CC 2020-11-10_08b Approval of CC Minutes_10-27-20ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 E. BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
In compliance with the State Shelter at Home Order due to the coronavirus pandemic, and as
allowed by the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20, which allows for a deviation of
teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act, this meeting was held by
teleconference.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ray Russom called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. via
teleconference.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council: Council Members Lan George, Jimmy Paulding, Kristen Barneich, Mayor
Pro Tem Keith Storton, and Mayor Caren Ray Russom were all present
via teleconference.
Staff Present: City Manager Whitney McDonald, Assistant City Manager/Public Works
Director Bill Robeson, Director of Legislative and Information
Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, Police Commander Shawn
Cosgrove, Sergeant Zak Ayala, and Information Technology Manager
Walt Cuzick were present in the Council Chambers. City Attorney
Timothy Carmel, Administrative Services Director Mike Stevens, and
Associate Planner Andrew Perez were present via teleconference.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
Regular Meeting of October 13, 2020
5.a. Closed Session Announcements.
Regular Meeting of October 13, 2020
a)Public Employee Performance Evaluation pursuant to Government Code Section
54957:
Title: City Attorney
City Attorney Carmel announced that the Council met in closed session to discuss his
performance evaluation and there was no reportable action taken.
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5.b. Ordinances Read in Title Only.
Mayor Ray Russom moved, Council Member Barneich seconded, and the motion passed
unanimously by roll-call vote that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read by title
only and all further readings be waived.
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a. Update Regarding Countywide COVID-19 Efforts.
Recommended Action: Receive update, accept public comments, discuss, and provide
direction, as necessary.
City Manager McDonald provided a brief update on local COVID-19 efforts and stated that the
California Department of Public Health released guidance for a safer Halloween, stating Trick or
Treating is a high risk activity as it relates to the transmission of COVID-19 and strongly
recommended alternatives activities. Mayor Ray Russom reported that the COVID-19 cases have
gone down in the County but that it is still in the Red tier; encouraged members of the community
to participate in the Mayor’s Challenge Halloween House Decorating Contest and stated that a
map is available on the Next Door App and on the City’s website at www.arroyogrande.org with
additional information about alternative Halloween activities.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
6.b. City Manager Communications.
Recommended Action: Receive correspondence/comments as presented by the City
Manager and provide direction, as necessary.
Assistant City Manager Robeson provided an update of the Bridge Street Bridge project and
announced that scheduled traffic delays have been postponed due to issues with the coatings on
the trusses. She noted that another press release would be issued to provide an update on
rescheduled traffic delays.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
6.c. Mayor’s Commendation Recognizing Jerry Rutiz - Agriculturalist of the Year.
Mayor Ray Russom presented a Commendation to Jerry Rutiz in recognition of his distinguished
success in the agriculture industry, a lifetime of dedication to advancing the community’s rich
farming and ranching heritage, and for receiving the Agriculturalist of the Year Award. Mr. Rutiz
accepted the Proclamation via teleconference. Council Members extended their appreciation and
congratulations to Mr. Rutiz.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
6.d. Honorary Proclamation Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Peoples’ Self-Help
Housing.
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Mayor Ray Russom read an Honorary Proclamation recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Peoples’
Self-Help Housing. Ken Trigueiro, CEO representing Peoples’ Self Housing, accepted the
Proclamation.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
6.e. Presentation by Arroyo Grande Police Department Regarding Police Officer
Candidate Selection Process.
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
Commander Shawn Cosgrove provided introductory comments. Sergeant Zak Ayala presented
an overview of the Police Department’s hiring process for Police Officers. Staff responded to
questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item. The presentation was received and filed.
7. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
8. 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.
Council Member George referred to Item 8.g. (Monthly Water Supply and Demand Update),
noted that water usage is down this year from this period last year, and thanked residents for their
continued water conservation efforts.
Mayor Ray Russom referred to Item 8.h. (Consideration of Acceptance of the 2020 Concrete
Repairs Project, PW 2020-03), stated that she received correspondence from a resident who had
a broken irrigation line and that she forwarded the correspondence to staff.
In response to a request by Council Member Barneich regarding Item 8.i. (Consideration of a
Resolution Authorizing Execution of the Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the
San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority), City Manager McDonald provided a brief overview
of the staff report and the recommendation to consolidate South County Area Transit into the San
Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority. City Manager McDonald and Geoff Straw, Executive
Director representing SLO Regional Transit Authority, responded to questions regarding the
proposed consolidation and Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement.
Council Member Paulding, who currently serves as the City’s representative on the RTA Board,
commented on the benefits of the consolidation.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment on the consent agenda items. No public comments
were received.
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Action: Council Member Paulding moved to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.i.,
with the recommended courses of action. Mayor Pro Tem Storton seconded, and the motion
passed on the following roll-call vote:
AYES: Paulding, Storton, Barneich, 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 1, 2020 through
October 15, 2020.
8.b. Consideration of Statement of Investment Deposits.
Action: Received and filed the attached report listing of investment deposits of the City of
Arroyo Grande, as of September 30, 2020, 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 October 13, 2020,
as submitted.
8.d. Adoption of a Resolution Declaring a Continued Local Emergency Related to the
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.
Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE DECLARING A CONTINUED LOCAL EMERGENCY
RELATED TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC”.
8.e. Consideration of Resolution Declaring Surplus Property and Authorizing the
Transfer of a Vehicle to the San Jose Police Department.
Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE DECLARING SURPLUS PROPERTY AND
AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF A VEHICLE TO THE SAN JOSE POLICE
DEPARTMENT”.
8.f. Consideration of Authorization to Purchase Upgraded Radio Infrastructure
Equipment for the Police Department.
Action: Authorized the purchase of equipment to upgrade the Police Department’s radio
infrastructure at a total cost of $143,028.
8.g. Monthly Water Supply and Demand Update.
Action: Received and filed the monthly Water Supply and Demand Report.
8.h. Consideration of Acceptance of the 2020 Concrete Repairs Project, PW 2020-03.
Action: 1) Accepted the project improvements as constructed by G. Sosa Construction,
Inc. in accordance with the plans and specifications for the 2020 Concrete Repairs Project,
PW 2020-03; 2) Directed staff to file a Notice of Completion; and 3) Authorized release of
retention, thirty-five (35) days after the Notice of Completion has been recorded, if no liens
have been filed.
8.i. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing Execution of the Amended and Restated
Joint Powers Agreement for the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority
Allowing Consolidation of South County Area Transit into the San Luis Obispo
Regional Transit Authority, and Approving the Termination of the South County
Area Transit Joint Powers Agreement, Assignment of Assets to the San Luis Obispo
Regional Transit Authority, and Ceasing Operations of South County Transit as a
Separate Entity.
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Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT
POWERS AGREEMENT FOR THE SAN LUIS OBISPO REGIONAL TRANSIT
AUTHORITY, TERMINATING THE SOUTH COUNTY AREA TRANSIT JOINT POWERS
AGREEMENT, ASSIGNING ASSETS TO THE SAN LUIS OBISPO REGIONAL
TRANSIT AUTHORITY, AND CEASING OPERATIONS OF SOUTH COUNTY TRANSIT
AS A SEPARATE ENTITY”.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
10. OLD BUSINESS:
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a. Consideration of Pre-Application No. 20-003; Construction of a Proposed Four-
Story, 113 Room Hotel; Location – 727 El Camino Real; Applicant – ELA Foods, Inc.;
Representative – Carol Florence, Oasis Associates Inc.
Recommended Action: Review the proposed project and provide preliminary comments
to the applicant.
City Manager McDonald provided an overview of the pre-application process which is intended to
provide an opportunity for the Council and public to see the conceptual project proposal and
provide comment prior to submittal of a formal application. Associate Planner Perez gave a
presentation of the conceptual hotel project providing an overview of the project site, parcel
ownership, project description, and conceptual site plan; reviewed the proposed entitlements for
the project, which include a lot merger, conditional use permit, and development agreement;
reviewed how the project meets General Plan Land Use and Economic Development Element
policies; reviewed the components of a development agreement; reviewed parking requirements
and proposed building height; reviewed community outreach efforts to date; and reviewed next
steps in the process. Staff responded to questions from Council.
Carol Florence, Oasis and Associates, representing the applicant, provided an overview of activity
on the property to date, displayed a schematic site plan and conceptual floor plans for a proposed
hotel, provided height comparisons from varying viewpoints, and responded to questions from
Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public via teleconference were:
Peter Williamson, who spoke in support of the idea of a hotel and restaurant development, but
expressed concerns about location choice as it relates to serving the community, how often the
hotel would reach peak occupancy, developers making a profit, parking ordinances and parking
requirements, provided a “wish list” if the project were to move forward which included unbundled
charge for daily parking, valet parking, subsidized van pool for hotel employees, shuttle to and
from Amtrak, improved bike and pedestrian access to the Village and shopping centers,
completion of sidewalks, reduced speed limits in the nearby neighborhood, and more parking
spaces for employees; Teri Tardiff, expressed concerns about a four story building, parking, and
the zero lot line on the Faeh Avenue side; Dave Aguallo, stated he lives near the proposed project
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site and expressed concerns with speeding, peak hour traffic, and access into the hotel property;
and Shirley Gibson, stated a hotel at this location seems reasonable, but expressed concerns
with the proposed height of the building and setting precedent for future projects, and the size
and mass of the proposed project next to residential homes. No further public comments were
received.
Council comments to the applicant ensued including support for a proposed hotel use on the
property; acknowledgment of community meetings held to date and encouragement for ongoing
public engagement with the residents in the adjacent neighborhood; acknowledgement that the
design of the building is based on the configuration of the site; that there will need to be
appropriate visual and noise mitigation to address impacts to the neighborhood; that the proposed
hotel is resident serving with the inclusion of a restaurant and conference room; that the hotel
would bring additional transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue to the City without taxing residents;
that the proposed 45’ building height is a concern and a 3-story building would be more amenable;
acknowledgement that the property is zoned as Highway Mixed Use (HMU) and is adjacent to the
freeway and that development of this parcel would be more intensive than residential use; that
landscaping will be a key element of the project to mitigate visual impacts; acknowledgement that
Cambria Hotels is a nice brand with amenities and visually appealing; that the applicant should
look at the surrounding aesthetics of the City as it relates to use of similar architecture; that public
comments regarding parking, pedestrians, bikeablity, and walkability should be considered; use
of trees along Faeh Avenue and a park-like nature landscape; that trees along the Faeh Avenue
side would address neighboring concerns; that the proposed use is consistent with the zoning;
that the proposed project would fully utilize a site that is currently underutilized; that the proposed
hotel could rejuvenate El Camino Real and spur additional development/improvements in this
area; acknowledgement of other tall buildings in the City; that the project is consistent with the
City’s Economic Development Element; that the proposed massing is off-putting and that perhaps
the building include staggering/softening, or that that the site could be graded to lower the building
height; that the character of the City should be kept in mind during design; acknowledgement of
concerns regarding speeding on the residential roads and to review traffic in the adjacent
neighborhood; that neighborhood privacy should be considered as it relates to visual and noise
impacts; that this property is a focal point in the City with HMU zoning and there will be impacts
with any development; that ground level parking could be an option; that the structure will help to
buffer noise between the freeway and the residential neighborhood; that preservation of the
historic character of the City needs to be considered in order to be consistent with General Plan
policies; support for a development agreement; that the existing adjacent park and ride spaces
are intended for carpooling and should not be granted for hotel purposes; that a restaurant would
increase the need for parking; that meeting the City’s Municipal Code requirements for lighting
may not be good enough; that the site plan layout is well placed and the park-like nature at the
back of the property is favorable; a suggestion for covered parking that extends to the back with
landscaping; and that the property and surrounding area are flat and nothing around it is higher
in order to lessen the impact of the proposed height of the structure.
No action was taken on this item.
12. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
The City Council provided brief reports from the following committee, commission, board, or other
subcommittee meetings that they attended as the City’s appointed representative.
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(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 STORTON:
(1) Brisco/Halcyon Interchange Subcommittee
(2) Five Cities Fire Authority (FCFA). In addition to Mayor Pro Tem Storton’s
report, Assistant City Manager Robeson provided the Council with
information regarding the California Climate Investment - Fire Prevention
Grant.
(3) Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA)
(4) South County Chambers of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee
(c) COUNCIL MEMBER BARNEICH:
(1) Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC)
(2) South County Homeless Taskforce
(3) Zone 3 Water Advisory Board
(d) 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)
(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 Barneich commended Recreation Services Department staff for their response
in assisting a citizen who was looking for a practice location for a stunt youth group.
Mayor Ray Russom reminded the community that the City is offering some alternative Halloween
activities for COVID safe celebrations and information about those activities can be found in the
Spotlight area of the City’s website.
14. CLOSED SESSION
None.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned
the meeting at 8:36 p.m.
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_____________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kelly Wetmore, City Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg _________)
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