CC 2021-01-12_08d Approval of CC Minutes_12-08-20_12-15-20ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020
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.
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.
Staff Present: City Manager Whitney McDonald, Assistant City Manager/Director of
Public Works Bill Robeson, Director of Legislative and Information
Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, City Attorney Timothy Carmel,
Administrative Services Director Mike Stevens, Police Chief Mike
Martinez, Acting Police Commander Jason Castillo, and Program Analyst
Cammie Karamanlis.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
5.a. Closed Session Announcements.
Announcement of reportable actions taken, if any, from the following meeting:
Regular Meeting of November 24, 2020
Successor Agency:
a) Conference with Real Property Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.8:
Property: APN: 006-151-027; Located at Faeh Avenue and El Camino
Real
Agency Negotiators: Whitney McDonald, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: ELA Foods, Inc.
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
City Attorney Carmel announced that the Successor Agency Board took the following action:
Motion was made by Chair Russom to extend the purchase agreement for an additional six
months (to June 30, 2021), Buyer to increase the deposit to $95,000 (10% of purchase price)
which becomes nonrefundable if no application for a conditional use permit is filed with the City
by March 31, 2021. Second made by Board Member Barneich. Motion passed unanimously.
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5.b. Ordinances Read in Title Only.
Mayor Ray Russom moved, Council Member George 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 an update on COVID-19 efforts. She reported that the County
is currently under a new Stay at Home Order and provided a brief overview of the restriction as
follows: grocery stores are allowed to remain open with limited capacity; hotels and lodging
establishments are to close except for essential and critical infrastructure use, retail stores can
be open with limited capacity; restaurants and wineries are allowed to remain open for takeout
only; outdoor businesses including outdoor recreation facilities such as gyms and fitness facilities
are allowed to operate outdoors only; worship services and religious ceremonies can remain
outdoors only, including wedding and funeral services, and receptions and celebrations of life are
not allowed at this time; all other businesses are required to close, City parks and sports fields
are open for physical activity only, but the playgrounds have been closed. City Manager McDonald
stated that more information can be found on the County’s website at ReadySLO.org. City
Manager McDonald responded to questions from Council.
Council comments included support for calling a possible Special City Council meeting regarding
a letter to be sent to the Governor in support of the request by San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara,
and Ventura Counties requesting removal from the Southern California region stay home order.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
6.b. City Manager Communications.
Recommended Action: Receive correspondence/comments as presented by the City
Manager and provide direction, as necessary.
City Manager McDonald announced that the Recreation Department is hosting a Mayor’s
Challenge Holiday House Decorating Contest as well as Zoom calls with Santa or the Grinch, and
that more information can be found on the City’s website.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
6.c. Installation of Officers.
a) Receive and file the City Clerk’s report.
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City Clerk Wetmore presented a brief staff report explaining that on August 18, 2020, the City
Council accepted the City Clerk's certification that there were not more candidates than elected
offices to be filled at the General Municipal Election on November 3, 2020. She noted that
pursuant to the Elections Code, the Council had adopted Resolution No. 5022 which resulted in
the appointments of Caren Ray Russom as Mayor for a two-year term, and Kristen Barneich and
Lan George as members of the City Council, each for four-year terms, as if they were elected.
She also noted that adoption of Resolution No. 5022 resulted in cancellation of the City's General
Municipal Election on November 3rd. She recommended the Council receive and file the report
and that the required Oaths of Office be administered.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Dan Pace, stating that
he had worked with City Clerk Wetmore for many years and that he has nothing but the upmost
respect and admiration for her and congratulated her on her retirement. No further public
comments were received.
b) Oath of Office to be Administered by City Clerk Wetmore.
City Clerk Wetmore administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Caren Ray Russom, Council
Member Kristen Barneich, and Council Member Lan George.
c) Remarks by Council Member Barneich.
Council Member Barneich stated that she is happy to be serving another four years on the
Council, loves the job and takes pride in serving the Arroyo Grande residents; is grateful for the
wide support of the community; that she had raised almost $8,000 which she was able to donate,
with permission from donors, to three non-profit organizations including 5Cities Homeless
Coalition, Jacks Helping Hand, and Woods Humane Society; thanked her campaign committee
who volunteered many hours; stated she spoke to residents and that she appreciates their input
and urged them to sign up for notifications via the City’s website; that her door is always open
and welcomes any communication; commented on her deep respect for her fellow colleagues
who work hard to represent the community; and thanked staff for their hard work and good working
relationship with the Council.
d) Remarks by Council Member George.
Council Member George expressed her dedication to the residents of Arroyo Grande and that she
is both excited and thankful to continue her work as Council Member for the next four years; that
we are living in unprecedented times of hardship and her primary goals are to listen, empathize
with, and to address questions and concerns; that she will continue to work diligently to find
solutions that are viable and finds comfort knowing that she is working alongside her fellow
Council Members; expressed her gratitude for the Executive Team and staff; thanked her family
and campaign team for their support; and pledged to work tirelessly to support residents,
businesses, Council, and staff for the betterment of the City.
e) Remarks by Mayor Ray Russom.
Mayor Ray Russom stated it is an honor to serve the community; that she is grateful for the
opportunity and it gets better every year; thanked the community for their support and confidence;
thanked staff from the bottom up and stated that the organization is able to function every day
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because of the hard work of so many people and they make the Council look good; thanked her
family for their support and allowing her to serve the City; highlighted past accomplishments
including a structurally balanced budget, making significant payments to the City’s PERS
unfunded liability, progress on the Sanitation District redundancy project with no expected rate
increases and a local hiring provision, and completion of the District audit on time. She stated she
has taken her position seriously to provide respectful, responsive leadership, especially during
the most challenging times, and thanked those who have reached out to her in kindness, and
appreciated the current Council’s value system and support for each other.
Council Member Paulding stated that it is a pleasure to serve with the Council and that he
appreciates the respect and civility of all and congratulated Mayor Ray Russom and Council
Members Barneich and George.
Mayor Pro Tem Storton congratulated Mayor Ray Russom and Council Members Barneich and
George, acknowledged the Council’s dedication and working relationship, and stated that he is
looking forward to continuing to work together in a transparent and civil way.
6.d. Honorary Proclamation Recognizing Kelly Wetmore, Director of Legislative and
Information Services/City Clerk Upon Her Retirement from City Service.
Mayor Ray Russom presented a Proclamation recognizing Kelly Wetmore, Director of Legislative
and Information Services/City Clerk, upon her retirement from City service.
City Clerk Wetmore stated that it has been a pleasure and honor to serve the community,
Council, and staff, thanked the current and former Mayors and Council Members, City Managers,
Executive Management team, City Attorney and his team, Advisory Board members, and staff
for their support and teamwork, and thanked her family for their support of her career over the
years.
Council comments ensued congratulating City Clerk Wetmore on her retirement and wishing her
well.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Alexa Wetmore,
stating she was proud of everything her mom has accomplished in her career and she is looking
forward to her retirement so she can come visit whenever she wants. No further public
comments were received.
The following members of staff congratulated City Clerk Wetmore on her retirement and wished
her well: City Attorney Carmel; City Manager McDonald; Program Analyst Karamanlis; Assistant
City Manager/Public Works Director Robeson; and Police Chief Martinez.
Police Chief Martinez congratulated Kelly and thanked her for exemplifying professionalism.
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.
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City Attorney Carmel referred to Item 8.c. (Consideration of Approval of Minutes) and stated that
the minutes have been amended to reflect that the City Council was acting in its capacity as the
Successor Agency Board for the closed session item.
In response to a question by Council Member Barneich regarding Item 8.g. (Consideration to
Approve an Agreement for Consultant Services with Pavement Engineering, Inc. for the 2020
Street Repairs Project, PW 2020-13), Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Robeson
stated that the street repairs will begin in 2020 and be completed in 2021, and that staff will begin
to label the projects in the year that they are completed.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment on the Consent Agenda. Speaking from the public
was Jocelyn Brennan, South County Chambers of Commerce, regarding Item 8.f. (Consideration
of Appointment to the Arroyo Grande Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board),
stating that Yvette Eagles will be replacing Dave Kastner on the TBID Advisory Board. No further
public comments were received.
Mayor Ray Russom provided a list of streets that will be receiving street repairs.
Action: Council Member Barneich moved to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.g.,
with the recommended courses of action. Mayor Pro Tem Storton seconded, and 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 November 1, 2020
through November 30, 2020.
8.b. Consideration of Compensation Adjustments for Part-Time Employees and
Approval of the Updated Citywide Combined Salary Schedule.
Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING COMPENSATION ADJUSTMENTS FOR
PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AND APPROVAL OF THE UPDATED CITYWIDE
COMBINED SALARY SCHEDULE”.
8.c. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Action: Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council/Successor Agency of the
Dissolved Arroyo Grande Redevelopment Agency Meeting of November 24, 2020, as
amended.
8.d. Adoption of 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 Appointment to San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund
Commission.
Action: Appointed the Community Development Director, or their designee, to serve as
the City’s representative on the San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund Commission.
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8.f. Consideration of Appointment to the Arroyo Grande Tourism Business
Improvement District Advisory Board.
Action: Appointed Yvette Eagles to the Arroyo Grande Tourism Business Improvement
District Advisory Board.
8.g. Consideration to Approve an Agreement for Consultant Services with Pavement
Engineering, Inc. for the 2020 Street Repairs Project, PW 2020-13.
Action: Approved an Agreement for Consultant Services with Pavement Engineering, Inc.
in the amount of $126,835 for design services for the 2020 Street Repairs Project.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. Consideration of Preliminary Approval of Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Projects for Year 2021.
City Manager McDonald presented the staff report and recommended the Council provide
preliminary approval of proposed projects to be funded with the City’s allocation of Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the Year 2021.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public was Jim Guthrie,
suggesting an alternative ADA project next year to correct the street corners that do not currently
meet standards. Upon hearing no further comments, Mayor Ray Russom closed the public
hearing.
Action: Council Member Paulding moved to provide preliminary approval of proposed projects to
be funded with the City’s allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for
the Year 2021. Mayor Pro Tem Storton seconded, and the motion passed on following roll call
vote:
AYES: Paulding, Storton, Barneich, George, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
10. OLD BUSINESS:
10.a. Consideration of One-Year Review of Ordinance No. 703 Relating to the Possession
of Tobacco Products by Persons Under Twenty-One and Citation Statistics Related
to Arroyo Grande High School.
Acting Commander Castillo presented the staff report. He explained that up until the school
closures that occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the School Resource Officer had issued
two Arroyo Grande High School students citations for possession of vape or tobacco products;
however, they were dismissed by the court. He explained that the ordinance will continue to be
an effective tool for law enforcement to educate and discourage underage tobacco usage, and
that in order to obtain measurable data, the ordinance will be more effective during a school year
with students physically attending school. He noted that it is the goal of the High School and the
Police Department to educate the students and change their behavior as it relates to tobacco use.
Staff responded to questions.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No comments were received.
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Council comments ensued and staff was directed to bring this item back in two years for review.
No action was taken. The report was received and filed.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a. Review of Council Appointments to Regional and Local Boards and Committees.
City Clerk Wetmore presented the staff report and recommended the Council review the current
list of appointments to those regional and local boards, commissions, and committees with
Council representation, and: 1) Maintain current Council assignments and reappoint for the next
two-year period, or 2) Reassign and approve new Council appointments to any of the regional
and local boards and committees as desired; and 3) Direct the City Clerk to update Fair Political
Practices Commission (FPPC) Form 806 (Agency Report of Public Official Appointments) for
posting on the City website.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Dustin Hanning, who
opposed the reappointment of Council Member Paulding to the APCD Board; Tony Goetz, South
County Chamber of Commerce Chairman, thanked the Council for their service and stated that
the appointee to the APCD Board should be someone who will look out for the interest of the local
community. No further comments were received.
Council comments ensued in support of maintaining current Council assignments. Mayor Ray
Russom referred to CAPSLO and said that she believed that representation on that Board ends
for Arroyo Grande this year and rotates to another City. City Clerk Wetmore stated she would
follow up with CAPSLO. Mayor Ray Russom offered that if Council Member George would not
be serving on the CAPSLO Board, that she could be the representative for attending the monthly
AGTBID meetings. Council Member George stated that CAPSLO Board had already approved
her to serve another year; however, if something were to change, she would be happy to be the
primary representative to attend the AGTBID meetings.
Action: Mayor Ray Russom moved to maintain current Council assignments and reappoint for
the next two-year period; that if Council Member George’s term on the CAPSLO Board was
ending, to appoint her as the primary representative to attend the AGTBID Board meetings, with
Mayor Ray Russom as the alternate; and to direct the City Clerk to update Fair Political Practices
Commission (FPPC) Form 806 (Agency Report of Public Official Appointments) for posting on the
City website. Council Member George seconded, and the motion passed on following roll call
vote:
AYES: Ray Russom, George, Barneich, Paulding, Storton
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11.b. Consideration of Selection of Council Member Paulding as Mayor Pro Tem.
City Clerk Wetmore presented the staff report and recommended the Council appoint Council
Member Paulding as the Mayor Pro Tem for the next one-year period, pursuant to Council policy.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No comments were received.
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Action: Mayor Ray Russom moved to appoint Council Member Paulding as the Mayor Pro Tem
for the next one-year period, pursuant to Council policy. Council Member George seconded, and
the motion passed on following roll call vote:
AYES: Ray Russom, George, Paulding, Barneich, Storton
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Barneich wished everyone happy holidays.
Council Member George referred to the regional stay at home order and stated it hit her hard as
it relates to the impact on businesses and wanted the residents and businesses know that she is
thinking of everyone during this time.
Council Member Storton wished everyone happy holidays and stated he is looking forward to
2021.
Mayor Pro Tem Paulding echoed Council Member George’s sentiments. He also referred to
earlier discussion about having a special meeting and asked if the City Manager, under her
authority of the state of emergency declaration, could send a letter regarding the removal of the
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties from the Southern California region stay home
order.
City Attorney Carmel stated if there were sufficient direction given by the Council, there would be
no issue for the City Manager to write the letter of support.
Mayor Ray Russom expressed concern and stated that the Governor needs to hear from elected
officials and that the force and effect of a letter from Council is stronger. Following brief
discussion, it was agreed that the letter should come from the Council.
Mayor Ray Russom announced the Mayor’s Challenge Holiday House Decorating Contest and
encouraged people to nominate houses; announced that she is working with the Chamber and
she will be sharing a list of local businesses to support in purchasing holiday gifts; and
acknowledged that the annual employee appreciation luncheon has been significantly modified
to be in compliance with the stay at home order, so she wanted to adjourn to closed session in
honor of the Arroyo Grande staff.
13. CLOSED SESSION
At 8:34 p.m., the Council adjourned to closed session to consider the following item:
a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION. Initiation of
litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) involving 1 potential
case.
At 9:57 p.m., the closed session concluded and City Attorney Carmel announced that there was
no reportable action.
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14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned
the meeting at 9:58 p.m.
_______________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Annamarie Porter, Interim City Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg ___________)
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ACTION MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020
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 Special City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council: Council Members Kristen Barneich and Keith Storton, Mayor Pro Tem
Jimmy Paulding and Mayor Caren Ray Russom were all present. Council
Member George was absent
Staff Present: City Manager Whitney McDonald, Assistant City Manager/Director of
Public Works Bill Robeson, Director of Legislative and Information
Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, City Attorney Timothy Carmel,
Administrative Services Director Mike Stevens, and Police Chief Mike
Martinez.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment on items listed on the agenda. Speaking from the
public were: Ken Dalebout, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, stating that the COVID-19
pandemic is real and cited recent statistics in cases and deaths, that Dignity Health does not see
an advantage in being included with the Southern California Region and supported a tri-county
approach in assessing and managing health care needs, acknowledged the recent surge in
cases, advocated for wearing face coverings, keeping 6 feet distance, washing hands often, and
staying home when sick, and provided an update on vaccines; Janice, expressed concern that if
we open up the County and decrease the restrictions, that visitors will come to our area that do
not follow the rules, especially when there is no enforcement of the rules, and her preference is
to remain within the Southern California region; Kay Gore, stated we are in a crisis situation, she
does not leave her house and is self-isolating, and expressed concern that the order for wearing
face coverings is not being enforced and supported staying within the Southern California region;
and Kathleen, who agreed with the previous two speakers as it relates to staying within the
Southern California region. No further public comments were received.
5. BUSINESS ITEMS:
5.a. Update Regarding Countywide COVID-19 Efforts.
City Manager McDonald noted that Council Member George had a family emergency and could
not attend tonight’s meeting. She stated the County reported six new deaths, which is the most
deaths in one day to date; commented on the monitoring of available ICU bed capacity and
number of cases per 100,000 people; clarified that people can sit down outside to eat their take-
out food; however, restaurant service is not allowed; and responded to questions from Council.
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Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
5.b. Consideration of Letter to the Governor Supporting the Request of the Counties of
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura for Recognition of the Central Coast
Region Under the Regional Stay At Home Order.
City Manager McDonald presented the staff report and recommended that the Council approve
and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter to the Governor supporting the request of the Counties of
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura for recognition of the Central Coast Region under
the Regional Stay at Home Order. Staff responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Ken Dalebout, Arroyo
Grande Community Hospital Administrator, stating that Arroyo Grande Community and Marian
Regional Hospitals are working together to care for COVID-19 patients, and until it is needed,
Arroyo Grande Hospital has been designated as a clean campus to be used for non-COVID-19
patient overflow, and further explained that within the tri-county region, Dignity Health has the
facilities and resources to provide healthcare services to its population. No further public
comments were received.
Action: Council Member Storton moved to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter to
the Governor supporting the request of the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and
Ventura for recognition of the Central Coast Region under the Regional Stay at Home Order.
Mayor Pro Tem Paulding seconded, and the motion passed on following roll call vote:
AYES: Storton, Paulding, Barneich, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: George
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned
the meeting at 6:58 p.m.
______________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Annamarie Porter, Interim City Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg ___________)
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