CC 2024-01-09_09.c. Approval of Minutes_2023-12-12
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ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
December 12, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Hybrid City Council Chamber/Virtual Zoom Meeting
215 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
Council Members Present: Mayor Ray Russom, Mayor Pro Tem
Barneich, Council Member George, Council
Member Guthrie, Council Member Secrest
Staff Present: City Clerk Jessica Matson, City Attorney Isaac
Rosen, Interim City Manager Bill Robeson,
Administrative Services Director Nicole
Valentine, Community Development Director
Brian Pedrotti, Interim Public Works
Director/City Engineer Shannon Sweeney,
Planning Manager Andrew Perez, Associate
Planner Patrick Holub, Deputy City
Clerk/Communications Coordinator Julie
Hawkins
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format.
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1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ray Russom called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Matson took roll call.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Members of the Arroyo Grande Lions Club led the flag salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Ray Russom requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Warren Hoag.
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Mayor Ray Russom commented that she and Mayor Pro Tem Barneich had a conflict with Item 10.a.
and recommended hearing the item after Item 12.d.; and requested to hear Item 13 after Item 9.
Council concurred.
5.a Closed Session Announcements
City Council Closed Session Meeting of November 28, 2023
a) PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(b):
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Position: City Manager
City Attorney Rosen announced that Council adjourned the Closed Session at 8:44 p.m. and
there was no reportable action.
5.b Ordinances read in title only
Move that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read by title only and all further
readings be waived.
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Barneich
AYES (5): Mayor Ray Russom, Mayor Pro Tem Barneich, Council Member George, Council
Member Guthrie, and Council Member Secrest
Passed (5 to 0)
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a Introduction of New Employee, Julie Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk/Communications
Coordinator
City Clerk Matson introduced new employee Julie Hawkins, Deputy City Clerk/Communications
Coordinator and provided a summary of her educational and professional background.
6.b Interim City Manager Communications
Interim City Manager Robeson provided information regarding current Recreation events; and
discussed upcoming items for Council consideration.
Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Sweeney provided an update regarding
construction activity in the Village.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Alexandria. No
further public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Reports are made during the Second Council Meeting each month.
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May Ray Russom made a comment regarding the South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District
equipment repairs currently underway.
8. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Shirley Horacek. No further
public comments were received.
9. 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.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Patty Welsh. No further
public comments were received.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Barneich
Seconded by Council Member George
Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.i., with the recommended courses of action.
AYES (5): Mayor Pro Tem Barneich, Council Member George, Council Member Guthrie, Council
Member Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
9.a Consideration of Cash Disbursement Ratification
1) Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period of November 1 through November
15, 2023; 2) Determined that ratifying the cash disbursements is not a project subject to the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a
direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA
Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.)
9.b Consideration of Statement of Investment Deposits
1) Received and filed the report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande as of
October 31, 2023, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b); 2) Determined that
receiving the report of investment deposits is not a project subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or
reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines,
§§ 15060, subd. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.)
9.c Consideration of Fiscal Year 2023-24 First Quarter Status Report and Request to Approve
Fifteen Budget Adjustment Requests
Considered, received, and filed the FY 2023-24 First Quarter Financial Status Report; and
approved fifteen Budget Adjustment Requests.
9.d Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Receipt and Use of Water and Sewer
Capacity and Connection Fees/Charges
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1) Received and filed the annual report of the receipt and use of water and sewer capacity and
connection fees and charges, in compliance with Government Code Section 66013; 2)
Determined that ratifying the annual report is not a project subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or
reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines,
§§ 15060, subd. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.)
9.e Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Citywide Combined Salary
Schedule and Approving One Budget Adjustment Request
Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING THE UPDATED CITYWIDE COMBINED SALARY
SCHEDULE AND AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF $4,000 FROM THE GENERAL
FUND FOR THE BALANCE OF THE FY 2023-2024", and directed Staff to take any steps
necessary to otherwise ratify the salary change for the impacted employees.
9.f Consideration of a Resolution Accepting the Status Report on Development Impact Fees
(AB 1600)
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE ACCEPTING THE STATUS REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT IMPACT
FEES (AB 1600)"; and 2) Determined that adopting a resolution accepting the status report on
the receipt and use of Development Impact Fees (AB 1600) is not a project subject to the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a
direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA
Guidelines, Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)-(3), 15378.)
9.g Approval of Minutes
Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of November 28, 2023, as submitted.
9.h Consideration of Selection of Council Member Guthrie as Mayor Pro Tem for Calendar
Year 2024
Appointed Council Member Guthrie as the Mayor Pro Tem for the next one-year period,
pursuant to Council policy.
9.i Consideration of an Award of Contract to SP Maintenance Services, Inc. for Street
Sweeping Services
1) Awarded a contract for street sweeping services to SP Maintenance, Inc. for the next 2 years
in the amount of $442,440 ($221,220/year); 2) Authorized the City Manager to approve
extensions for year 3, at $227,776, and year 4, at $234,332, upon favorable performance in the
City Manager’s discretion; 3) Approved a budget amendment of $51,010 to address the
anticipated budget deficit from the increase in contrast costs through the end of FY 2023-24;
and 4) Found that these services are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) under the Class 4 exemption, which applies to minor public or private alterations in the
condition of land, water, and/or vegetation where the project does not involve removal of
healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes. (State CEQA
Guidelines, § 15304.)
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10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.a Consideration of CUP23-002; AG Creek Stream Gauge Fish Passage Improvement,
Requested Fee Waiver and Finding Action Exempt from Review Under CEQA Pursuant to
State Guidelines § 15301, 15302, & 15304; Applicant–Steph Wald, Creek Lands
Conservation
This item was heard out of order.
Mayor Ray Russom and Council Member Barneich declared a conflict of interest due to living
within 300 ft. of the project, recused themselves and left the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie presided over the meeting.
Associate Planner Holub presented the item and responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Moved by Council Member George
Seconded by Council Member Secrest
1) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 23-002 TO IMPLEMENT
A STREAM GAUGE FISH PASSAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON PROPERTY LOCATED
WITHIN ARROYO GRANDE CREEK IN PROXIMITY TO CLARENCE AVENUE AND MYRTLE
STREET (APN 077-572-031), APPLIED FOR BY CREEK LANDS CONSERVATION (CLC),
APPROVING THE REQUESTED FEE WAIVER, AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT
FROM CEQA"; and 2) Determine that this project is categorically exempt per Section 15301,
15302 and 15304 of the CEQA Guidelines.
AYES (3): Council Member George, Council Member Secrest, and Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
ABSENT (2): Mayor Ray Russom, and Council Member Barneich
Passed (3 to 0)
10.b Public Hearing to Consider Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Title 13 of the Arroyo
Grande Municipal Code Regarding the Water Shortage Contingency Plan and Finding this
Action Exempt from CEQA
City Engineer/Interim Public Works Director presented the item and responded to questions
from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public was Alexandria.
Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ray Russom closed the public hearing.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Seconded by Council Member George
1) Introduce an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING SECTION 13.07.030 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND
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FINDING THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT"; and 2) Find that the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect
physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines sections 15060, subd. (c)(2), (3);
15061(b)(3)).
AYES (5): Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, Council Member George, Council Member Secrest, Council
Member Barneich, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
11. OLD BUSINESS
None.
12. NEW BUSINESS
12.a Consideration of Appointment of City Manager and Approval of Employment Agreement
City Attorney Rosen presented the item recommending that the Council approve the negotiated
Employment Agreement with Matthew J. Downing, to serve as Arroyo Grande’s City Manager,
and read into the record the negotiated terms including a salary of $235,900 annually; cost-of-
living-adjustments (COLA) as available to all management employees; if terminated without
cause, he will receive 6 months salary and severance pay and benefits during the time he is not
employed; health and welfare benefits available to all employees; $2,200 deferred
compensation annually; $150,000 term life insurance policy; monthly cell phone allowance;
$500 a month auto allowance; 13 years service credit towards annual leave earning him 33
days per year of leave in addition to a 56-hour initial one-time grant of paid leave; 40 hours of
management leave annually that would not accrue from year to year.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Patty Welsh, and
Ben Fine. No further public comments were received.
Council discussion ensued. Mayor Ray Russom reopened public comment. Speaking from the
public was Ben Fine. No further comments were received.
Moved by Council Member George
Seconded by Council Member Barneich
1) Approve the negotiated Employment Agreement with Matthew J. Downing , to serve as
Arroyo Grande’s City Manager, following the required oral report under the Brown Act and
subject to any minor, non-substantive changes necessary for finalization; and 2) Find the action
is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no
potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the
environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)-(3), 15378)
AYES (5): Council Member George, Council Member Barneich, Council Member Secrest, Mayor
Pro Tem Guthrie, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
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12.b Consideration of Preliminary Approval of Community Development Block Grant Projects
for Year 2024 And Finding That This Action Is Exempt Under The California
Environmental Quality Act, State Guidelines Section 15061
Community Development Director Pedrotti introduced the item. Planning Manager Perez
presented the report and responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Council discussion ensued regarding grant allocations.
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Preliminary approve proposed projects to be funded with the City’s allocation of Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the Year 2024, as amended to provide $12,283 to
the 5Cities Homeless Coalition and $5,732 to the curb ramp and sidewalk project, and find that
the preliminary approval of projects is exempt from CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
Section 15061 subd. (b)(3).
AYES (5): Mayor Ray Russom, Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, Council Member Barneich, Council
Member George, and Council Member Secrest
Passed (5 to 0)
12.c Discussion to Consider Waiving or Reimbursing Certain Building Permit Fees Related to
Repair or Reconstruction of Homes Damaged by Flooding in 2023 Declared Local
Emergencies
Community Development Director Pedrotti presented the report and responded to questions
from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Council discussion ensued regarding caps on waiver amounts, timing requirements for
completing the fee waiver, and expiration dates.
City Attorney Rosen commented that a proposed resolution would come back to Council at a
future meeting for consideration.
Moved by Council Member Barneich
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Council directed staff to prepare a resolution in line with Council direction to include striking the
first line of findings; $5,000 cap on total amount of waivers for the demolition, building permit,
and inspection fees; requirement of 90 days to complete the fee waiver with a 12 month
expiration; and the second public purpose finding supporting the action and determining that the
item is exempt from CEQA.
AYES (5): Council Member Barneich, Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, Council Member George, and
Council Member Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom
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Passed (5 to 0)
12.d Review and Approve Council Appointments to Regional and Local Boards and
Committees
City Clerk Matson presented the item and responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Council discussed representation on the regional committees and boards. Mayor Ray Russom
commented that the Zone 3 Water Advisory Board changed their meeting time to 10:30 a.m. and
asked is another Councilmember could be alternate to the Board due to her work schedule.
Council Member Secrest volunteered to be the alternate.
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Council Member George
Update CCCE Policy Board term to January 1 – December 31; remove TBID Advisory Board
from the list of Boards and Committees; appoint Council Member Secrest as alternate to the
Zone 3 Water Advisory Board; 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; and Direct staff to work with CCCE on a revised MOU, if necessary.
AYES (5): Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member George, Council Member Barneich, and
Council Member Secrest, and Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Passed (5 to 0)
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
This item was heard out of order.
Mayor Ray Russom requested staff provide an update on the wayfinding signs in the Village at a future
meeting. Council Member Secrest concurred. Interim City Manager Robeson commented that this item
can come back to Council in March 2024 as part of City Manager Communications.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie adjourned the
meeting at 8:29 p.m. in memory of Warren Hoag, former Arroyo Grande Architectural Review
Committee Member and longtime community volunteer and leader.
_________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
_________________________
Jessica Matson, City Clerk
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