CC 2019-03-26_08d Approval of CC Minutes 03-12-2019ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2019
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 E. BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ray Russom called the City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council: Council Members Lan George, Keith Storton, Jimmy Paulding, Mayor Pro
Tem Kristen Barneich, and Mayor Caren Ray Russom were present.
Staff Present: City Manager Jim Bergman, City Attorney Heather Whitham, City Clerk
Kelly Wetmore, Director of Public Works Bill Robeson, Director of
Community Development Teresa McClish, Director of Administrative
Services Shannon Esenwein, Police Chief Beau Pryor, City Engineer Robin
Dickerson, and Planning Manager Matt Downing.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Gary Hoving, representing South County Historical Society, led the Flag Salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
5.a. Closed Session Announcements.
None.
5.b. Ordinances Read in Title Only.
Mayor Pro Tem Barneich moved, Council Member George seconded, and the motion passed
unanimously that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read by title only and all further
readings be waived.
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a. Introduction of New Employee - Shannon Esenwein, Director of Administrative
Services/City Treasurer.
City Manager Bergman introduced Shannon Esenwein as the City’s new Director of
Administrative Services/City Treasurer and highlighted her educational and professional
background.
6.b. Informational Presentation by Rick Engineering Regarding Roundabout Design and
Operation.
Nate Stong, Rick Engineering Company, and Sean Houck, Kimley-Horn, gave a presentation
regarding roundabouts, including what they are; why they work; types of roundabouts (mini,
single-lane, and multilane); safety benefits (reduced conflict points, crash severity, crash
reduction); improved traffic flow; pedestrian and bicycle circulation through a roundabout; vehicle-
pedestrian conflict points; large vehicle accommodation; design and landscaping elements;
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examples of roundabouts in other communities; roundabouts in school zones; benefit/cost
analysis of intersection control in terms of safety, delay, and emissions, as well as initial capital
costs; and benefits of roundabouts for older drivers. Mr. Houck responded to questions from
Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were: Alicia Lara,
requested that the roundabout PowerPoint presentation be posted on the City website and also
requested that the upcoming staff report include information regarding funding sources for the
project; Patricia Price, commented on pedestrian crossing and right of way issues with
roundabouts; Teresa Schultz, commented on the cost of the roundabout in a restrained economy
and asked the Council to consider the project carefully; Robert Olsen, referred to a roundabout
located at an interchange in Truckee, CA and commented on its success which has resulted in
fewer accidents; and Carlos Gutierrez, from Boy Scout Troop 450, asked how his Troop could be
involved with the project.
In response to public comment, Community Development Director McClish noted that written
comments received will be distributed with the agenda packet for the March 26th meeting, with a
recommendation that the Council select a project alternative; explained that the Council would
not be certifying the environmental document at the next meeting and that it would come back;
provided further explanation about the Environmental Impact Report; stated that a detailed
funding analysis would be provided; and stated that staff would look for examples of roundabouts
from other areas in the State to include in the report.
7. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were: Jerry Kaufman,
representing Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 982, regarding Wreaths Across America;
Linda Osty, offered an invocation; Stephen Hanamaikai, SLOCOG Transportation Planner,
announced the public review and comment period for the 2019 Regional Transportation Plan
(RTP); and Nan Fowler, South County Historical Society Membership Chair, announced Spirit
Night at McLintock’s on April 10th. No further comments were received.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Ray Russom requested that Item 8.b. be pulled.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment on the consent agenda items. No public comments
were received.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Barneich moved, and Council Member Paulding seconded the motion to
approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.e., with the exception of 8.b., with the
recommended courses of action. The motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Barneich, Paulding, Storton, George, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8.a. Consideration of Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period February 16, 2019
through February 28, 2019.
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8.c. Consideration to Approve Construction Plans and Specifications and
Environmental Exemption for the Sierra Drive Drainage Improvements Project, PW
2018-02.
Action: 1) Approved the construction plans and specifications for the Sierra Drive
Drainage Improvements Project, PW 2018-02; 2) Authorized the City Clerk to advertise
for construction bids; 3) Found that the project is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Guidelines Section 15301(c); and 4)
Directed the City Clerk to file a Notice of Exemption.
8.d. Consideration to Approve Construction Plans and Specifications and
Environmental Exemption for the Lift Station No. 1 Force Main Replacement Project,
PW 2017-07.
Action: 1) Approved the construction plans and specifications for the Lift Station No. 1
Force Main Replacement Project, PW 2017-07; 2) Authorized the City Clerk to advertise
for construction bids; 3) Found that the project is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Guidelines Section 15301(b); 4) Directed
the City Clerk to file a Notice of Exemption.
8.e. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing Adoption of Caltrans’ Local Assistance
Procedure Manual Chapter 10.
Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE ADOPTION OF CALTRANS’
LOCAL ASSISTANCE PROCEDURES MANUAL CHAPTER 10”.
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
8.b. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of
February 26, 2019, as submitted.
Mayor Ray Russom referred to page 4 of the minutes regarding Item 10.a. (Provide Direction
Related to Fire Service within the City of Arroyo Grande) and noted that the Council asked a
significant amount of questions over several hours regarding the report and requested that the
minutes be amended to reflect that.
Action: Mayor Ray Russom moved, and Mayor Pro Tem Barneich seconded the motion to
approve Consent Agenda Item 8.e, as amended. The motion passed on the following roll-call
vote:
AYES: Ray Russom, Barneich, Paulding, Storton, George
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. Consideration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Projects and Jim
Guthrie Community Service Grant Program Allocations for Year 2019.
Council Member Paulding declared a potential conflict of interest due to the fact that his spouse
serves as a Board Member on the Five Cities Diversity Coalition, stated that he is seeking a
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written opinion from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), and stepped down from the
dais.
Mayor Pro Tem Barneich noted that she has a letter on file with the City from the FPPC stating
that she does not have a conflict of interest as a Board Member of the Five Cities Homeless
Coalition.
Planning Manager Downing presented the staff report and recommended the Council: 1) Adopt a
Resolution approving projects to be funded with the City’s allocation of CDBG funds for the Year
2019; and 2) Adopt a Resolution approving projects to be funded with the City’s Jim Guthrie
Community Service Grant Program funds. Staff responded to questions from Council regarding
both programs.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public in support of the funding
requests and thanking the Council for current and past support were: Rudy Xavier, representing
Five Cities Diversity Coalition; Nan Fowler and Kathy LaMartina, representing Arroyo Grande
Public Art; Ralph Perez, representing Family Care Network; and Jenny Lucian, representing Big
Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County. Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ray
Russom closed the public hearing.
Council and staff discussion ensued regarding CDBG funding for public services, the criteria for
receiving funds from the Jim Guthrie Community Service Grant Program, and the panel
committee’s recommendations. Following discussion, Council concurred that in future years,
funding for public services should come from the Community Service Grant Fund and that CDBG
funds should be dedicated to ADA projects.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Barneich moved to adopt a Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS FOR YEAR 2019”, and adopt a
Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE APPROVING JIM GUTHRIE COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM
PROJECTS FOR YEAR 2019”, as amended to reduce the funding amount for Arroyo Grande
Public Art from $1,500 to $750, split the balance of $750 between the SLONOOR Foundation and
Meals That Connect; and, further, to direct staff to focus future CDBG funds on ADA projects and
the Community Service Grant funds on public services. Council Member George seconded the
motion, and the motion passed on following roll call vote:
AYES: Barneich, George, Storton, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: Paulding
Council Member Paulding returned to the dais. Mayor Ray Russom called for a break at 8:11
p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
10. OLD BUSINESS
10.a. Continued Discussion – Provide Direction Related to Fire Service within the City of
Arroyo Grande.
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City Manager Bergman presented the staff report and recommended the City Council consider:
1) updates regarding meetings with representatives of County of San Luis Obispo and a meeting
of the managers of the three communities; and 2) a proposed six month extension of the current
Memorandum of Agreement. Staff responded to questions from the Council regarding the
proposed funding formula and what will occur during the extended six month time period.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were: Barbara Harmon, in
support of the six month extension, encouraged the Council to demonstrate positive messaging
and support for the Oceano ballot measure, and expressed concern regarding staffing issues;
Patricia Price, supported positive messaging and full disclosure of all costs and any alternatives,
and expressed concern with how the City would be able to afford full time staffing and about the
financial welfare of the City; and Sean McMahon, commented that the Five Cities Fire Authority
already has PERS liability and that he appreciates the Council’s support in moving forward. No
further comments were received.
Council comments ensued in support of the six month extension, and that amendments to the
JPA should include: 1) Determine to which stage the City can responsibly fund the Strategic Plan
(priority of items that can be funded); 2) Continue to refine the funding formula; 3) Require Oceano
to do their due diligence in placing a measure on the March 2020 ballot to fund their portion of the
formula; 4) Ensure that Oceano seeks sufficient funds in its ballot measure to cover future
priorities of the Strategic Plan; 5) a provision that Oceano will withdraw if the ballot measure is
unsuccessful and is unable to provide its share of necessary funding based on the new formula;
6) clarification of the effective date of the new funding formula; 7) include a contingency plan for
the remaining agencies of the JPA if Oceano withdraws, which includes the distribution of assets
and liabilities; 8) Include a provision to amend Section 17a for a wind down of 8 months that would
begin once the outcome of the measure is known; 9) that a set date/year be established for the
JPA to be reviewed; and 10) that the amendment be brought back to the Council no later than
September 1, 2019. Additional comments included ensuring that work continues concurrently on
having a backup plan and costs in place should the measure fail and Oceano withdraws from the
JPA, and ensuring that worker’s compensation and PERS liabilities are addressed in the
discussion of the funding formula.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Barneich moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into a six month
extension of the current Memorandum of Agreement. Council Member Paulding seconded the
motion, and the motion passed on following roll call vote:
AYES: Barneich, Paulding, Storton, George, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11. NEW BUSINESS
None.
12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Barneich announced the 2nd Annual We Heart AG event on April 7, 2019 and
stated that more volunteers are needed for maintenance activities around the City.
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Council Member Paulding announced that SLOCOG would be hosting a public meetingregarding
the El Campo/101 intersection on March 21st at the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Annex
Room; announced that California State Parks is seeking public comment on the Public Works
Plan for Pismo State Beach and the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and
encouraged the public to submit comments by March 19th.
Council Member Paulding requested an item be placed on a future Agenda regarding the
Community Choice Energy Program. At the request of Mayor Ray Russom, City Manager
Bergman provided a brief overview of the Community Choice Energy Program and stated that
discussions will be coming to Council possibly in May.
Mayor Ray Russom commended Public Works Director Robeson and City Manager Bergman for
personally helping to clear a blocked storm drain and recognized the dedication and hard work of
all City staff during the recent storms.
Council Member George requested, and the Council concurred, that items be placed on a future
agenda regarding Council priorities, as well as revenue generating ideas. City Manager
responded that these discussions are scheduled to come to Council in April.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned
the meeting at 9:36 p.m.
____________________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Kelly Wetmore, City Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg __________)
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