CC 2024-04-09_09e Approval of Minutes
Item 9.e.
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ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
March 12, 2024, 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 Guthrie,
Council Member Barneich, Council Member
George, Council Member Secrest
Staff Present: City Clerk Jessica Matson, City Attorney Isaac
Rosen, City Manager Matthew Downing,
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director
Bill Robeson, Administrative Services Director
Nicole Valentine, Community Development
Director Brian Pedrotti, City Engineer
Shannon Sweeney, Planning Manager
Andrew Perez
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format.
_____________________________________________________________________
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
Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
Council concurred to move Item 10.a. to be heard after Item 12.b. and to move Item 13 to be heard
after Item 9.
5.a Closed Session Announcements
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The City Attorney announced that there was no reportable action from the following meeting:
February 27, 2024
a) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PER GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54956.8:
Real Property under negotiation along Traffic Way, including the following addresses and
negotiating parties:
1. APN 006-311-056: Ben Dohi TRE ETAL
2. APN 007-481-009: Romel & Mercedes Fernandez
3. APN 007-481-008: Dan Frietas Rentals 3 LP a CA LP
4. APN 007-482-026: Mes Hansen
5. APN 007-481-011: Raffi M. Kaloosian
6. APN 007-482-018: Coyote Real Estate Corporation
7. APN 007-482-020: Coyote Real Estate Corporation
8. APN 007-482-006: Lan Vest Limited, Pacific Group Fuel LLC
9. APN 007-481-007: Pearl Cole I Family Trust
10. APN 006-311-067: Adam H. Saruwatari TRE ETAL
Agency Negotiators: Matthew Downing, City Manager; Bill Robeson, Assistant City
Manager/Public Works Director
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
5.b Ordinances read in title only
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Council Member Barneich
Move that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read by title only and all further
readings be waived.
Passed (5 to 0)
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a Introduction of Employee – FCFA Battalion Chief Craig Angello
Interim FCFA Chief Aggson introduced Battalion Chief Craig Angello and highlighted his
educational and professional background.
6.b Introduction and Oath of Office – Police Officer Timothy Wilson
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Police Chief Martinez introduced Officer Timothy Wilson, and highlighted his educational and
professional background. City Clerk Matson administered the Oath of Office.
6.c SLOCOG Presentation on Countywide Self-Help Measure
City Manager Downing introduced James Worthley, SLOCOG Deputy Director, who provided a
presentation regarding a Countywide Self -Help Measure and responded to questions from
Council.
6.d City Manager Communications
City Manager Downing provided information regarding his participation in a ride along with the
Police Department; interviews for the FCFA Chief; a new fire tiller truck; Chief Martinez
participated in the Mobile Crisis Working Group; and almost 700 responses to the City survey
have already been received.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
None.
Reports are made during the Second Council Meeting each month.
8. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Patty Welsh, Gary
Schmidt, Conrad Bedsted, Gaea Powell (for Mike Harris), No Name Provided, and Ethel Landers. No
further public comments were received.
City Manager Downing responded to questions from the public. City Attorney Rosen stated that the
Verizon Wireless Appeal is delayed to at least June 11, 2024.
City Attorney Rosen stated that the public hearing item regarding a domestic well on Noyes Road will
be reopened and considered at the March 26, 2024 City Council meeting.
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. There were none.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Moved by Council Member Barneich
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.e., with the recommended courses of action.
Item 9.e.
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AYES (5): Council Member Barneich, Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, Council Member George, Council
Member Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
9.a Consideration of Cash Disbursement Ratification
Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period of February 1 through February 15,
2024.
9.b Consideration of Statement of Investment Deposits
Received and filed the report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande as of
January 31, 2024, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b).
9.c Approval of Minutes
Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 27, 2024, as submitted.
9.d Consideration of Acceptance of the 191 Tally Ho Road Frontage Improvements Project,
PW 2023-09
1) Accepted the project improvements as constructed by JJ Fisher Construction, Inc. in
accordance with the plans and specifications for the 191 Tally Ho Road Frontage Improvements
Project, PW 2023-09;
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.
9.e 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report
1) Reviewed and accept the 2023 General Plan Annual Report (the “Annual Report” or “Report”)
and direct staff to forward the Report to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the
Department of Housing and Community Development; and
2) Found that the request is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act
pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5).
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.a Public Hearing to Consider Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Title 16 of the Arroyo
Grande Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units
This item was heard out of order.
Mayor Ray Russom and Council Member George declared a conflict of interest due to
ownership of an ADU and left the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie presided over the meeting.
Planning Manager Perez presented the staff report and responded to questions from Council.
Item 9.e.
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Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie opened the public hearing. Upon hearing no public comments, Mayor
Pro Tem Guthrie closed the public hearing.
Moved by Council Member Barneich
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
1) Introduce an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPTING
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 16 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE (AGMC)
REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS"; and
2) Determine that the Ordinance amendment is statutorily exempt per Section 15282(h) of the
CEQA Guidelines regarding projects involving the adoption of an ordinance regarding second
units in a single-family or multi-family residential zone by a city to implement Government Code
Section 65852.2.
AYES (3): Council Member Barneich, Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, and Council Member Secrest
ABSENT (2): Mayor Ray Russom, and Council Member George
Passed (3 to 0)
11. OLD BUSINESS
None.
12. NEW BUSINESS
12.a Conceptual Village Wayfinding and Parking Signage Program
This item was heard after Item 13.
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director introduced the Item. City Engineer Sweeney
presented the staff report and responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom called for a brief break at 7:30 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Alexandria, and
Rhonda O'Dell. No further public comments were received. Mayor Ray Russom stated that
written comments from Ms. O'Dell were distributed shortly before the Council meeting.
Council discussion ensued regarding design and placement of parking signs as well as color
and design consistency throughout the city.
City Manager Downing providing a summary of Council comments which included modifying the
sign in front of the large redwood tree at the entrance to the Village; redesigning the parking
signs to include a rectangular sign with an arrow and the words "parking;" reducing sign clutter;
adding a sign in Olohan Alley to alert pedestrians of location of restrooms; orienting parking
signs to direct drivers to the North side of the Village; and evaluating the monument sign at the
Car Corral.
No action was taken on this item.
Item 9.e.
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12.b Study Session on Revisions to Public Art Guidelines, Public Art Donation Program, and
Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Relating to Murals
Community Development Director Pedrotti presented the item and responded to questions from
Council. City Attorney Rosen clarified objectivity in the guidelines.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Nan Bowman, Jill
Von Berg, Shirley Horacek. No further public comments were received. Staff responded to
questions from the public.
Council discussion ensued regarding public noticing of public art projects, the application
process, an appeal process, and the review of public art applications by the Architectural
Review Committee.
City Attorney Rosen clarified regarding the appeal process and public noticing on the City
Council Consent Agenda. City Manager Downing commented on public noticing requirements
and identifying a process for notifying the City Council of potential projects and stated that the
guidelines will come back to Council to consider an Ordinance amendment.
No action was taken on this item.
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
This item was considered after Item 9.
There were no Council communications.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie adjourned the
meeting at 10:06 p.m.
_________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
_________________________
Jessica Matson, City Clerk
Item 9.e.
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ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
March 26, 2024, 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 Guthrie,
Council Member Barneich, Council Member
George, Council Member Secrest
Staff Present: Deputy City Clerk Julie Hawkins, City Attorney
Isaac Rosen, City Manager Matthew
Downing, Assistant City Manager/Public
Works Director Bill Robeson, Administrative
Services Director Nicole Valentine,
Community Development Director Brian
Pedrotti
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format.
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ray Russom called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Deputy City Clerk Hawkins took roll call.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
City Manager Downing commented on Item 10.a., and pursuant to Administrative Policy A-029, staff
recommended continuing the item to a date uncertain. Staff will re-notice and re-hear the item at a
public hearing at a later date.
Item 9.e.
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Mayor Ray Russom read a statement for the record regarding Item 10.a. and stated that out of an
abundance of caution, and at the request of the applicant, she would recuse herself on this item.
5.a Closed Session Announcements
None.
5.b Ordinances read in title only
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Council Member Barneich
Move that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read by title only and all further
readings be waived.
Passed (5 to 0)
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a Honorary Proclamation Declaring the Month of April 2024 as "Month of the Child" and
"Child Abuse Prevention Month"
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie read the Honorary Proclamation Declaring the Month of April 2024 as
"Month of the Child" and "Child Abuse Prevention Month". Jamie Sanbonmatsu accepted the
proclamation.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
6.b City Manager Communications
City Manager Downing provided information regarding the Annual Egg Hunt, and LED lights on
the redwood tree at the entrance to the village.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
7. 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.
7.a MAYOR RAY RUSSOM:
1. California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA)
2. Central Coast Blue Regional Recycled Water Authority Board
3. Five Cities Fire Authority
4. San Luis Obispo County Mayor's Meeting
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5. South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD)
6. Other
7.b MAYOR PRO TEM GUTHRIE:
1. County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC)
2. Council of Governments/Regional Transit Authority/ South County Transit
(SLOCOG/SLORTA/SCT)
3. Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA)
4. REACH Economic Development Roundtable
5. Other
7.c COUNCIL MEMBER BARNEICH:
1. Audit Committee
2. Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC)
3. Zone 3 Water Advisory Board
4. Other
7.d COUNCIL MEMBER GEORGE:
1. Five Cities Fire Authority
2. Visit SLO CAL Advisory Board
3. Other
7.e COUNCIL MEMBER SECREST:
1. Air Pollution Control District (APCD)
2. South County Chambers of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee
3. Other
8. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No 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. Council Member George pulled Item 9.f. for separate
consideration due to her owning an ADU.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Item 9.e.
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Moved by Council Member Barneich
Seconded by Council Member George
Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.e., with the exception of item 9.f., with the
recommended courses of action.
AYES (5): Council Member Barneich, Council Member George, Council Member Secrest, Mayor Pro
Tem Guthrie, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
9.a Consideration of Cash Disbursement Ratification
Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period of February 16 through February 29,
2024.
9.b Consideration of Annual Military Equipment Report Per CA AB#481
Received and filed the “Military Equipment Use Inventory Report” in accordance with California
Assembly Bill 481 and make a motion to approve the renewal of Ordinance No. 714.
9.c Monthly Water Supply and Demand Update
Received and filed the Monthly Water Supply and Demand Update.
9.d Consideration of an Award of Contract to Sancon Technologies, Inc. (Sancon) for
Construction of the Highway 101, Linda Drive, and Arroyo Grande Cemetery Easement
Sewer Lining Project
1) Awarded a contract for the Highway 101, Linda Drive, and Arroyo Grande Cemetery
Easement Sewer Lining Project in the amount of $158,380 approved by the City Manager in
consultation with the City Attorney;
2) Authorized the City Manager to approve change orders of up to 10% of the contract amount,
$15,838, for unanticipated costs during the construction phase of the Project;
3) Determined that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) under the Class 1 exemption, which applies to the operation, repair, maintenance,
permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing structures, facilities, mechanical
equipment, or topographical features where the project involves negligible or no expansion of
existing or former use. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15301).
9.e Consideration of a Resolution to Adopt Projects to be Funded by the Road Repair and
Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1) For Fiscal Year 2024-25
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017";
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2) Authorized the Director of Administrative Services to submit the Resolution to the California
Transportation Commission (CTC); and
3) Made findings that adopting the Resolution is not a project subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the adoption in itself 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.f Consideration of Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Title 16 of the Arroyo Grande
Municipal Code Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units
Moved by Council Member Barneich
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
1) Adopted an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPTING
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 16 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS; LOCATION- CITYWIDE"; and
2) Found that the Ordinance is statutorily exempt per Section 15282(h) of the CEQA Guidelines
regarding projects involving the adoption of an ordinance regarding second units in a single-
family or multi-family residential zone by a city to implement Government Code Section
65852.2.
AYES (4): Council Member Barneich, Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, Council Member Secrest, and
Mayor Ray Russom
ABSTAINED (1): Council Member George
Passed (4 to 0)
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.a Continued Public Hearing to Consider a Resolution Denying the Installation of One (1)
Domestic Well on Property Zoned Planned Development (PD); Applicant–Michael Harris;
Representative–Richard Burde, SLO Civil Design and Marsha Burch, Attorney at Law
Mayor Russom recused herself and left the meeting.
Council Member George stated that she lives in close proximity to the proposed project, and
recused herself and left the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie presided over the meeting.
City Manager Downing recommended continuation of the public hearing to a date uncertain.
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie opened the public hearing. Upon hearing no public comments, Mayor
Pro Tem Guthrie closed the public hearing.
Moved by Council Member Barneich
Seconded by Council Member Secrest
Item 9.e.
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Closed public hearing and continued matter to a date uncertain.
AYES (3): Council Member Barneich, Council Member Secrest, and Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
ABSENT (2): Mayor Ray Russom, and Council Member George
Passed (3 to 0)
11. OLD BUSINESS
None.
12. NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Ray Russom and Council Member George rejoined the meeting.
12.a Consideration of Annual Report and Adoption of Resolution of Intention for Levy of
Annual Assessment for the Arroyo Grande Tourism Business Improvement District
Mayor Ray Russom and Council Member Barneich declared a conflict of interest due to
ownership of a vacation rental, and left the meeting
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie presided over the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie called for a brief break at 6:40 p.m. The Council reconvened at 6:46
p.m.
City Manager Downing presented the report and responded to questions from Council.
Natalie Bovee, Verdin Marketing, provided a presentation of the Annual Report.
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie invited public comment. No public comments were received.
Moved by Council Member George
Seconded by Council Member Secrest
1) Receive and approve the Annual Report; 2) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE DECLARING ITS INTENTION
TO CONTINUE THE ARROYO GRANDE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT,
TO CONTINUE THE BASIS FOR AND TO LEVY THE ASSESSMENTS FOR THE DISTRICT,
AND TO SET A DATE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DISTRICT AND THE
ASSESSMENT FOR THE 2024-25 FISCAL YEAR"; 3) Set the date for a public hearing for April
23, 2024, in accordance with Streets and Highways Code Section 36534; and 4) Determine that
approving the annual report and adopting a Resolution of Intention to levy and collect
assessments is not 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.
Item 9.e.
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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)
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member George provided compliments on the community survey ads and requested analytics if
they could be obtained.
Council Member Secrest requested that the Council consider directing staff to agendize a discussion of
authorizing a community flag to be flown during National Military Appreciation Month. Council Member
George concurred.
14. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rosen announced that the City Council will recess to a closed session for the following:
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.8:
Property: 400 West Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
Agency negotiators: Matthew Downing, City Manager; Bill Robeson, Assistant City Manager/Public
Works Director; Isaac Rosen, City Attorney
Negotiating parties:
- Dev Patel, on behalf of Kamla Hotels
- The Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo/People’s Self-Help Housing
Under negotiation: Price and terms of payment
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 7:36 p.m.
The City Council returned to Open Session at 8:23 p.m. City Attorney Rosen announced there was no
reportable action.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the
meeting at 8:24 p.m.
Item 9.e.
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_________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
_________________________
Jessica Matson, City Clerk