HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2025-09-091 Item 9.a.
ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
September 9, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Hybrid City Council Chamber/Virtual Zoom Meeting
215 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
Council Members Present: Mayor Caren Ray Russom, Council Member
Jim Guthrie, Council Member Jamie
Maraviglia, Council Member Aileen Loe
Council Members Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Kate Secrest
Staff Present: City Clerk Jessica Matson, City Attorney Isaac
Rosen, City Manager Matthew Downing,
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director
Bill Robeson, Recreation Services Director
Sheridan Bohlken, Administrative Services
Director Nicole Valentine, City Engineer
Shannon Sweeney, Chief of Police David
Culver, Fire Chief Scott Hallett
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format.
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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. Mayor Pro Tem Secrest was absent.
3.MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4.FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.
5.AGENDA REVIEW
5.a Closed Session Announcements
City Attorney Rosen announced that the Council met in closed session on August 26, 2025, and
there was no reportable action.
5.b Ordinances read in title only
2 Item 9.a.
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Council Member Maraviglia
AYES (4): Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Maraviglia, Council Member Loe, and Council
Member Guthrie
ABSENT (1): Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
Passed (4 to 0)
6.SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a Honorary Proclamation Recognizing September 15-October 15, 2025 as "National
Hispanic Heritage Month"
Mayor Ray Russom presented a Proclamation recognizing September 15-October 15, 2025 as
"National Hispanic Heritage Month." Demitrio Morales-Salazar, Vice President of Latino
Outreach Council, accepted the Proclamation.
No action was taken on this Item.
6.b City Manager Communications
City Manager Downing provided the public with updates on a potential scam regarding
contaminated water and assured the community that Arroyo Grande city water is safe to drink;
provided updates on Sheriff's Family Day on Saturday; FCFA supporting Madre and Gifford
Fires, an industrial accident in Guadalupe, See Canyon Fire, and currently the Garnet Fire in
Dinkey Creek, and all stations remaining fully staffed; recruitments for Police Trainee and
Firefighter; first survey regarding communications through FlashVote will take place in the
coming week; final SLO County Band performance at Rancho Grande Park on Thursday,
September 11; and Summer Concert Series taking place this Sunday through September 21.
City Manager Downing responded to questions from Council.
No action was taken on this item.
7.CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
None.
8.COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
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. There were none.
Mayor Ray Russom declared a conflict of interest on Item 9.f. due to owning a vacation rental, and
requested the Item be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
3 Item 9.a.
Moved by Council Member Maraviglia
Seconded by Council Member Guthrie
Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.i., with the exception of item 9.f., with the recommended
courses of action.
AYES (4): Council Member Maraviglia, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Loe and Mayor Ray
Russom
ABSENT (1): Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
Passed (4 to 0)
9.a Approval of Minutes
Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 26, 2025, as submitted.
9.b Cash Disbursement Ratification
Reviewed and ratified the attached listing of cash disbursements for the period of August 1
through August 15, 2025.
9.c Statement of Investment Deposits for July 2025
Received and filed the attached report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande
as of July 31, 2025, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b).
9.d Opting into Settlement Agreements with Manufacturers of Opioids, National Opioid
Settlement
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO THE NATIONAL
OPIOID SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH OPIOID MANUFACTURERS, ALVOGEN, INC.,
AMNEAL PHARMACEUTICALS INC., APOTEX CORP., HIKMA PHARMACEUTICALS USA,
INC., INDIVIOR INC., MYLAN, SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES, INC., AND ZYDUS
PHARMACEUTICALS (USA), INC."; and
2)Found that adopting the Resolution opting-into the settlement agreements is not a project
subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because the adoption in itself 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.)
9.e Adopt Ordinance Amending Various Sections of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of
the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code
1) Adopted an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING SECTIONS 2.08.030, 2.16.020, 2.17.040, 2.30.020,
2.30.030, AND 2.34.010 OF TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL) OF THE
ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE"; and
4 Item 9.a.
2)Found that the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the
environment. (State CEQA Guidelines section 15060, subd. (c)(2); 15061(b)(3)).
9.g Amendments to Bylaws for the Architectural Review Committee and Planning
Commission
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING THE BYLAWS FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMITTEE";
2) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING THE BYLAWS FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION"; and
3)Found that adopting the Resolutions amending bylaws is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it will not result in a direct or reasonably
foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines section
15060, subd. (c)(2); 15061(b)(3)).
9.h Partial Vacation of a Sewer Easement and Acceptance of a Grant of a Sewer Easement
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE ORDERING THE PARTIAL VACATION OF A SEWER EASEMENT AND
ACCEPTING A GRANT OF A SEWER EASEMENT ON JAMES WAY"; and
2)Found that the action 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.) or, alternatively, that it is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section
15061(b)(3) (the “common sense exemption”).
9.i Purchase of a 2020 Caterpillar 308 Excavator with Attachment Hardware and Freight
1) Approved the purchase of a 2020 Caterpillar 308 excavator with Masticator, Flail Mower,
Hydraulic Thumb, 36” Digging Bucket, 24” Digging Bucket, and Freight;
2) Awarded the purchase contract to Holt of California;
3) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT TO
HOLT OF CALIFORNIA CATERPILLAR"; and
4)Determined that approving this purchase is exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act (“CEQA”) under a Class 1 Categorical Exemption, Existing Facilities (CEQA Guidelines §
15301), that consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or
minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment or
topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.
5 Item 9.a.
9.f Amended Tourism Business Improvement District Budget for FY 2025-26
Moved by Council Member Maraviglia
Seconded by Council Member Guthrie
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING THE REVISED FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET FOR THE
ARROYO GRANDE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT"; and
2)Found that adopting a Resolution to amend the AGTBID budget is not subject to the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because these efforts have no potential to result
in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State
CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060 (c)(2) and (3), 15378).
AYES (3): Council Member Maraviglia, Council Member Guthrie, and Council Member Loe
ABSENT (2): Mayor Ray Russom, and Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
Passed (3 to 0)
10.PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
11.BUSINESS ITEMS
11.a Soto Sports Complex Master Plan and Pickleball Multi-Use Court Request Discussion
Mayor Ray Russom addressed the public regarding process and decorum.
City Manager Downing provided some background on the Item. Recreation Services Director
Bohlken presented the Item. Director Bohlken, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director
Robeson, and City Manager Downing responded to questions from Council.
Council discussion ensued regarding reprioritization of the Master Plan process to add a project
due to community demand; parking and restroom needs at the Soto Sports Complex; a
temporary solution for adding pickleball courts; and accelerating the Master Plan timeframe.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Kris Hickey, Helen
Jacobsen, John Quinn, Adam Hoffman, Leslie Caswood, Nancy Allison, Susan Ritchie, Ronnie
Glick, Bob Redloe, Mike Firman, Dan Evangeles, Katie McNeal, William Ashley, Diane Rodge,
Peter Jacobsen, Robert, Rich Toskey, Jennifer Jarvis, Anita Smith, Fred Katche, Diane Brand,
Judy Cecceti, Michelle Adam, Colleen Thompson, Trish Wilson, Steve Polock, Adriane Ashley,
Josh Undesser, Shad Anderson. No further public comments were received.
Director Bohlken and City Manager Downing responded to questions from the public.
Council discussion ensued regarding the Complex parking lots and their evaluation during the
Master Plan process; cost of a new court; and analyzing data regarding courts reservations.
Further Council discussion ensued regarding the transition of a tennis court into a multi-use
court and its feasibility; concerns with the effects of adding parking at Elm Street Park on the
6 Item 9.a.
residents in the high-density area around the park; prioritizing building restroom facilities and a
permanent building for Recreation Services; completing the Master Plan in-house and
identifying 5-6 priorities; the need more data regarding the use of the courts and what the larger
community wants at the Complex
Council Member Guthrie requested that the item regarding pickleball courts be taken as a
separate vote from the Soto Sports Complex Master Plan.
Council Member Loe made a motion to provide direction on the Master Plan to include option
(a) for Community Engagement; option (c) for Recreation Facilities; options (a) through (e) for
Infrastructure with an asterisk on the parking option stating parking will not be expanded;
include Connectivity; and Find that the requested direction and proposed actions are exempt
from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), including under the Class 1 exemption,
which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor
alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features
where the project involves negligible or no expansion of existing or former use (State CEQA
Guidelines, § 15301); and alternatively, that the Soto Sports Master Plan discussion 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.) Council Member
Maraviglia seconded the motion.
Council discussed the motion. Council Member Loe clarified the motion stating option (c) for
Recreation Facilities only pertains to a building structure for the Recreation Services
Department; Council Member Maraviglia's second held. City Manager Downing provided
clarification regarding Master Plan engagement.
Council discussion ensued regarding use of the recreation facility and potential partnerships
with other community organizations. City Manager Downing and Director Bohlken responded to
questions from Council.
City Attorney Rosen clarified the motion. Council Member Loe modified the motion to provide
direction on the Master Plan to include option (a) for Community Engagement; option (c) for
Recreation Facilities; options (a) through (e) for Infrastructure; include Connectivity; and Find
that the requested direction and proposed actions are exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”), including under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to the operation,
repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures,
facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible
or no expansion of existing or former use (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301); and alternatively,
that the Soto Sports Master Plan discussion 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.) Council Member Maraviglia's second held.
7 Item 9.a.
AYES (2): Council Member Loe, and Council Member Maraviglia
NOES (2): Council Member Guthrie, and Mayor Ray Russom
ABSENT (1): Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
Failed (2 to 2)
Council Member Guthrie made a motion to direct staff to convert one of the tennis courts to be
exclusively for pickleball and find that the requested direction and proposed actions are exempt
from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). Council Member Loe seconded the
motion. Council Member Loe requested the motion be modified to state one tennis court would
be converted to create four exclusively pickleball courts. Council Member Guthrie concurred.
AYES (2): Council Member Guthrie, and Council Member Loe
NOES (2): Council Member Maraviglia, and Mayor Ray Russom
ABSENT (1): Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
Failed (2 to 2)
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Council Member Maraviglia
1)Direct Staff to proceed with the Soto Sports Complex Master Plan with option (a) for
Community Engagement to include targeted outreach to locals, neighbors and AG residents;
option (b) for Recreation Facilities but not include a community survey, have it staff-proposed
with City’s fiscal considerations and restraints, and staff may identify a community partner, but if
not, proceed without a partner; options (a)-(e) changing option (b) to say "optimize parking and
access improvements;" and include Connectivity; and
2)Find that the requested direction and proposed actions are exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), including under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to
the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing
structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features where the project involves
negligible or no expansion of existing or former use (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301); and
alternatively, that the Soto Sports Master Plan discussion 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 (4): Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Maraviglia, Council Member Guthrie, and
Council Member Loe
ABSENT (1): Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
Passed (4 to 0)
8 Item 9.a.
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Council Member Maraviglia
Direct staff to defer conversion of two tennis courts at Soto Sports Complex into pickleball
courts until survey data and community input establishes clear priorities for tennis and
pickleball.
AYES (3): Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Maraviglia, and Council Member Guthrie
NOES (1): Council Member Loe
ABSENT (1): Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
Passed (3 to 1)
12.COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Loe commented on SLO RTA’s modified bus service to Marian Hospital; and that the
Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) meeting on September 15th will include an item
regarding the Desalination Plan. Council Member Guthrie commented on the September 21st Summer
Concert having a raffle benefitting the Harvest Festival.
13.CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rosen announced that the City Council will recess to a closed session for the following:
a)CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
(Paragraph (2) 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
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 9:10 pm.
14.RECONVENE
City Council returned to open session at 9:58 p.m. City Attorney Rosen announced there was no
reportable action.
The announcement will be repeated at the beginning of the next Regular City Council meeting as this
portion of the meeting was not recorded.
15.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the
meeting at 9:59 p.m.
9 Item 9.a.
_________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Jessica Matson, City Clerk