CC 2019-11-26_08c Approval of CC Minutes_11-12-19ACTION MINUTES
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2019
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 E. BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
SPECIAL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ray Russom called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and led the Flag
Salute.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Keith Storton, Jimmy Paulding, Lan George, Mayor Pro Tem Kristen Barneich,
and Mayor Caren Ray Russom were present. City Manager Jim Bergman, City Attorney Heather
Whitham, and Director of Legislative and Information Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore were
also present.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
None.
CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Whitham announced the City Council would recess to a closed session for the
following items:
a) Public Employee Performance Evaluation pursuant to Government Code Section 54957:
Title: City Attorney
b) Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.8:
Property: 400 Old Ranch Rd (corner of W. Branch Street); APN007-011-056
Agency negotiators: James Bergman, City Manager
Negotiating parties: Kamla Hotels Inc.
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
RECONVENE
The City Council reconvened to open session at 6:00 p.m. in conjunction with the City Council
Regular Meeting. Announcements of any reportable action were made under Item 5.
REGULAR MEETING
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ray Russom called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council: Council Members Keith Storton, Jimmy Paulding, Lan George, Mayor Pro
Tem Kristen Barneich, and Mayor Caren Ray Russom were present.
Item 8.c. - Page 1
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 2
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
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, Police Chief Beau Pryor, and Recreation
Services Director Sheridan Bohlken.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ray Russom led the Flag Salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Ray Russom requested the Council consider reordering the Agenda to hear Item 11.b.
prior to Item 11.a. to accommodate the number of people present for Item 11.b. The Council
concurred.
5.a. Closed Session Announcements.
Special City Council Meeting of November 12, 2019:
a) Public Employee Performance Evaluation pursuant to Government Code Section 54957:
Title: City Attorney
b) Conference with Real Property Negotiators pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.8:
Property: 400 Old Ranch Rd (corner of W. Branch Street); APN007-011-056
Agency negotiators: James Bergman, City Manager
Negotiating parties: Kamla Hotels Inc.
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
City Attorney Whitham announced that the City Council met in closed session at 5:00 p.m. to
discuss the above items, and stated that no reportable action was taken on either item.
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 November 2019 as National Hospice Palliative
Care Month.
Mayor Ray Russom presented an Honorary Proclamation declaring November 2019 as National
Hospice Palliative Care Month. Diana Federico, representing Hospice of San Luis Obispo County,
accepted the Proclamation.
Item 8.c. - Page 2
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 3
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
7. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Linda Osty, who
offered an invocation; and Jamie Sanbonmatsu, regarding the “We Are The Care” of San Luis
Obispo County initiative to address the need for local childcare providers, especially during non-
traditional work hours.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Ray Russom asked the Council if they had any questions or would like to pull any items
for further discussion. Council Members George and Storton stated they had questions regarding
Item 8.c., and Mayor Ray Russom stated she had a question regarding Item 8.e.
In response to questions regarding Item 8.c. (Approval of Amendment to Extend the Agreement
for Consultant Services with Wood Rodgers, Inc. for the Brisco Interchange Project) as it relates
to the sound walls, City Engineer Dickerson explained that pursuant to a Caltrans requirement,
ballots were sent to benefited receptors to determine if sound walls could be removed from the
project, and that due to the critical timeframe, it was determined to leave the sound walls in the
project documents since a majority of the ballots had not been received either for or against the
sound walls. She explained that during the design phase, with input from the benefited receptor
group, it could be determined whether or not it was practical to keep the sound walls in the project.
In response to questions regarding Item 8.e. (Approval of an Agreement for Consultant Services
with PlaceWorks Inc. to Assist the City with the 2020 Housing Element Update), City Manager
Bergman explained that every five years a City must update its Housing Element. He referred to
the Council’s recent approval for submittal of an application for SB2 grant funds to implement new
housing goals and that this funding is connected with how the City is going to implement new
policies and programs to ensure that more housing is built. He stated that while the State allows
use of SB2 grant funds for Housing Element updates, the SB2 grant funds would be utilized to
implement new housing policies and projects. Brief comments ensued regarding the Housing
Element update process, public input, accessory dwelling units, and tiny homes.
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 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 October 16, 2019 through
October 31, 2019.
8.b. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Action: Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meetings of October 8, 2019
and October 22, 2019, and the Special City Council Study Session of October 29, 2019,
as submitted.
Item 8.c. - Page 3
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 4
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
8.c. Consideration of Approval of Amendment to Extend the Agreement for Consultant
Services with Wood Rodgers, Inc. for the Brisco Interchange Project.
Action: Approved and authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 16 to the
Consultant Services Agreement with Wood Rodgers, Inc. to extend the contract expiration
date to June 30, 2020, to allow the consultant additional time to complete the contracted
scope of services.
8.d. Consideration of Amendment No. 2 to Agreement for Countywide Animal Services
Shelter.
Action: Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the
Agreement for Allocation of Construction and Financing Costs for a Countywide Animal
Services Shelter.
8.e. Consideration of Approval of an Agreement for Consultant Services with
PlaceWorks Inc. to Assist the City with the 2020 Housing Element Update.
Action: Approved and authorized the Mayor to execute an Agreement for Consultant
Services with PlaceWorks Inc. to assist the City with the Housing Element Update.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
10. OLD BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
By consensus, the following item was reordered and heard prior to Item 11.a.
11.b. City Council Compensation Review and Direction.
City Manager Bergman presented the staff report and recommended that the Council receive
information on current Council salaries and benefits and provide direction as to any modification
to the amount of monthly Council member salary (“stipend”); provide direction regarding additional
monthly compensation for the Mayor pursuant to State law; and if adjustments are desired, direct
staff to return to the Council with an ordinance. Staff responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Sandra Bocchiccio,
in opposition to an increase in council salary and providing health insurance; Heather Jensen,
opposed providing the Council with health insurance, stated that compensation should be equal
among all members of the Council, and commented on additional compensation council members
receive for serving on regional boards; Coleen Kubel, expressed concern about the City’s budget,
proposed increases in taxes, and the Council’s obligation to take care of the residents and the
budget first, and opposed the timing for an increase; Patty Welsh, opposed the full 60% increase
and stated that the amount should be cut back; Patricia Price, acknowledged the hard work of the
Council but opposed spending any more money, referred to recent staffing and budget cuts, and
agreed that now is not the time for an increase in salary; Mike Drees, acknowledged the Council
is underpaid and a raise is deserved, expressed concern about the budget, and stated now is not
the time for a salary increase; and Linda Osty, stated it would cost the City about $1,500 per
month for all five council members, the salary has not been raised for many years, healthcare
costs have gone up over 60%, that she would not want the Council’s job for the current amount
of money, and thanked the Council for their work. No further public comments were received.
Item 8.c. - Page 4
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 5
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Extensive Council comments and discussion ensued regarding current council member salaries;
the extended length of time since the last increase; increases in the cost of living; whether or not
this is the right time to be considering an increase; if an increase should be revisited in the future
or if the effective date of the increase should occur in 2022 instead of 2020; that an increase might
encourage those in the community who could not otherwise afford to serve on the City Council,
which could result in a broader representation of residents on the Council in the future.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Barneich moved to direct staff to proceed with preparing and bringing
forth an Ordinance modifying the monthly salary for Council Members in the amount of $648 per
month with the change in salary to become effective in December 2020 after the next General
Municipal Election, and further, to add the additional mayor salary of $150 per month to be
effective in December 2020; and to note for the record that the pay has not been increased in 22
years. Mayor Ray Russom seconded the motion. Following brief discussion regarding the
effective date, the motion passed on following roll call vote:
AYES: Barneich, Ray Russom, Storton
NOES: Paulding, George
ABSENT: None
Mayor Ray Russom called for a break at 7:56 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:03 p.m.
11.a. Consideration of Introduction of an Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale and Distribution
of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Products that Require, but Have Not Received
a Food and Drug Administration Order Approving Their Marketing and an
Ordinance Prohibiting the Possession of all Tobacco Products and Paraphernalia
by Persons Under Twenty-One.
City Attorney Whitham presented the staff report and recommended that the Council consider
introducing an ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaping
products and an ordinance prohibiting the possession of all tobacco products and paraphernalia
by persons under twenty-one. City Attorney Whitham and staff responded to questions from
Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Council comments ensued regarding the Ordinances, whether or not online retail sales should be
excluded; concerns regarding enforcement and penalties; that local regulations would provide the
City’s law enforcement with a legal tool for education and enforcement in the schools; how
notification will be provided to retailers; that County Public Health has staff to assist local
jurisdictions with retailer compliance; and shortening the six-month compliance period for
compliance.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Barneich moved to introduce an Ordinance prohibiting the sale and
distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaping products, as modified to become effective in three
months and to exclude online sales, and requesting a one year look back with a summary of data
from Arroyo Grande High School; and to introduce an Ordinance prohibiting the possession of all
tobacco products and paraphernalia by persons under twenty-one. Brief discussion ensued
clarifying that the effective date of the Ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of electronic
Item 8.c. - Page 5
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 6
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
cigarettes and vaping products would be three months from its adoption. Mayor Ray Russom
seconded the motion.
City Attorney Whitham read the full titles of the Ordinances, as follows: “AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING CHAPTER 8.36 OF
THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION
TO ANY PERSON IN ARROYO GRANDE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AND VAPING
PRODUCTS THAT REQUIRE, BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED, A FOOD AND DRUG
ADMINISTRATION ORDER APPROVING THEIR MARKETING”, as modified; and “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADDING
SECTION 8.36.060 TO CHAPTER 8.36 OF TITLE 8 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO POSSESSION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS BY PERSONS UNDER
TWENTY-ONE”.
The motion passed on following roll call vote:
AYES: Barneich, Ray Russom, Paulding, Storton, George
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Ray Russom acknowledged and thanked City Attorney Whitham and Administrative
Services Director Esenwein for their service to the City, wished them the best in their future
positions, and stated they will be missed.
Mayor Pro Tem Barneich thanked Administrative Services Director Esenwein for her dedicated
service to the City and City Attorney Whitham for her dedication, professionalism and
responsiveness and wished them both well.
Council Member Paulding agreed and thanked City Attorney Whitham for her responsiveness
and wished her the best of luck in her new position, and thanked Director Esenwein for everything
she has done for the City.
Council Member George echoed the comments, and thanked City Attorney Whitham for her calm,
reasonable manner and expressed appreciation for her thorough and meticulous work.
Council Member Storton acknowledged that City Attorney Whitham is an Arroyo Grande resident,
thanked her for her service to the City and her calm manner in dealing with critical issues, and
also thanked Administrative Services Director Esenwein for her expertise and professionalism.
City Attorney Whitham thanked the previous Council and this Council for the opportunity to serve
as City Attorney and stated she viewed it as a privilege and an honor and thoroughly enjoyed it.
She said as a resident of Arroyo Grande, she is invested in the community, her children go to
school here, and she really enjoyed getting to know the Council, City staff, and citizens.
Council Member George thanked the City for providing the opportunity for her and Council
Member Storton to attend the Economic Forecast and provided a brief report.
Item 8.c. - Page 6
Minutes: City Council Meeting Page 7
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Mayor Ray Russom commented on the hard work of the Council and expressed appreciation for
the professionalism and dedication of the Council.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned
the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
__________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
Kelly Wetmore, City Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg ____________)
Item 8.c. - Page 7
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Item 8.c. - Page 8