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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes 2026-04-14 ACTION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL April 14, 2026, 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 Jamie Maraviglia, Council Member Jim Guthrie, Council Member Kate Secrest, 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 This meeting was conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format. _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ray Russom called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:01 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. to after Item 10.b. 5.a Closed Session Announcements None. 5.b Ordinances read in title only 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, Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Secrest, and Council Member Loe CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2026 PAGE 2 2 Passed (5 to 0) 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 6.a Honorary Proclamation Declaring April 2026 as "National Sexual Assault Awareness Month" Mayor Ray Russom presented a Proclamation declaring April 2026 as "National Sexual Assault Awareness Month". Michael Boyer, Lumina Alliance Board Member, accepted the Proclamation. No action was taken on this Item. 6.b Honorary Proclamation Declaring April 24, 2026 as "Arbor Day" Mayor Ray Russom presented a Proclamation declaring April 24, 2026 as "Arbor Day". Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Robeson and Recreation Services Director Bohlken accepted the Proclamation. No action was taken on this Item. 6.c City Manager Communications City Manager Downing provided updates regarding construction projects around the city including the completion of sidewalk deficiency work; Huasna Road crosswalk project; E. Branch Street Streetscape Project Phase II; completion of Sunset and Elm Street sidewalk gap and bulbout work; and design for street repairs on Woodland Drive and Virginia Street is underway. City Manager Downing responded to questions from Council. No action was taken on this item. 6.c.1 Mayor's Commendation Recognizing the Recreation Services Department Mayor Ray Russom presented a Mayor's Commendation to the Recreation Services Department for their achievement as a two-time winner in The Tribune’s Best of the Central Coast contest, earning honors for Best Place to Work in the Services Category and Best Summer Camp in the Education Category. Recreation Services Director Bohlken accepted the Commendation. 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 was Patty Welsh, Paul Masters, and Judy Ceccetti. No further public comments were received. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2026 PAGE 3 3 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. Mayor Ray Russom declared a conflict of interest for Item 9.d. due to owning a vacation rental. Council pulled Items 9.d. and 9.f. for separate consideration. Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received. Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia Seconded by Council Member Secrest Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.h., with the exception of items 9.d. and 9.f. with the recommended courses of action. AYES (5): Mayor Ray Russom, Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Secrest, and Council Member Loe Passed (5 to 0) 9.a Approval of Minutes Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 24, 2026, as submitted. 9.b Cash Disbursement Ratification Reviewed and ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period of March 1 through March 15, 2026. 9.c Statement of Investment Deposits for February 2026 Received and filed the report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande as of February 28, 2026, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b). 9.e Senate Bill 1 Projects for Fiscal Year 2026-27 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1"; and 2) Authorized the Director of Administrative Services to submit the Resolution to the California Transportation Commission (CTC); and 3) Made findings that adopting the Resolution 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.g Appointment to the Planning Commission CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2026 PAGE 4 4 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPOINTING CORY HANH TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION"; and 2) Determined that approving the appointments to the Planning Commission 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.h Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code to Implement Housing Element Programs A. 1-2 and A. 10-2 1) Adopted an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAMS A.1-2 AND A.10-2 BY AMENDING CHAPTER 16.36 RELATING TO ALLOWED RESIDENTIAL USES AND RESIDENTIAL DENSITY IN MIXED USE ZONES"; and 2) Found that the Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.085; 9.d Tourism Business Improvement District Annual Assessment Report, Preliminary FY 2026- 27 Budget and Resolution of Intention to Levy Mayor Ray Russom left the meeting at 6:28 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia presided. Recreation Services Director Bohlken responded to questions from Council. Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia invited public comment. No public comments were received. Mayor Ray Russom returned to the meeting at 6:34 p.m. Moved by Council Member Guthrie Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia 1) Approved Annual Assessment Report and Preliminary FY 2026-27 Budget and directed staff to consider consolidation of infrastructure and public art beautification items in the next Fiscal Year budget; 2) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO CONTINUE THE ARROYO GRANDE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, TO CONTINUE THE BASIS FOR AND TO LEVY THE ASSESSMENTS FOR THE DISTRICT, AND TO SET A DATE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DISTRICT AND THE ASSESSMENT FOR THE 2026-27 FISCAL YEAR"; and 3) Set the date for a public hearing for April 28, 2026, in accordance with Streets and Highways Code Section 36534; and 4) Found that the recommended actions are 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). CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2026 PAGE 5 5 AYES (4): Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Secrest, and Council Member Loe ABSENT (1): Mayor Ray Russom Passed (4 to 0) 9.f Red Curb Adjustments, Huasna Road Staff responded to questions from Council. Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received. Council discussion ensued regarding pedestrian safety. Staff provided information regarding the bulb-out and other measures put in place to allow for more visibility and pedestrian protection. Moved by Council Member Guthrie Seconded by Council Member Secrest 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING THE ADDITION OF 15 FEET AND REMOVAL OF 77 FEET OF RESTRICTED PARKING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF HUASNA ROAD JUST WEST OF ROSEWOOD LANE"; and 2) Determined that the action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 1 exemption because it is a minor alteration of an existing structure that involves negligible or no expansion of the existing use and no exceptions to the Class 1 exemption apply. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301.) AYES (3): Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Guthrie, and Council Member Secrest NOES (2): Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia, and Council Member Loe Passed (3 to 2) 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS 10.a Supplemental Report for Rescheduled Appeal Case 26-002;Appeal of Planning Commission Approval of Conditional Use Permit 25-001;Location–1271&1281 James Way; Appellants–Pismo Medical Properties LLC, Arroyo Grande Partners LLC, Ray B Bunnell Revocable Trust This Item was heard after Item 10.b. Mayor Ray Russom declared a conflict of interest due to her spouse's employment with the architecture firm for the project, and left the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia presided. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2026 PAGE 6 6 Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia called for a brief break at 7:25 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:34 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia asked Council if there were any ex parte communications regarding the Item. Council Member Secrest disclosed ex parte communications in District 1. Council Member Loe disclosed ex parte communications in District 2. Council Member Guthrie disclosed ex parte communications in District 4. Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia disclosed ex parte communications in District 3. Interim Community Development Director Perez presented the Item and responded to questions from Council. City Attorney Rosen and Best Best & Krieger Attorney Hannah Park responded to questions from Council. Fire Chief Hallett responded to questions from Council. Edwin Rambuski, appellant's legal counsel, presented and responded to questions from Council. City Attorney Rosen responded to questions from Council. Scott Martin, RRM and applicant's representative; and applicant, Russ Sheppel; and David Wolff, David Wolff Environmental, presented. Chris Guillen, applicant's legal counsel; Darryl Nelson, Associated Transportation Engineers; Mr. Sheppel; and Mr. Martin responded to questions from Council. City Attorney Rosen, City Manager Downing, and Interim Community Development Director Perez responded to questions from Council. Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia opened the public hearing. City Attorney Rosen commented on the process. Speaking from the public were Thomas Ferro, No Name Provided, Robert Brandt, No Name Provided, Mary Beth Starzel, Vazic Azadesian, Marilyn Morris, Joel Schein, No Name Provided, Jim Christensen, Arjury, Lori Rellana, Paul Masters, Kristian Magnussen, Kate Corella, Melissa Boggs, Catherine, Larry, Dana Allen, Charlie Diaberte, Linda Somers Smith, Amir Sayid, Lara Nelson, Ann Kepper, and Victor Pomo. City Attorney Rosen addressed the commenters. At 10:43 p.m., Council Member Guthrie made a motion to extend the meeting past 11:00 p.m. Council Member Loe seconded and Council unanimously agreed to extend the meeting past 11:00 p.m. Public comment continued. Speaking from the public were No Name Provided, No Name Provided, Troy Hoffman, Vincent, Lynn, Mary, Dennis Tapper, Josette Townsend, Jenny, Laura Wallis, Molly Johnson, Harry Goodnight, Jennifer Alvarez. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia closed the public hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia called for a brief break at 11:12 p.m. The Council reconvened at 11:17 p.m. Edwin Rambuski, appellant's legal counsel, provided a statement. Chris Guillen, applicant's legal counsel, provided a statement. Council discussion ensued regarding State housing laws and the importance of public engagement with State legislators. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2026 PAGE 7 7 Moved by Council Member Guthrie Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia Adopt a Resolution denying Appeal Case 26-001 and approving Conditional Use Permit 25-001; Construction of Ninety-Two (92) Multi-Family Dwelling Units; Location – 1271 and 1281 James Way; Appellants – Pismo Medical Properties LLC, Arroyo Grande Partners LLC, and Ray B Bunnell Revocable Trust, and Finding the Project Statutorily Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.66(a), and Categorically Exempt Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15332. AYES (3): Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia, Council Member Guthrie, and Council Member Secrest NOES (1): Council Member Loe ABSENT (1): Mayor Ray Russom Passed (3 to 1) 10.b Architectural Review 25-005; Public Art on Private Property; Location – 201 E. Branch St.; Applicant – Monarch Books, Taneesha Regez This Item was heard out of order. Interim Community Development Director Perez presented the Item and responded to questions from Council. City Attorney Rosen responded to questions from Council. Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public were Taneesha Regez, Aaron Regez, John Gutierrez, No Name Provided, No Name Provided, No Name Provided, Charlie Gilberte, and Jill Von Berg. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ray Russom closed the public hearing. Interim Community Development Director Perez responded to questions from Council. Council discussion ensued regarding the City's current Public Art Guidelines and Council's discretion. City Attorney Rosen provided information on next steps in the process. Moved by Mayor Ray Russom Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia Directed staff to come back with a resolution approving the mural including modifying the existing resolution findings in opposite of what staff proposed in 7.e., and change the CEQA associated with the project to a Class 1 Exemption. AYES (4): Mayor Ray Russom, Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia, Council Member Secrest, and Council Member Loe NOES (1): Council Member Guthrie CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2026 PAGE 8 8 Passed (4 to 1) 11. BUSINESS ITEMS None. 12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS None. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia adjourned the meeting at 11:47 p.m. _________________________ Caren Ray Russom, Mayor _________________________ Jessica Matson, City Clerk