment 2Attachment 1Page 459 of 462
Goal Strategy Task/Action Carryover Action or New Responsible Department Anticipated to Start Completion Target UpdateCouncil Goal's Work Plan3.1c Collect FEMA reimbursement for January - March 2023 storm damageNew AS In progress 3Q FY 2024-25 In Progress3.1d Pursue Grant applications and administration for infrastructure projectsCarryover PW/CD/AS In progress Ongoing In Progress3.2 Work with Regional Partners on Infrastructure Projects3.2a Support ongoing development and financing of Central Coast Blue projectCarryover CMO/AS/PW In Progress 2Q FY 2024-25Project Stopped Due to Council Direction3.2b NCMA Management Agreement Amendments New PW 3Q FY 2023-24 Ongoing In ProgressPage 460 of 462
GoalStrategyTask/ActionCarryover Action or New Responsible Department Anticipated to Start Completion Target UpdateCouncil Goal's Work Plan3.3 Prioritize Key Infrastructure Projects3.3a Traffic Way Bridge CarryoverCD/PWIn progress 2Q FY 2025-26 In Progress3.3a.i. Traffic Way Bridge DesignCarryoverCD/PWIn progress 4Q FY 2023-24 Completed3.3a.ii. Traffic Way Bridge ROWCarryoverCD/PWCompleted 1Q FY 2024-25 Completed3.3a.iii. Traffic Way Bridge ConstructionCarryoverCD/PW3Q FY 2024-25 2Q FY 2025-26 In Progress3.3b Swinging Bridge RehabilitationCarryoverCD/PWCompleted 2Q FY 2024-25 Completed3.3b.i. Swinging Bridge Rehabilitation NEPACarryoverCD/PWCompleted 3Q FY 2023-24 Completed3.3bii Swinging Bridge Rehabilitation Bid for ConstructionCarryoverCD/PWCompleted 3Q FY 2023-24 Completed3.3b.iii. Swinging Bridge ConstructionNewCD/PWCompleted 2Q FY 2024-25 Completed3.3c Halcyon Complete Streets NewCD/PWIn Progress3.3c.i. Halcyon Complete Streets DesignNewCD/PW1Q FY 2024-25 1Q FY 2024-25 In Progress3.3c.ii. Halcyon Complete Streets ROW acquisitionNewCD/PW1Q FY 2023-24 1Q FY 2024-25 Not started3.3c.iii. Halcyon Complete Streets ConstructionNewCD/PW1Q FY 2024-25 2Q FY 2025-26 Not started3.3d ATP DevelopmentNewCD/PWIn Progress 3Q FY 2024-25 In Progress3.3d.i. Award ATP Contract to ConsultantNewCD/PWCompleted 4Q FY 2022-23 Completed3.3d.ii. Final Approval of ATP by CouncilNewCD/PW3Q FY 2024-25 3Q FY 2024-25In Progress3.3e 2022 Pavement Management Program ConstructionNewCD/PW1Q FY 2023-24 2Q FY 2023-24 Completed3.3f 2024 Pavement Management Program DesignNewCD/PW2Q FY 2023-24 1Q FY 2024-25 Completed3.3g 2024 Pavement Management Program ConstructionNewCD/PW4Q FY 2023-24 3Q FY 2024-25 In Progress3.3h Community Safety Camera NetworkCarryoverPolice/CDIn Progress 4Q FY 2023-24 Completed3.3i Replacement Generator at Station 1NewCD/PW/FireCompleted 4Q FY 2023-24 CompletedInfrastructure (continued)Infrastructure (continued)Page 461 of 462
Goal Strategy Task/Action Carryover Action or New Responsible Department Anticipated to Start Completion Target UpdateCouncil Goal's Work Plan3.3j Lift Station 3 New CD/PW Completed 1Q FY 2024-25 Completed3.3k AG Creek Remediation (Debris removal and bank stabilization) New CD/PW 4Q FY 2022-23 4Q FY 2023-24 Completed3.3l Concrete Repair Program New CD/PW 1Q FY 2024-25 4Q FY 2024-25 In Progress3.3m Concept plan/design for new Mark M. Millis Community Center BuildingNew CD/PW/Rec 1Q FY 2023-24 3Q FY 2024-25 In Progress3.3n CMP Lining New CD/PW 1Q FY 2024-25 Ongoing Not started4.1 Public Outreach 4.1a Plan and Host a Kick-Off Meeting with Community New CD/LIS 1Q FY 2023-24 1Q FY 2023-24 Completed4.2 Diversity Equity Iinclusivity Justice Lens4.2a Management of DEIJ consultant New CD In Progress Ongoing In Progress4.3 General Plan ElementsNew CD 2Q FY 2023-24 3Q FY 2024-25 In Progress4.4 Baseline Analysis of Existing and Future Business Needs4.4a Survey Local Businesses Carryover Action CD 1Q FY 2023-24 3Q FY 2024-25 In Progress4.4b Conduct a Retail Market Analysis New CD 1Q FY 2023-24 3Q FY 2024-25 Not started4.5 Climate Action PlanNew CD 2Q FY 2023-24 3Q FY 2025-26 In Progress4.6 Code Update 4.6a Bring code changes to Planning Commission for approval New CD 3Q FY 2025-26 3Q FY 2025-26 Not started4.6b Bring draft Ordinance of code revision update to Council New CD 4Q FY 2025-26 4Q FY 2025-26 Not started4.7 EIR 4.7a Complete draft EIR New CD 1Q FY 2024-25 3Q FY 2024-25 Not started4.7b Complete final EIR New CD 3Q FY 2024-25 4Q FY 2024-25 Not started4.8 Objective Design StandardsCarryover CD/CA 1Q FY 2023-24 4Q FY 2024-25 In ProgressCMO City Manager's OfficeASAdministrative ServicesLISLegislative and Information ServicesPD Police DepartmentPW Public WorksRec Recreation ServicesFire Five Cities Fire AuthorityCDCommunity DevelopmentGeneral Plan UpdateKeyPage 462 of 462