HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2025-02-10 SP
ACTION MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
February 10, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
The Agrarian Hotel Conference Room
325 E Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Council Members Present: Mayor Caren Ray Russom, Mayor Pro Tem
Kate Secrest, Council Member Jim Guthrie,
Council Member Aileen Loe, Council Member
Jamie Maraviglia
Staff Present: City Clerk Jessica Matson, City Attorney Isaac
Rosen, City Manager Matthew Downing,
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director
Bill Robeson, Administrative Services Director
Nicole Valentine, Fire Chief Scott Hallett,
Recreation Services Director Sheridan
Bohlken, Human Resources Officer Ashley
Garcia, Community Development Director
Brian Pedrotti, Police Chief Michael Martinez,
Management Analyst Aleah Bergam
This meeting was conducted in-person.
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ray Russom called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Matson took roll call.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.
4. CITY COUNCIL GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP
Facilitator, Nancy Hetrick with Raftelis welcomed the City Council and staff and facilitated the goal-
setting workshop including the following topics:
1
Financial Forecasts and Budget Outlook
Update on Major Infrastructure Investment underway
Community Survey Results Summary
Priority Projects and Actions
Human Resources Officer Ashley Garcia presented results from the online Community Priorities Survey
and responded to questions from Council along with City Manager Downing.
Council took a brief break from 9:56 a.m. to 10:06 a.m.
Council discussion continued regarding pavement and infrastructure, long-term water resilience,
transportation planning and circulation, the General Plan Update, economic development, open space
and recreational amenities, affordable housing and homeless services, community events,
organizational capacity, funding, and community engagement and communication. Priority themes were
identified as follows: infrastructure and resilience, economic development and vitality, quality of life
including emergency preparedness, and organizational effectiveness.
Staff responded to questions from Council.
Further discussion ensued regarding community engagement, and implementation of Measure E funds.
Facilitator Nancy Hetrick identified items to come back to for further discussion at another time
including transportation planning; regional partnerships related to transportation, emergency
preparation, and water; and public comment time allotment.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Following Council discussion, the Council developed the following 5 Council Goals for FY 2025-27,
which will come back to City Council for formal adoption at a regular meeting:
1. Complete the General Plan Update
2. Redevelop East Grand Ave Corridor (Halcyon to Elm)
3. Pursue Revenue Sources
4. Infrastructure/Roads and Sidewalks Maintenance
5. Water Resilience (ballot measure in 2026)
City Manager Downing explained the process and next steps which includes staff bringing back a
Council Goals item as part of the FY 2023-25 Budget process for Council consideration and adoption.
No action was taken on this item.
5. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the
meeting at 1:02 p.m.
2
_________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Jessica Matson, City Clerk
3