HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2025-11-25
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ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
November 25, 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, 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, Administrative Services Director
Nicole Valentine, Community Development
Director Brian Pedrotti, Police Chief David
Culver, Fire Chief Scott Hallett, Planning
Manager Andrew Perez, City Engineer
Shannon Sweeney
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.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Ray Russom requested to move Item 10.a. and 10.b. to after Item 12. Council Communications.
Council concurred.
5.a Closed Session Announcements
None.
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5.b Ordinances read in title only
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Council Member Maraviglia
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, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Guthrie, Council
Member Maraviglia, and Council Member Loe
Passed (5 to 0)
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a Introduction and Oath of Office - Officer Roberto Pulido
Chief of Police Culver introduced Officer Robert Pulido and highlighted his educational and
professional background. City Clerk Matson administered the Oath of Office. A badge pinning
followed.
No action was taken on this item.
6.b City Manager Communications
City Manager Downing provided updates on Operation Holiday Cheer, a Tractor-Drawn Aerial
Ladder Training for FCFA, the city receiving the Government Finance Officers Association
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the launch of a refreshed website and ADA tools, and
results from the first FlashVote survey.
No action was taken on this item.
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
The City Council provided brief reports from the following committee, commission, board, or other
subcommittee meetings that they attended as the City’s appointed representative.
7.a MAYOR RAY RUSSOM:
1. Audit Committee
2. California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA)
3. Five Cities Fire Authority JPA Board
4. San Luis Obispo County Mayor's Meeting
5. South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD)
6. Other
7.b MAYOR PRO TEM SECREST:
1. Air Pollution Control District (APCD)
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2. Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC)
3. South County Chambers of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee
4. Other
7.c COUNCIL MEMBER GUTHRIE:
1. Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE) Policy Board
2. Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA)
3. REACH Economic Development Roundtable
4. Other
7.d COUNCIL MEMBER MARAVIGLIA:
1. Five Cities Fire Authority JPA Board
2. Visit SLO CAL Advisory Board
3. SLO CAL Summit
4. REACH Economic Development Roundtable
7.e COUNCIL MEMBER LOE:
1. Council of Governments/Regional Transit Authority (SLOCOG/SLORTA)
2. County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC)
3. Zone 3 Water Advisory Board
4. Other
8. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Donna Evenson, and Judy
Ceccetti. No further public comments were received.
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director responded to questions from the public and Council.
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.
City Manager Downing responded to questions from Council regarding Item 9.d.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Garry Schmidt. No further
public comments were received.
Moved by Council Member Loe
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.h., with the recommended courses of action.
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AYES (5): Council Member Loe, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member
Maraviglia, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
9.a Approval of Minutes
Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 28, 2025, as submitted.
9.b Cash Disbursement Ratification
Reviewed and ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period of October 1 through
October 31, 2025.
9.c Statement of Investment Deposits for September 2025
Received and filed the report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande as of
September 30, 2025, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b).
9.d FlashVote Survey Results – City Communications
Received and filed a presentation on the first FlashVote Survey results regarding City
Communications.
9.e Street Closures for Holiday Parade and Jingle Bell Dash on December 7, 2025
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING STREET CLOSURES FOR THE HOLIDAY PARADE AND
JINGLE BELL DASH TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 7, 2025, AND FINDING THE ACTION
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)"; and
2) Found the action exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15304(e) of the CEQA Guidelines.
The authorization of the Holiday Parade and Jingle Bell Dash and closure of City streets is
categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 4
exemption, which applies to minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water,
and/or vegetation where the project does not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees
except for forestry and agricultural purposes. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15304.) The Class 4
exemption applies to this project because it involves a minor temporary use of land having
negligible or no permanent effects on the environment. Specifically, the project involves an
eight-hour closure of certain streets and parade involving negligible to no permanent effects on
the environment. None of the exceptions found in State CEQA Guidelines 15300.2 apply.
9.f Monthly Water Supply and Demand Update
Received and filed the Monthly Water Supply and Demand Update.
9.g Resolution to Accept Verizon’s Withdrawal of an Appeal of Conditional Use Permit CUP
23-006 for a Telecommunications Facility at 789 Valley Road
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE TO ACCEPT THE WITHDRAWAL OF AN APPEAL OF CONDITIONAL
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USE PERMIT CUP 23-006 FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY AT 789 VALLEY
ROAD"; and
2) Found that the action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”) because acceptance of Verizon’s withdrawal request 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.h General Plan Update Progress Report – November 2025
Received and filed a progress report on the Comprehensive General Plan Update.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.a Amendments to Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Regarding Urban Lot Splits
and Two-Unit Developments
This item was heard out of order.
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest presided.
Planning Manager Perez presented the Item and responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public was No Name
Provided. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest closed the public
hearing. Planning Manager Perez responded to questions from the public.
Moved by Council Member Maraviglia
Seconded by Council Member Loe
1) Introduce an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING SECTIONS 16.20.180 AND 16.32.060 OF THE ARROYO
GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING URBAN LOT SPLITS AND TWO-UNIT
DEVELOPMENTS"; and
2) Find that the Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change
in the environment (State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) and 15061(b)(3)).
AYES (4): Council Member Maraviglia, Council Member Loe, Council Member Guthrie, and
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
ABSENT (1): Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (4 to 0)
10.b Amendments to Title 16 Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory
Dwelling Units
Planning Manager Perez presented the Item and responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest opened the public hearing. Upon hearing no public comments, Mayor
Pro Tem Secrest closed the public hearing.
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Moved by Council Member Guthrie
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
1) Introduce an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING SECTION 16.52.150 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17"; and
2) Find that the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from review under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Public Resources Code § 21080.17.
AYES (4): Council Member Guthrie, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Maraviglia, and
Council Member Loe
ABSENT (1): Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (4 to 0)
10.c Amendments to Title 8 and 15 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code and Adopting by
Reference the 2025 California Building Standard Code and Uniform Code
This Item was heard before Item 10 a.
Community Development Director Pedrotti presented the Item. Fire Chief Hallett responded to
questions from Council.
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 Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
1) Adopt an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING PROVISIONS IN TITLES 8 AND 15 OF THE ARROYO
GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA
BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24),
INCLUDING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA
BUILDING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA
MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE
CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, 2025
CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 WILDLAND-URBAN
INTERFACE CODE, AND THE 1997 UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS AND 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
CODE"; and
2) Find that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed action may
have a significant adverse effect on the environment, since the Ordinance merely adopts
updated building and safety standards. The adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Sections
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15060(c)(2) and 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. The adoption of the Ordinance will not
result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change in the environment; and the activity
is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for
causing a significant effect on the environment.
AYES (5): Council Member Guthrie, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Maraviglia,
Council Member Loe, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
10.d Introduction of Ordinance Granting to Phillips 66 Pipeline, LLC, a Pipeline Franchise
Agreement
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Robeson presented the Item and responded to
questions from Council. City Attorney Rosen responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Upon hearing no public comments, Mayor Ray
Russom closed the public hearing.
Renee Flores, and David Aguero, Phillips 66 Operations Manager, responded to questions from
Council.
Moved by Council Member Maraviglia
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Secrest
1) Introduce an Ordinance entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE GRANTING TO PHILLIPS 66, LLC A PIPELINE FRANCHISE
AGREEMENT TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN PIPELINE FOR THE
TRANSPORT OF OIL, AND OTHER SPECIFIED MATERIAL, IN THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE” with an addition to the Franchise Agreement that the City be notified should the
pipeline be activated for transportation purposes; and
2) Find that adoption of the proposed Ordinance granting Phillips 66, a pipeline franchise 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. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.)
AYES (5): Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest, Council Member Guthrie, and
Council Member Loe, Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
11. BUSINESS ITEMS
11.a Appropriate Water Enterprise Funds and Authorize an Interfund Loan from the General
Fund to the Water Enterprise Fund
City Manager Downing introduced the Item and provided information regarding the current
Lopez Litigation. Administrative Services Director Valentine presented the Item. Director
Valentine, City Manager Downing, and City Clerk Matson responded to questions from Council.
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Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Judy Ceccetti, and
Donna. No further public comments were received. City Manager Downing responded to
questions from the public.
Council discussion ensued regarding concerns with using LAIF market rate and requested staff
look at a different rate for the payback to the General Fund.
Moved by Council Member Loe
Seconded by Council Member Guthrie
1) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING A LOAN IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,430,000
FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE WATER FUND";
2) Appropriate $1,430,000 from Water Enterprise Fund to pay the County of San Luis Obispo
Flood Control Zone 3 Contract Water Billing for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Costs; and
3) Find that adoption of the Resolution 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 Loe, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Maraviglia, Mayor
Pro Tem Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Loe highlighted the General Plan Update workshop in December and expressed
gratitude for all City staff and to community members who get involved.
Mayor Pro Tem Secrest congratulated staff for the Budget Award and the launch of the refreshed City
website.
Mayor Ray Russom declared a conflict of interest on Item 10.a. due to a historic resource designation
on her residence; and declared a conflict of interest on Item 10.b. due to owning an ADU.
Mayor Ray Russom called for a brief break at 7:51 p.m. and left the meeting. The Council reconvened
at 7:58 p.m.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Pro Tem Secrest adjourned the
meeting at 8:30 pm.
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_________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Jessica Matson, City Clerk