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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2026-06-09 ACTION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL June 9, 2026, 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 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, Human Resources Officer Ashley Garcia, Administrative Services Director Nicole Valentine, Interim Community Development Director Andrew Perez, Chief of Police David Culver, Management Analyst Aleah Bergam, Utilities Manager Hailie Hix, Sergeant Timothy Ramirez, Senior Officer Eli Esparza, Fire Chief Scott Hallett This meeting was conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format. CLOSED SESSION: 5:00 P.M.: 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Ray Russom called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL City Clerk Matson took roll call. 3. FLAG SALUTE Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No 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) LABOR NEGOTIATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6: Meet with City-designated negotiators described below. Negotiation will include salary, compensation and benefits: 1. Employee Organization: Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 620 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2026 PAGE 2 City-designated negotiators: Che Johnson, Special Labor Counsel; Ashley Garcia, Human Resources Officer; Nicole Valentine, Director of Administrative Services 2. Employee Organization: Unrepresented Management Employees City-designated negotiators: Che Johnson, Special Labor Counsel City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:02 p.m. 6. ADJOURNMENT City Council adjourned Closed Session at 5:55 p.m. 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 Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute. 5. AGENDA REVIEW Council moved Item 12.a. to be heard before Item 6. 5.a Closed Session Announcements City Attorney Rosen announced that there was no reportable action from the following meeting: June 9, 2026 a) LABOR NEGOTIATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6: Meet with City-designated negotiators described below. Negotiation will include salary, compensation and benefits: 1. Employee Organization: Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 620 City-designated negotiators: Che Johnson, Special Labor Counsel; Ashley Garcia, Human Resources Officer; Nicole Valentine, Director of Administrative Services 2. Employee Organization: Unrepresented Management Employees City-designated negotiators: Che Johnson, Special Labor Counsel CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2026 PAGE 3 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 Passed (5 to 0) 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 6.a Honorary Proclamation Recognizing the Third Friday in June 2026 as "Juneteenth Day" in Arroyo Grande Mayor Ray Russom announced a representative from the NAACP SLO County was not able to attend the meeting to receive the Proclamation and that it will be mailed to them. 6.b Introduction of New Employee - Hailie Hix, Utilities Manager City Manager Downing introduced Utilities Manager Hailie Hix and highlighted her educational and professional background. Utilities Manager Hix addressed the Council. 6.c Police Department Promotions and Oaths of Office - Sergeant Timothy Ramirez and Senior Police Officer Eli Esparza Chief Culver introduced promoted staff, Senior Officer Eli Esparza and Sergeant Timothy Ramirez, and highlighted their educational and professional background. City Clerk Matson administered the Oaths of Office. A badge pinning followed. 6.d City Manager Communications City Manager Downing provided updates on FCFA’s collaboration with SLO Fire Safe Council to bring the first wildfire defense awareness event to Las Jollas de Rancho Grande HOA in the Andre Drive cul-de-sac on June 13th at 4 p.m.; summer Public Works interns starting next week; Thursday night music in the park continuing this week at Rancho Grande Park; Family Dance taking place on June 20th; the latest addition of the Arroyo Grande Gazette newsletter available on the City’s website and includes information about the Halcyon Complete Streets Project; tenting and fumigation of City Hall to take place on June 19th and reopening Monday, June 22nd. No action was taken on this item. 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS None. Reports are made during the Second Council Meeting each month. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2026 PAGE 4 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 invited public comment. No public comments were received. Moved by Council Member Guthrie Seconded by Council Member Secrest Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.i., with the recommended courses of action. AYES (5): Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Secrest, Council Member Loe, Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia, and Mayor Ray Russom Passed (5 to 0) 9.a Approval of Minutes Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 26, 2026, as submitted. 9.b Cash Disbursement Ratification Reviewed and ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period of May 1 through May 15, 2026. 9.c Statement of Investment Deposits for April 2026 Received and filed the report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande as of April 30, 2026, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b). 9.d Communications Facility License Agreement with T-Mobile West, LLC 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH T-MOBILE WEST, LLC FOR USE OF APPROXIMATELY 375 SQUARE FEET OF CITY PROPERTY LOCATED AT 200 HILLCREST DRIVE FOR THE CONTINUED OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY"; and 2) Found that adopting a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a license agreement is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it merely formalizes existing use and 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.) CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2026 PAGE 5 9.e Resolutions for the 2026 General Municipal Election for the Election of Certain Officers of the City 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING TO GENERAL LAW CITIES"; 2) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026, WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE SAME DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE"; and 3) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATE STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026". 9.f Agreement for Consultant Services with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. for Legislative Advocacy and Grant Writing Services 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A THREE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH TOWNSEND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, INC FOR LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY AND GRANT WRITING SERVICES", subject to any minor, technical, or non-substantive changes as approved by the City Manager in consultation with the City Attorney; and 2) Determined that approving the Agreement 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). 9.g Memorandum of Understanding Between the Arroyo Grande Police Department and the Lucia Mar Unified School District for School Resource Officer Services 1) Approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Arroyo Grande and the Lucia Mar Unified School District (LMUSD) to share the cost of salary and benefits for one School Resource Officer (SRO) position in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27; and 2) Found that approving the Memorandum of Understanding 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.) CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2026 PAGE 6 9.h Award of Roof Repairs and City Hall Exterior Rehabilitation 1) Adopted a resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE REBID ROOF REPAIRS ON CITY STRUCTURES PROJECT TO KRGS ROOFING, INC. AND A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE CITY HALL BALCONY AND EXTERIOR REHABILITATION PROJECT TO BC CONSTRUCTION AND ELECTRIC (BC)", subject to any minor, technical, or non-substantive changes as approved by the City Manager in consultation with the City Attorney; and 2) Found that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under the Class 2 exemption, which applies to the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. 9.i Notice of Acceptance, Water Main and Services Project, PW 2025-04 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING THE WATER MAIN AND SERVICES PROJECT (PW 2025- 04) AND ASSOCIATED ACTIONS"; and 2) Determined that adopting the Resolution ordering the acceptance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because the activity is not a “project” subject to CEQA and 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.) 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 11. BUSINESS ITEMS 11.a Critical Need Justification for Appointment of CalPERS Retired Annuitant Human Resources Officer Garcia presented the Item. Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received. Moved by Council Member Loe Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING THE TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF SHANE TAYLOR AS A CALPERS RETIRED ANNUITANT PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE 180-DAY WAITING PERIOD PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 7522.56(f) AND 21224". CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2026 PAGE 7 AYES (5): Council Member Loe, Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom Passed (5 to 0) 11.b FY 2026-27 Mid-Cycle Budget Administrative Services Director Valentine presented the Item. Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received. Mayor Ray Russom commented on the City's extensive budget review process. Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia Seconded by Council Member Loe 1) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 MID-CYCLE BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE AMOUNT BUDGETED"; and 2) Determine that adoption of the Budget 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.) Individual projects within the Budget may be subject to CEQA and environmental review will be conducted at the appropriate time during implementation of those projects. AYES (5): Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia, Council Member Loe, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom Passed (5 to 0) 11.c Consider Placing a Local Cannabis Tax Measure on the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election Ballot City Manager Downing introduced the Item. Management Analyst Bergam presented the Item. City Manager Downing responded to questions from Council. Council discussion ensued regarding the importance of communications, bringing tax revenue into the City, current laws regarding dispensary locations and regulation of the industry, health education, success in neighboring jurisdictions, and the importance of allowing the public the opportunity to decide through the voting process. Mayor Ray Russom commented on Arroyo Grande's consideration of cannabis over the years and potential economic development. Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia and Mayor Ray Russom volunteered to prepare and submit the Argument in Favor of the Measure. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2026 PAGE 8 Moved by Mayor Ray Russom Seconded by Council Member Secrest 1) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE PLACEMENT OF A GENERAL TAX MEASURE ON THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION BALLOT FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 3.26 TO TITLE 3 (REVENUE AND FINANCE) OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING A TAX ON CANNABIS BUSINESSES OPERATING WITHIN THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE"; 2) Adopt an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 3.26 (CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX) TO TITLE 3 (REVENUE AND FINANCE) OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING A TAX ON CANNABIS BUSINESSES OPERATING WITHIN THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE" (to ultimately be considered for approval by the voters); 3) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF DIRECT AND REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS AND SETTING RULES FOR THE FILING OF WRITTEN ARGUMENTS REGARDING A CITY MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED AT THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026, GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION"; 4) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026, WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO §10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE"; 5) Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9282, authorize and designate Mayor Ray Russom and Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia to prepare and submit an argument in favor of the measure to the City Clerk within the time prescribed by law for inclusion in the voter infor mation materials for the General Election to be held on November 3, 2026; and 6) Determine that adopting the Resolutions and Ordinance regarding a cannabis business tax relates to organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, and therefore is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and the State CEQA Guidelines, section 15378(b)(5). AYES (5): Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Secrest, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Loe, and Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia Passed (5 to 0) 11.d Consider Placing a Measure for Participation in the California State Water Project on the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election Ballot CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2026 PAGE 9 City Clerk Matson presented the Item. Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received. Council discussion ensued regarding long-term water resiliency and reliability as well as improvements with the reliability of State Water. Mayor Ray Russom and Council Member Loe volunteered to prepare and submit the Argument in Favor of the Measure. Moved by Mayor Ray Russom Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia 1) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, A MEASURE TO REPEAL 1990 MEASURE “A” AND 2016 MEASURE E-16, AND REPLACE BOTH BY AMENDING SECTION 2.08.070 OF CHAPTER 2.08 OF TITLE 2 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER PROJECT, AT A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE CONSOLIDATED WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026; AND SETTING RULES AND DEADLINES FOR THE SUBMITTAL OF ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST THE MEASURE"; 2) Adopt an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, TO REPEAL 1990 MEASURE “A” AND 2016 MEASURE “E-16” AND REPLACING BOTH BY AMENDING SECTION 2.08.070 OF CHAPTER 2.08 OF TITLE 2 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER PROJECT", (subject to approval by the voters); 3) Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9282, authorize and designate Mayor Ray Russom and Council Member Loe to prepare and submit an argument in favor of the measure to the City Clerk within the time prescribed by law for inclusion in the voter information materials for the General Election to be held on November 3, 2026; and 4) Determine that adopting the Resolution and Ordinance regarding participation in the California State Water Project relates to organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment and therefore is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and the State CEQA Guidelines, section 15378(b)(5). AYES (5): Mayor Ray Russom, Mayor Pro Tem Maraviglia, Council Member Guthrie, Council Member Secrest, and Council Member Loe Passed (5 to 0) CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2026 PAGE 10 11.e Study Session on Efforts to Redevelop East Grand Avenue Mayor Ray Russom called for a brief break at 7:04 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:08 p.m. Interim Community Development Director Perez presented the Item and responded to questions from Council. Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received. Council discussion ensued regarding previous economic studies of the area, adding a study on residential impacts and potential, prioritizing corridor zoning, solidifying community vision for the area, evaluating housing opportunities, and encouraging development. Council Member Loe referenced written public comment received. Further Council discussion ensued regarding evaluating a road diet and an incremental approach to the plan. City Manager Downing commented on Council direction and bringing the Request for Proposals (RFP) back to Council for approval before publishing. City Council directed staff to update the proposed RFP in order to fast-track corridor mixed-use implementation and identify tools to help with the process (i.e. public-private partnerships, development agreements, objective design standards); look into whether or not a road diet would work and the streetscape component as it relates to a CIP; and look at a housing component and what type of commercial developments are needed to support residents in the area and vice-versa. 12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS This Item was heard before Item 6. Mayor Ray Russom announced that the Arroyo Grande High School (AGHS) Boys Golf are CIF Champions and the City's Redwood Tree will reflect AGHS colors in their honor. Council Member Loe commented on SLOCOG Board’s approval of a letter pushing back on the State's Housing and Community Development methodology for housing, their economic study featuring the E Grand Ave. corridor, their adoption of a legislative platform, and moving forward with 1/2 cent sales tax measure in November; and that she will not be at the next Council meeting. Council Member Secrest reported on attendance at the Zone 3 meeting; the Homeless Services Oversight Committee meeting reporting anticipated funding cuts; the next Repair Cafe will take place Saturday, August 8th; and the upcoming Festival Mozaic community concert at St. Barnabes Church on July 24th. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2026 PAGE 11 _________________________ Caren Ray Russom, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________ Jessica Matson, City Clerk