CC 2019-06-25_08c Approval of CC Minutes_05-28-19_06-11-19ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 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, Director of
Legislative and Information Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Director of
Public Works Bill Robeson, Director of Community Development Teresa
McClish, Director of Recreation Services Sheridan Bohlken, and
Accounting Manager Nicole Valentine.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Members of Cub Scout Pack 13, chartered by the Exchange Club of the Central Coast, 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 Storton 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. Honorary Proclamation Recognizing Rick Blankenburg for his 50 Years of
Dedication to Special Olympics.
Mayor Ray Russom presented an Honorary Proclamation to Rick Blankenburg recognizing his 50
years of dedication to the Special Olympics. Cindy Blankenburg, spokesperson for the
Blankenburg family, also introduced her father, Dick Blankenburg, and provided a brief
background on their family’s involvement with Special Olympics.
6.b. Honorary Proclamation Declaring June 7, 2019 as “Hunger Awareness Day”.
Mayor Ray Russom presented an Honorary Proclamation declaring June 7, 2019 as “Hunger
Awareness Day”. Jordan Cooper, representing SLO Food Bank, accepted the Proclamation.
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7. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Linda Osty, who
offered an invocation; Victor Lund, commented on the congestion around the High School and
issues related to traffic stacking at Grand Avenue and Highway 101; and Stephanie Watkins,
expressed concerns regarding verbal attacks and threats she has received for opposing the
proposed location of the 5Cities Homeless Coalition’s project. No further public comments were
received.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment on the consent agenda items. No public comments
were received.
In response to a question by Mayor Ray Russom regarding Item 8.d. (Bridge Street Bridge
Rehabilitation), staff provided an estimated start date for the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Barneich referred to the Supplemental Memo that had been distributed for Item
8.e. (Monthly Water Supply and Demand) and noted that information in Attachment 3 was
corrected to reflect that water use per capita for April 2018 was 99 gallons per day and not 69
gallons per day.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Barneich moved, and Council Member Storton seconded the motion to
approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.e., with the recommended courses of action. The
motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Barneich, Storton, Paulding, George, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8.a. Consideration of Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period May 1, 2019 through May
15, 2019.
8.b. Consideration of Statement of Investment Deposits.
Action: Received and filed the report listing of investment deposits of the City of Arroyo
Grande, as of April 30, 2019, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b).
8.c. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Action: Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 14, 2019, as
submitted.
8.d. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Temporary Construction
Easements for the Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project.
Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TEMPORARY
CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS FOR THE BRIDGE STREET BRIDGE
REHABILITATION PROJECT”.
8.e. Monthly Water Supply and Demand Update.
Action: Received and filed the monthly Water Supply and Demand Report.
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9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. Consideration of Annual Public Hearing for the Arroyo Grande Tourism Business
Improvement District and the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget.
Recommended Action: 1) Hold a public hearing to receive testimony regarding the City
Council’s intention to continue the AGTBID and levy an annual assessment for fiscal year
2019-20; 2) Determine whether a legally sufficient number of protests have been made;
3) If a legally sufficient protest is not made, adopt a Resolution confirming the Advisory
Board’s report and levying an annual assessment for the AGTBID for the 2019-20 fiscal
year; and 4) Adopt a Resolution approving the FY 2019-20 budget for the AGTBID.
Mayor Ray Russom referred to the portion of the report regarding host compliance for short term
rentals, stated that she operates a homestay and is already in compliance, and noted for the
record that she has a Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) ruling that she can participate
in consideration of this item.
City Manager Bergman introduced Jocelyn Brennan, CEO, South County Chambers of
Commerce, who provided a brief overview of the AGTBID Advisory Board and its activities over
the past year and reviewed FY 2019-20 goals and the proposed budget. Ms. Brennan and staff
responded to questions from Council regarding the visitarroyogrande.org website and provided
additional information about host compliance consultants to assist in the monitoring and
compliance of short-term rentals.
City Attorney Whitham noted that this was a public hearing to allow an opportunity for the public
to speak regarding the proposal to levy an annual assessment for Fiscal Year 2019-20 and
reported that the City had not received any written protests regarding the proposed assessment.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public was Anny Ashbrook,
Airbnb owner, who expressed concern that owners are obligated to charge and collect the
assessment fee and suggested the City consider contracting directly with Airbnb to collect the
assessment for the City. Hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ray Russom closed the
public hearing.
Council comments ensued in support of the proposed Resolutions continuing the TBID
assessment for FY 2019-20 and approving the FY 2019-20 budget as proposed. Council
expressed interest in receiving more information about the host compliance program and other
compliance solutions to assist in identifying unpermitted short-term rentals in the City, as well as
options for collecting the transient occupancy tax through an automatic payment system, and
directed staff to bring this issue back to Council at a future meeting for separate consideration.
Action: Council Member Storton moved to confirm the Advisory Board’s annual report and adopt
the following Resolutions entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE LEVYING AN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE ARROYO GRANDE
TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE 2019-20 FISCAL YEAR” and “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING THE
FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 BUDGET FOR THE ARROYO GRANDE TOURISM BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT”. Mayor Pro Tem Barneich seconded, and the motion passed on
following roll call vote:
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AYES: Storton, Barneich, Paulding, George, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
10. OLD BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a. Presentation of the Police Department Strategic Plan.
Police Chief Pryor presented the Police Department Strategic Plan 2019-2021 and recognized
the AGPD staff, Commander Martinez, Arroyo Grande High School (AGHS) Principal Dan Neff,
AGHS Teacher Jefferson Clark, and AGHS student Sidney Pruett for their support and
contributions in preparing the document. Chief Pryor responded to questions from Council
regarding the School Resource Officer; school security issues; body cam requirements; the
special problems patrol team; social media policy; the number of current police officer vacancies;
status of recruitment efforts and the proposed recruitment incentive program; long-term
sustainability of COPS grant funding; the surveillance camera system; training; staffing; and
overtime.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Claudine Lingo, who
supported filling police officer vacancies in order to increase police patrol in the neighborhoods.
No further public comments were received.
Council comments ensued in support of the two-year Police Department Strategic Plan. The
Council also commended the Chief for his vision and for completing the Plan in-house in a cost
effective manner, and also commended the Police Department staff and Sidney Pruett for their
work on the document.
No formal action was taken on this item. The Police Department Strategic Plan 2019-2021 was
received and filed.
Mayor Ray Russom called for a recess at 7:46 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:52 p.m.
11.b. Discussion by the City Council Related to Revenue Generation.
City Manager Bergman presented the staff report which recommended that the Council receive
information about various revenue generating concepts and provide direction to staff.
Staff responded to questions from Council regarding the last time the business license tax was
increased; deferred maintenance of City facilities and infrastructure; depreciation of assets; sales
tax rates; current staffing levels; public outreach regarding potential ballot measures to fund City
services; and economic development efforts as it relates to SB1090 funding the City will receive
as a result of the future closure of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant ($750,000).
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Victor Lund, asked if
the City has thought about parking revenue or if the City has forecasted what the additional
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revenue is going to be from the requirement that the City has to add more properties to the area;
Claudine Lingo, commented that the City does not pay for all open space maintenance in the City,
commented on the City’s current business license rates and taxes and suggested a business tax
based on the type of business, and commented that she was not sure a sales tax increase would
pass; Jim Guthrie, commented on the narrow passage of Measure O-06, commented on County
Measure J and concerns expressed by the public that funding would not be used for roads, and
stated he is not in support of a general fund tax; and Jocelyn Brennan, South County Chambers
of Commerce, expressed appreciation for the discussion regarding economic development,
commented on the business license tax increase in Grover Beach and the concerns received
from the business community, and encouraged the Council to work with the business community
if the City considers a business license tax increase. No further comments were received.
Extensive Council comments ensued regarding the various revenue generating concepts
presented, with a focus on revenue derived from property tax, sales tax, business license tax,
and transient occupancy tax, as well as economic development efforts as a key component of
increasing General Fund revenue. Emphasis was given on the need to have a strong short range
plan, to complete an update to the Strategic Plan, and to refine the City’s economic development
strategy in order to identify why more revenue is needed for unfunded or underfunded
infrastructure and other City services. Discussion included the potential of placing a ½ cent sales
tax increase measure on the November 2020 ballot, the timing and steps needed in the process
to ensure community engagement, public input, transparency, and accountability measures; and
the potential hiring of a consultant to analyze the viability of a future revenue ballot measure.
Following Council comments, City Manager Bergman asked if there was consensus of the Council
to direct him to start making early contact with a consultant to get some more information
regarding the viability of a potential tax measure on the 2020 ballot, prior to entering into an
agreement, and then come back to the Council with additional information.
Action: Mayor Ray Russom moved to direct the City Manager to contact a consultant and bring
further information back to the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Barneich asked for confirmation that
there was $25,000 in the budget for this purpose. City Manager Bergman confirmed. Council
Member George seconded, and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
The Mayor and Council Members provided brief reports from the following committee,
commission, board, or other subcommittee meetings that they attended as the City’s appointed
representative.
(a) MAYOR RAY RUSSOM:
(1) California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA)
(2) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD)
(3) Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board
(b) MAYOR PRO TEM BARNEICH:
(1) Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC)
(2) South County Homeless Taskforce
(3) Zone 3 Water Advisory Board
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(c) COUNCIL MEMBER PAULDING:
(1) Air Pollution Control District (APCD)
(2) Brisco/Halcyon Interchange Subcommittee
(3) Council of Governments/Regional Transit Authority (SLOCOG/SLORTA)
(4) South County Transit (SCT)
(d) COUNCIL MEMBER STORTON:
(1) Brisco/Halcyon Interchange Subcommittee
(2) Five Cities Fire Authority (FCFA)
(3) Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA)
(e) COUNCIL MEMBER GEORGE:
(1) Community Action Partnership San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO)
(2) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC)
(3) Regional Water Initiatives
(4) Visit SLO CAL Advisory Board
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member George requested an item be placed on a future agenda to receive a
presentation regarding the Hourglass Project. Mayor Ray Russom concurred.
Mayor Ray Russom requested an item be placed on a future agenda regarding an update to the
public smoking ordinance to include e-cigarettes. Council Member George concurred.
Mayor Pro Tem Barneich asked for an update on scheduling the PG&E presentation regarding
the Wildfire Safety Program. City Manager Bergman stated he is currently working on coordinating
a date for the presentation to occur at a future Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Barneich announced the need to identify a location for the warming center for the
upcoming winter. Mayor Ray Russom suggested the possibility of utilizing a City facility for a
warming shelter.
14. CLOSED SESSION
At 10:16 p.m., City Attorney Whitham announced the City Council would adjourn to closed session
to consider the following items:
a) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Government
Code
Section 54957:
Title: City Manager
b) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Government
Code
Section 54957:
Title: City Attorney
Adjourned to closed session.
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15. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION:
At 11:14 p.m., the meeting was reconvened to open session. City Attorney Whitham announced
that there was no reportable action.
16. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned
the meeting at 11:15 p.m.
___________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Kelly Wetmore, City Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg __________)
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ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 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, Director of
Legislative and Information Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Director of
Public Works Bill Robeson, Director of Administrative Services Shannon
Esenwein, Director of Community Development Teresa McClish, Director
of Recreation Services Sheridan Bohlken, Police Chief Beau Pryor,
Planning Manager Matt Downing, Public Works Intern Rory McClish, and
Five Cities Fire Authority (FCFA) Fire Chief Steve Lieberman.
Mayor Ray Russom introduced Noah Jackson who is shadowing her today. Noah is former Arroyo
Grande High School ASB President (2017-18) who just finished his sophomore year at LSU and
has an interest in elected public service.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
Mayor Ray Russom requested a moment of reflection in honor of the passing of former Arroyo
Grande Police Chief Jim Clark.
4. FLAG SALUTE
Gaea Powell, representing Arroyo Grande Village Improvement Association, 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 Storton 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. Honorary Proclamation Declaring June 2019 as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness
Month.
Mayor Ray Russom presented an Honorary Proclamation declaring June 2019 as Alzheimer’s &
Brain Awareness Month. Sonya Branco, Education & Development Director, accepted the
Proclamation.
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6.b. Introduction and Oath of Office – Police Officer Eli Esparza.
Chief of Police Pryor introduced Police Officer Eli Esparza, highlighted his educational and
professional background, and facilitated the badge pinning ceremony. City Clerk Wetmore
administered the Oath of Office to Officer Esparza.
7. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Linda Osty, who
offered an invocation; and John Wysong, Grover Beach, spoke about his history living in the area,
his past service in Korea, homeless issues, and sanctuary cities.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Barneich requested that Item 8.f. be pulled.
Council Member Storton requested that Item 8.c. be pulled.
Council Member George requested that Item 8.e. be pulled.
Mayor Ray Russom requested that Item 8.d. be pulled.
In response to a request by Council Member Storton regarding Item 8.c., City Manager Bergman
provided a brief overview of the provisions contained in the Second Amendment to the Five Cities
Fire Authority Joint Powers Authority Agreement, which continues the partnership of shared fired
services between Oceano, Grover Beach and Arroyo Grande, and responded briefly to questions.
Mayor Ray Russom referred to Item 8.d. and commended Chief Pryor and the Department’s effort
on the proposed lateral police officer recruiting program.
In response to questions by Council Member George regarding item 8.e., Public Works Director
Robeson explained the bidding process and how contracts are awarded based on the lowest base
bid plus any bid add alternatives pursuant to the Public Contract Code.
In response to a request by Mayor Pro Tem Barneich regarding item 8.f., Public Works Director
Robeson provided additional information regarding the Assessment Districts as it relates to costs
of operation, maintenance and servicing of the specified improvements within the boundaries of
the Districts. City Attorney Whitham explained the Prop 218 process that is required for any
increase in the rates. Public Works Director Robeson also explained that the Engineer’s Reports
are funded by the Assessment Districts and are prepared by an outside consultant.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was John Wysong, spoke
about fire hazards, suggested bringing in goats to eat the weeds, and recommended the use of
reverse osmosis systems for water. No further public comments were received.
In response to a request by Mayor Ray Russom, City Manager Bergman provided an update on
the Central Coast Blue Project, and stated that he would ask Public Works staff to look into the
use of goats for weed abatement.
Mayor Ray Russom requested that the motion exclude Item 8.e. for separate consideration.
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Action: Mayor Pro Tem Barneich moved, and Council Member George seconded the motion to
approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.f., with the exception of Item 8.e., with the
recommended courses of action. The motion passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Barneich, George, Paulding, Storton, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8.a. Consideration of Cash Disbursement Ratification.
Action: Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period May 16, 2019 through
May 31, 2019.
8.b. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2019-20 Appropriation Limit.
Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING A TAX PROCEEDS EXPENDITURE
APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-20”.
8.c. Consideration of Five Cities Fire Authority Joint Powers Authority Agreement
Second Amendment.
Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE
FIVE CITIES FIRE AUTHORITY JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT”.
8.d. Consideration of a Lateral Police Officer Recruiting Incentive Program.
Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
LATERAL POLICE OFFICER RECRUITING INCENTIVE PROGRAM”.
8.f. Consideration of Approval of Engineer’s Reports and Adoption of Resolutions
Declaring the City’s Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments for the Parkside
Village Assessment District, Grace Lane Assessment District and Landscaping and
Lighting District No. 1, within Tract 1769, for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
Action: 1) Approved the Engineer’s Reports for the Parkside Village Assessment District,
Grace Lane Assessment District, and Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No.
1, within Tract 1769, for Fiscal Year 2019-2020; 2) Adopted Resolutions entitled: “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE DECLARING
ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED TO THE
PARKSIDE VILLAGE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020”, “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE DECLARING
ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED TO THE
GRACE LANE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020”, and “A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE DECLARING
ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED TO THE
ARROYO GRANDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1,
WITHIN TRACT 1769, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020”; and 3) Set a public hearing for
June 25, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. for the Parkside Village Assessment District, Grace Lane
Assessment District, and Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1, within
Tract 1769.
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
8.e. Consideration of an Award of Contract to CalPortland Construction for
Construction of the 2019 Concrete Repairs Project, PW 2019-02.
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Recommended Action: 1) Award a contract for the 2019 Concrete Repairs Project to
CalPortland Construction in the amount of $124,330; and 2) Authorize the City Manager
to approve change orders for 10% of the contract amount, $12,433, for unanticipated costs
during the construction phase of the project.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Barneich moved to approve Item 8.e., as proposed, and Council Member
Storton seconded the motion. Mayor Ray Russom called for discussion regarding the bid
alternatives stating she could not support awarding the contract as proposed due to the large
difference in total cost when adding in all of the Bid Add Alternatives, rather than only awarding
the base bid. Brief discussion ensued regarding the Council’s options to award the contract with
or without the Bid Add Alternatives or some combination of Bid Add Alternatives. Council Member
George suggested awarding the contract with the Base Bid including Bid Add Alternative 3, which
would result in the contract remaining the lowest responsive bid. Mayor Pro Tem Barneich
amended her motion to approve Item 8.e. by awarding the contract’s Base Bid with Bid Add
Alternate 3. Council Member Storton seconded, and the motion passed on the following roll call
vote:
AYES: Barneich, Storton, Paulding, George, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. Consideration of Introduction of an Ordinance and Adoption of a Resolution
Authorizing the Implementation of a Community Choice Aggregation Program By
Participating in Monterey Bay Community Power Authority’s Community Choice
Aggregation Program.
Council Member George declared a conflict of interest on this item due to her husband’s
employment with PG&E, stepped down from the dais, and left the room.
City Attorney Whitham informed the City Council that a separate financial conflict of interest law,
Government Code Section 1090, prohibits the City Council from entering into a contract that any
of its officers are financially interested in, with some exceptions. Since the FPPC has concluded
that Council Member George has a financial interest in the item, the City Attorney’s office has
sought advice from the FPPC regarding the ability of the City Council to move forward with the
approval of the joint powers agreement with the Monterey Bay Community Power Authority
(“MBCPA”). She explained that the FPPC has previously advised that similar ordinances are not
considered contracts under Government Code Section 1090, and stated the City Council may
proceed to introduce the Ordinance only, and postpone adoption of the Resolution pending a
response from the FPPC regarding the City Council’s ability to enter into the joint powers
agreement with the MBPCA. The City Council will only then adopt the Resolution to enter into the
joint powers agreement at a later date if and when the FPPC has made a determination the
Council may do so.
City Manager Bergman introduced Rory McClish, Public Works Intern, who presented the staff
report and recommended that the Council Introduce an Ordinance authorizing the implementation
of a community choice aggregation program by participating in MBCP Authority’s Community
Choice Aggregation (CCA) Program.
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J.R. Killigrew, Director of Communications and Energy Programs at MBCP, provided background
on the company and discussed the areas they currently service, transparency of the Board and
public meetings held, events to engage the community, and renewable energy programs. He
then responded to an extensive number of questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public were Kay Gore, Arroyo
Grande, supported the proposal and asked questions about the future of PG&E; Cory Jones,
Morro Bay, supported the proposal; Alisa Edwards, supported the proposal; Dierdre Rogers,
asked questions regarding programs for installing solar panels in the City; Nick Andre, supported
the proposal; Barbara Harmon, asked questions regarding fairness related to how smaller
communities weigh in and costs for administration; Travis Higgins, supported the proposal;
Constance Dunbar, supported the proposal; June Cochran, supported the proposal; and Patricia
Price, supported the proposal. No further public comments were received. Mr. Killigrew
responded to questions posed by the public.
Council comments ensued in support of the Community Choice Aggregation Program.
Action: Mayor Ray Russom moved to introduce an Ordinance entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION PROGRAM BY
PARTICIPATING IN MONTEREY BAY COMMUNITY POWER'S COMMUNITY CHOICE
AGGREGATION PROGRAM”. Council Member Paulding seconded, and the motion passed on
following roll call vote:
AYES: Ray Russom, Paulding, Storton, Barneich
NOES: None
ABSENT: George (recused)
Council Member George returned to the meeting and took her place at the dais.
Mayor Ray Russom called for a break at 8:24 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:31 p.m.
10. OLD BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a. Consideration of Alternatives for the 2019 Street Repairs Project, PW 2019-01.
Public Works Director Robeson presented the staff report and recommended that the Council
review alternatives for the 2019 Street Repairs Project and select Alternative 2 - West Branch
Street as the preferred alternative.
Joe Ririe, Pavement Management Inc., gave a presentation on pavement basics, pavement
preservation principles, and current pavement system conditions, and responded to questions
from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
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Council comments ensued in support of Alternative 2 – West Branch Street as the preferred
alternative. Mayor Ray Russom requested that Mr. Ririe’s presentation regarding pavement
basics be posted to the City website.
Action: Council Member Storton moved to select Alternative 2 – West Branch Street to include
the 2019 Base Bid for Digouts and Striping on West Branch Street, to include Bid Alternatives 1
and 2, and the following years of 2020 and 2021 for the Curb Ramps on James Way and the
Overlay and Striping on James Way. Mayor Pro Tem Barneich seconded, and the motion passed
on following roll call vote:
AYES: Storton, Barneich, Paulding, George, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11.b. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget Update.
Administrative Services Director Esenwein presented the staff report and recommended that the
Council approve the detailed budget adjustments and requests for additional appropriations listed
in the Budget Update Report and adopt a Resolution approving the FY 2019-20 Budget. Staff
responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Action: Council Member George moved to approve the detailed budget adjustments and
requests for additional appropriations listed in the Budget Update Report and to adopt a
Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE ADOPTING FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 & 2019-20
BIENNIAL BUDGET AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE AMOUNT BUDGETED”.
Mayor Pro Tem Barneich seconded, and the motion passed on following roll call vote:
AYES: George, Barneich, Paulding, Storton, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11.c. Consideration of Update to 2007 Strategic Plan.
City Manager Bergman presented the staff report and recommended that the Council review and
discuss the 2007 Strategic Plan Update and provide direction to staff. Staff responded to
questions from Council regarding goals and strategies listed under the areas of Recreation (grant
funding for Soto Sports Complex), Infrastructure (Rule 20a funds for undergrounding of utilities
on Grand Avenue), Public Safety (Neighborhood Officer Program), Economic Development
(vacant land and potential hotel or other development opportunities, attracting businesses to the
City) and Affordable Housing.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Council comments and suggestions regarding the Strategic Plan Update ensued as follows:
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Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Council Member George:
Thanked staff for quick turnaround on providing this update;
Would like to see a clean version of the Strategic Plan;
Remove all accomplished items;
Each Department Director to remove items that they deem are no longer a priority;
Prioritize remaining items that are on the list and add any new items;
Identify any other funding sources in addition to the General Fund;
Bring a rough draft to Council for discussion as a working draft to prepare for presentation
to the public;
Would like to see community involvement in a more unorthodox manner and not in a
workshop format to encourage public engagement and input, such as a gathering at a
park;
Would like the Strategic Plan to address all the things currently underway such as the E.
Grand Avenue Master Plan, Halcyon Complete Streets Plan, Camp Arroyo Grande,
Central Coast Blue, looking at different ways to generate revenue; Soto Sports Complex
Master Plan; update of the Circulation Element, which is key as it relates to potential
development on the Fredericks property and addressing El Campo; and prioritize the
Pavement Management Plan;
The most important key to the success of the City’s economic development efforts and the
Strategic Plan is to find the balance between responsible growth for generating revenue
while maintaining who we are as a City, our culture, our way of life, and small town charm.
Council Member Paulding:
This Strategic Plan status report of the prior 10 year plan was really important in order to
pursue an update and would serve as a good format for a creating a 2020 Strategic Plan;
Focus update on tactical goals and strategies;
Liked idea of including a performance tracking mechanism and including timelines to
determine what is feasible;
Remove accomplished items;
Have each Department do a priority analysis on uncompleted goals;
Add in additional funding sources for each goal;
Agreed with unorthodox public outreach to garner community feedback, such as for the
goal/strategy identified in ED-6 and what the community wants to see in terms of growth;
Supports in general the Central Coast Blue project as a high priority, implementation of
the E. Grand Avenue Master Plan; completing the Housing Element Update and
prioritizing affordable housing; and Soto Sports Complex Master Plan should be a high
priority.
Council Member Storton:
Agrees with comments stated so far and would add the following:
Under Economic Development, would add strategic direction to “recognize the importance
of maintaining and enhancing our publicly owned infrastructure needs to create an
environment of right-sized services for our citizens, visitors, and ongoing economic
prosperity”;
Identify Brisco Interchange Regional Center as an area of regional and economic
importance, the enhancement of freeway access will support existing businesses with a
concentration placed on development of other regional business opportunities, such as
one or two hotels, an improved events/library center, and enhanced regional
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transportation needs and the City will work with the County of San Luis Obispo and other
entities as needed to address these specific needs;
Under Economic Development goals, did not see much about Mixed-Use opportunities;
Agreed that the Williams/Fredericks property is a long term future opportunity for the City
that we need to look at and determine if our citizens agree with it, as it relates to potential
development of hotels, tech parks, car dealerships, livable spaces and job creation, and
having discussions about impacts to water, traffic, and delivery of City services;
Under Affordable Housing, suggested adding that the City will support local control
decision making in affordable housing endeavors as opposed to the State coming in and
trying to force mandates that take that ability out of our control;
Identify gaps in goals that have specific numbers that need to be completed;
Identify Soto Sports Complex Master Plan as its own goal;
Identify Camp Arroyo Grande as its own goal;
Under Infrastructure, continue to emphasize that improvements to the City’s infrastructure
shall be planned to meet the demands of the community’s future and avoid unfairly
passing on financial burdens to future generations;
Water conservation information needs to be updated and added to continue moving
forward in this direction;
Under FAC-2, identify any enhanced Emergency Operations Center (EOC) needs, as
appropriate;
Under FAC-3 regarding utilization of alternative energy solutions to increase energy
efficiency in City facilities, are there any joint City, County or regional projects that we can
go into with the County particularly in the area of the Brisco overpass area;
Under tactical goals for Transportation as it relates to bike lanes, identify new locations.
Mayor Pro Tem Barneich:
Acknowledged roughly 68% goals accomplished or mostly accomplished, as well as 3%
that is not applicable anymore;
Strategic Plan worked; is a good road map for everyone to highlight what is important to
the City and for the citizens to tell us what they think;
It is important to update this in a 2020 Strategic Plan;
Referred to a community engagement event held in the past at the High School that
garnered a lot of participation and suggested a similar event for seeking input into an
updated Strategic Plan;
Liked suggestions by Council Member George as far as the proposed process and road
map for updating the Strategic Plan;
Economic Development – there are different ideas about what this means and needs to
be discussed further; acknowledged current efforts underway; increasing low income and
affordable housing; and maintaining small town feel and quality of life;
Looks forward to the public’s view of what is important.
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Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Mayor Ray Russom:
Thanked Council Member George for her comments which have set this process off in a
good way;
Be careful with removing accomplished goals as some may involve ongoing programs and
strategic efforts, such as increasing energy efficiency in City facilities, implementation of
additional bike lanes, funding strategies outlining the City’s long range financial plan, etc.;
Agrees that where possible, add measurable goals;
Supports bringing the Strategic Plan to the public for assistance in reprioritizing the list;
Chamber of Commerce can assist in public outreach;
Would not start public outreach until after the E. Grand Avenue Master Plan is presented
and approved.
Brief Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the timeline for presenting the E. Grand
Avenue Master Plan.
No formal action was taken on this item.
12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Storton stated that he would be absent from the next Regular City Council
meeting.
Mayor Ray Russom announced the dedication of the Recreation Services building in the name of
Mark M. Millis held last Friday, stated it was an exceptional event, and thanked staff for organizing
the event.
Mayor Ray Russom stated there is no such thing as flushable wipes and stated she will provide
more information on this issue at a future meeting.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned
the meeting at 10:56 p.m.
____________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Kelly Wetmore, City Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg ______________)
Item 8.c. - Page 16