CC 2024-02-27_09d Approval of Minutes_2-13-24
1 Item 9.d.
ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
February 13, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Hybrid City Council Chamber/Virtual Zoom Meeting
215 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
Council Members Present: Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member
Barneich, Council Member George, Mayor
Pro Tem Guthrie, 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; Planning Manager Andrew Perez;
City Engineer Shannon Sweeney; City Clerk
Jessica Matson
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
Members of the Arroyo Grande Valley Kiwanis Club led the flag salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie requested, and Council concurred, to move Item 12.a. before Item 10.a. on the
Agenda.
5.a Closed Session Announcements
None.
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2 Item 9.d.
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.
AYES (5): Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Barneich, Council Member George, Mayor Pro
Tem Guthrie, and Council Member Secrest
Passed (5 to 0)
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
6.a Honorary Proclamation Recognizing February 2024 as Teen Dating Violence Action and
Prevention Month
Mayor Ray Russom read the Honorary Proclamation Recognizing February 2024 as Teen
Dating Violence Action and Prevention Month. Callie Tennock and Molly Gurrola, Lumina
Alliance, accepted the proclamation.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
6.b Honorary Proclamation Recognizing Fire Chief Stephen Lieberman Upon His Retirement
from Public Service
Mayor Ray Russom read the Honorary Proclamation Recognizing Fire Chief Stephen
Lieberman Upon His Retirement from Public Service. FCFA Chief Lieberman, accepted the
proclamation.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Keith Storton. No
further public comments were received.
Council thanked Chief Lieberman for his service.
No action was taken on this item.
6.c City Manager Communications
City Manager Downing provided information regarding the public safety camera project, FCFA
promotion of Craig Angello to Battalion Chief; volunteer appreciation event which had over 100
attendees; Meet the Machines event scheduled for February 24th at Soto Complex; visioning
workshop for General Plan Update which is scheduled for February 28th; release of the winter
edition of the City Newsletter; and mailer with survey questions which will be sent to the
community.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
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3 Item 9.d.
No action was taken on this item.
6.c.1 Recent Storm Conditions and Updates
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Robeson provided a presentation
regarding City staff's response to recent storms and shared information regarding
upcoming storms.
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 Alexandria, Gary Schmidt,
and Keith Storton. No further public comments were received. Assistant City Manager/Public Works
Director Robeson responded to questions from the public.
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 requested Item 9.c. be pulled for separate vote.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Alexandria. No further public
comments were received.
City Manager Downing provided a brief overview of the Downtown Parking Advisory Board function.
Moved by Council Member Barneich
Seconded by Council Member George
Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.g., with the exception of Item 9.c. with the
recommended courses of action.
AYES (5): Council Member Barneich, Council Member George, Council Member Secrest, Mayor Pro
Tem Guthrie, 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 January 1 through January 15,
2024; and
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. (c)(2)-(3), 15378.)
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4 Item 9.d.
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
December 31, 2023, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b); and
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. (c)(2)-(3), 15378.)
9.d Consideration of Appointment to the Downtown Parking Advisory Board
Approved the recommendation of Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie to appoint Kevin Delaney to the
Downtown Parking Advisory Board.
9.e Consideration of Approval of Amendment 1 to the Regional Surface Transportation
(RSTP) Exchange/Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Cooperative Agreement AG
– FAST – 01 with the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT 1 TO SAN
LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS REGIONAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
EXCHANGE / SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BLOCK GRANT COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
NO. AG-FAST-01";
2) Directed the City Clerk to submit the RSTP Exchange/STBG Cooperative Agreement
Amendment 1 to No. AG-FAST-01 and the Resolution to the San Luis Obispo Council of
Governments; and
3) Found that approving this agreement 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.f Consideration of Final Approval of Community Development Block Grant Projects for
Year 2024 and Finding the Action Exempt Under the California Environmental Quality Act,
State Guidelines Section 15061
1) Approved a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE RECOMMENDING TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECTS FOR
YEAR 2024"; and
2) Found that the preliminary approval of projects is exempt from CEQA, pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15061 subd. (b)(3).
9.g Consideration of Rejection of All Bids for the Five Cities Fire Authority (FCFA) Apparatus
Door Replacement Project, PW 2023-11
Rejected all Bids for the FCFA Apparatus Door Replacement Project and direct staff to
competitively rebid this project.
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5 Item 9.d.
9.c Approval of Minutes
Moved by Council Member Barneich
Seconded by Council Member Secrest
Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 23, 2024, as submitted.
AYES (3): Council Member Barneich, Council Member Secrest, and Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
ABSTAINED (2): Mayor Ray Russom, and Council Member George
Passed (3 to 0)
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.a Hold Public Hearings, Consider Adopting a Resolution Updating the Development Impact
Fee Schedule & Consider the 2024 Development Impact Fee Nexus Study, & Introduction
of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.36 of the AGMC, Development Impact Fees
This item was heard after Item 12.a.
Administrative Services Director Valentine introduced the item and Carlos Villarreal, Wildan
Financial Services, provided a presentation of the 2024 Development Impact Fee Nexus Study
Update and responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Upon hearing no public comments, Mayor Ray
Russom closed the public hearing.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Seconded by Council Member George
1) Hold a Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
FOR ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE CITY AND TAKING OTHER ACTIONS
THERETO";
2) Receive and file the 2024 Development Impact Fee Nexus Study Update;
3) Hold a Public Hearing and Introduce an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING SECTION 3.36.030 OF THE
ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND
FINDING THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT";
4) Make findings that adopting the Resolution updating Development Impact fees and
introducing the proposed Ordinance are not projects subject to the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”) because they have 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.).
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6 Item 9.d.
AYES (5): Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, Council Member George, Council Member Barneich, Council
Member Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
10.b Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section 16.04.070 of Chapter 4 of Title 16 of the
Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Regarding the Definition of Formula Business and
Finding That This Action is Exempt from Review Under the CEQA
Community Development Director Pedrotti presented the item and recommended that the
Council introduce, read by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance amending
Section 16.04.070 of the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code regarding the definition of a Formula
Business and finding the Ordinance exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) because the Ordinance 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). Community Development Director Pedrotti and City Manager Downing
responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public were Alexandria, and
Jared Worthen. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ray Russom closed the public
hearing.
Community Development Director Pedrotti responded to questions from public comment.
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Council Member Secrest
Introduce an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING SECTION 16.04.070 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE DEFINITION OF FORMULA BUSINESS AND FINDING
THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT";
and directed staff to use Council comments from this meeting in later discussions of the General
Plan Update, as it relates to the coloring of the legend of the Village core downtown and Village
mixed use.
AYES (5): Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Secrest, Council Member Barneich, Council
Member George, and Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Passed (5 to 0)
11. OLD BUSINESS
None.
12. NEW BUSINESS
12.a Consideration of a Resolution Approving Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant
Program Allocations for Fiscal Year 2023-24 and Finding This Action Is Not a Project
Under the CEQA, State Guidelines Section 15378
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7 Item 9.d.
This item was heard out of order.
Council Member George recused herself due to owning a nonprofit that applied for funding.
Planning Manager Perez presented the item and recommended that Council: 1) Adopt a
Resolution approving the Arroyo Grande Community Service Grant Program funding allocations
identified in Attachment 1; and 2) Determine that adopting the Resolution 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.). Mr. Perez and Assistant City
Manager/Public Works Director Robeson responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Athena Meisheid,
Mary Bassett Fernamberg, Ramona Friedman, Nan Bowman, and Cody George. No further
public comments were received.
Mary Bassett Fernamberg and Cody responded to questions from Council.
Council discussion ensued regarding reallocation of funding among the applicants.
Council Member Barneich moved to fully fund the athletic scholarships, but move funds from the
two athletic programs including $4,000 to the Senior Nutrition Program; move $1,000 to
Hospice; and move $1,000 to Shower the People. The motion died due to lack of a second.
Mayor Ray Russom called for a brief break at 7:40 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:47 p.m.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Seconded by Council Member Secrest
1) Adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING ARROYO GRANDE COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT
PROGRAM PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24"; as amended to remove $1,000 from
the suggested funded amount for the AG Valley Little League and $1,000 from the Central
Coast Athletics Foundation and add $2,000 to the funding for Senior Nutrition Program/Meals
that Connect increasing their recommended funding to $8,000; and
2) Determine that adopting the Resolution 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.)
AYES (4): Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, Council Member Secrest, Council Member Barneich, and
Mayor Ray Russom
ABSENT (1): Council Member George
Passed (4 to 0)
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8 Item 9.d.
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Secrest attended and commented on the Lions Club Speech Contest, Volunteer
Appreciation Banquet, and expressed appreciation to staff for their response during the recent storms.
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie commented on a regional update from the CPUC regarding a public forum
related to AT&T wanting to withdraw land line service from 93420 area code.
Council Member George commented on a recent vehicle accident and commended emergency
response personnel for their help aiding in the rescue.
Council Member Barneich announced that the 5Cities Homeless Coalition will be hosting an open
house at their permanent location; and expressed appreciation to emergency response personnel on
their help during the recent storm.
Mayor Ray Russom expressed appreciation to staff for their response during the recent storm.
14. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rosen announced the City Council will recess to a closed session for the following:
a) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PER GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54956.8:
Property: 214 East Branch Street
Agency Negotiators: Matthew Downing, City Manager; Bill Robeson, Assistant City
Manager/Public Works Director
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 9:09 p.m.
City Council returned to open session at 9:53 p.m. and City Attorney Rosen announced that 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 9:54 p.m.
_________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
_________________________
Jessica Matson, City Clerk
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