HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2025-02-25_09c Approval of Minutes
1 Item 9.c.
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:
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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.
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_________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Jessica Matson, City Clerk
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ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
February 11, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Hybrid City Council Chamber/Virtual Zoom Meeting
215 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
Council Members Present: Mayor Caren Ray Russom, Mayor Pro Tem
Kate Secrest, Council Member Jim Guthrie,
Council Member Jamie Maraviglia, Council
Member Aileen Loe
Staff Present: City Clerk Jessica Matson, City Attorney Isaac
Rosen, City Manager Matthew Downing,
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director
Bill Robeson, Community Development
Director Brian Pedrotti, Planning Manager
Andrew Perez, City Engineer Shannon
Sweeney
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format.
CLOSED SESSION MEETING 5:00 P.M.:
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Matson took roll call. Mayor Ray Russom was absent.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest led the flag salute.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest invited public comment. No public comments were received.
5. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rosen announced that the City Council will recess to a closed session for the following and
will report any reportable action at the City Council Regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.:
a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION:
(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code § 54956.9)
Name of Case: San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper, et. al v. County of San Luis Obispo, U.S. District Court Central
District of California (Western Division – Los Angeles), Case No. 2:24-cv-06854-SPG-AS
City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.
6. ADJOURNMENT
City Council adjourned Closed Session at 5:54 p.m.
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REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M.
_ __________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ray Russom called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Matson took roll call.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Members of Webelos Den, Cub Scout Pack 13, led the Flag Salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
5.a Closed Session Announcements
City Manager Downing announced that, during the following meeting, the City Council voted to
create an ad hoc committee comprised of Mayor Ray Russom and Council Member Loe to
advise on the litigation's impact on Arroyo Grande:
February 11, 2025
a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION:
(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code § 54956.9)
Name of Case: San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper, et. al v. County of San Luis Obispo, U.S. District
Court Central District of California (Western Division – Los Angeles), Case No. 2:24-cv-06854-
SPG-AS
5.b Ordinances read in title only
Move that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read by title only and all further
readings be waived.
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Council Member Guthrie
Move that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read by title only and all further
readings be waived.
AYES (5): Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Maraviglia, Council
Member Loe, and Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
Passed (5 to 0)
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a Recognition of Outgoing City Commissioners, Committee and Board Members
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Mayor Ray Russom recognized outgoing City Commissioners, Committee and Board Members
Bruce Berlin, Alex Creswell, Daryl Cope, and Greg Dutson for their time and service to the City.
6.b Mayor’s Commendation Honoring Toni Pelletier
Mayor Ray Russom read and presented a Mayor's Commendation honoring Toni Pelletier.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
6.c City Manager Communications
City Manager Downing reported regarding the upcoming storm system and the availability of
sand at the City's Corporation Yard and the City's storm preparation; Meet the Machines event
on February 22nd; and the success of the Santa Cop program which served over 2,000
individuals.
No action was taken on this item.
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
None.
Reports are made during the second Council Meeting each month.
8. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Alexandria Davis. No
further public comments were received. Mayor Ray Russom responded to questions from the public.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Ray Russom asked the Council if there were any questions or any items to be pulled from the
consent agenda for further discussion. Council Member Loe made comments on Item 9.c. regarding a
technical clarification in the minutes. Council Member Guthrie concurred.
Council Member Loe made comments on 9.f. and requested the item be pulled for separate
consideration. Community Development Director Pedrotti responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were No Name Provided, and
Joni Benakovich. No further public comments were received.
Community Development Director Pedrotti responded to questions from Council regarding Item 9.f.,
and explained the process.
Moved by Council Member Guthrie
Seconded by Council Member Maraviglia
Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a., 9.b., 9.d., 9.e. and 9.g. with the recommended courses of action;
and Item 9.c. as modified.
AYES (5): Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Maraviglia, Council Member Loe, Mayor Pro Tem
Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom
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Passed (5 to 0)
9.a Cash Disbursement Ratification
Reviewed and ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period of January 1 through
January 15, 2025.
9.b Statement of Investment Deposits for December 2024
Received and filed the report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande as of
December 31, 2024, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b).
9.c Approval of Minutes
Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 28, 2025, as modified.
9.d Appointments to Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board and
Architectural Review Committee
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE APPOINTING TRICIA KESSELRING TO THE TOURISM BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AND MIKE HARRIS TO THE
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE AND FINDING THAT THIS ACTION IS EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT"; and
2) Determined that approving the appointments to the Tourism Business Improvement District
Advisory Board and the Architectural Review Committee is not a project subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or
reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines,
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)-(3), 15378.).
9.e Traffic Way Bridge Compensatory Mitigation Memorandum of Understanding
Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MEMORANDUM
OF UNDERSTANDING (“MOU”) WITH THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF THE SAN LUIS
OBISPO COUNTY (“LAND CONSERVANCY”) TO CONTRIBUTE FUNDS TO SUPPORT
LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE OF THE BLACK LAKE ECOLOGICAL AREA AS
ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION FOR THE TRAFFIC WAY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
PROJECT".
9.g Amendments to Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Regarding Wireless
Telecommunication Facilities
1) Adopted an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF AND ADDING CHAPTER
16.70 TO THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT"; and
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2) Found that the “project” is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3), 15378 and in the alternative,
State CEQA Guidelines sections 15301, 15302, 15303 and 15304.
9.f Summary Vacation of a Public Equestrian Easement on Ridgeview Way
Council discussion ensued regarding Item 9.f., the vacation of easements, and a possible
survey to evaluate use of the equestrian path.
Moved by Council Member Guthrie
Seconded by Council Member Maraviglia
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE ORDERING SUMMARY VACATION OF A PUBLIC EQUESTRIAN
EASEMENT AT 710 WHITE COURT, 711 WHITE COURT, 151 RIDGEVIEW WAY, AND 250
RIDGEVIEW WAY AND FINDING THAT THIS ACTION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT" ; and
2) Found that the action is not a project under CEQA or, alternatively, that it is exempt from
CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) (“common sense exemption”).
AYES (4): Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, and
Mayor Ray Russom
NOES (1): Council Member Loe
Passed (4 to 1)
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.a Final Approval of Community Development Block Grant Projects for Year 2025
Planning Manager Perez presented the item.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Upon hearing no public comments, Mayor Ray
Russom closed the public hearing.
Moved by Council Member Guthrie
Seconded by Council Member Loe
1) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS FOR
YEAR 2025"; and
2) Find that the preliminary approval of projects is exempt from CEQA, pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15061 subd. (b)(3).
AYES (5): Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Loe, Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor
Pro Tem Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
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10.b Authorization of a Lease Agreement for City Property; Location – 138 E. Branch Street
Mayor Ray Russom called for a brief break at 6:43 p.m. The Council reconvened at 6:45 p.m.
Community Development Director Pedrotti noted the supplemental information and presented
the item.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Upon hearing no public comments, Mayor Ray
Russom closed the public hearing.
Moved by Council Member Maraviglia
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
1) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A NEW LEASE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AND GINA’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT" as amended; and
2) Determine that the authorization of a lease agreement for the right-of-way adjacent to 138 E.
Branch Street is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”)
because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect,
physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)-(3),
15378).
AYES (5): Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Loe, Council
Member Guthrie, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
11. BUSINESS ITEMS
11.a Pre-Application for a New Hotel at 400 W. Branch Street
Planning Manager Perez presented the item.
Mayor Ray Russom explained the process for project pre-applications.
Planning Manager Perez responded to questions from Council. Assistant City Manager/Public
Works Director Robeson provided a history of the project as well as benefits to the City, and
responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Edwin Fitchner, Nick
DePew, Vincent Bozanich, Lori Wooldridge, Christian Cubel, Jennifer Silva, Lynn Wooldridge,
Judy Ceccetti, Barbara Harmon, and Joni Benakovich. No further comments were received.
Mayor Ray Russom called for a brief break at 7:45 p.m. for technical reasons. The Council
reconvened at 7:51 p.m.
Tom Bergerson, Project Architect, made statements regarding the project, responded to
comments from the public, and commented on upcoming community meetings.
Planning Manager Perez and Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Robeson
responded to questions from Council.
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Mayor Ray Russom explained next steps in the process.
Council discussion ensued regarding parking, traffic analysis, pedestrian access, a tie-in to
Village architecture, inclusion of public art, and the project process.
No action was taken on this item.
12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Ray Russom commented on the upcoming Meet the Machines event.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the
meeting at 8:38pm.
_________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Jessica Matson, City Clerk
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