CC 2024-08-27_09b Approval of Minutes
1 Item 9.b.
ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
August 13, 2024, 5:00 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, Planning Manager
Andrew Perez, City Engineer Shannon
Sweeney, Human Resources Officer Ashley
Garcia
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format.
CLOSED SESSION MEETING 5:00 P.M.:
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Matson took roll call. Mayor Ray Russom and Council Member George were absent and did not
participate in Closed Session.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie led the flag salute.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie invited public comment. No comments were received.
5. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rosen announced that City Council will recess to a closed session for the following and will report
any reportable action at the City Council Regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.:
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a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: 1 potential
case
Letter dated June 19, 2024 from Paul Beard II of the law firm Pierson Ferdinand
City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned Closed Session at 5:45 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M.
_____________________________________________________________________
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
5.a Closed Session Announcements
Mayor Ray Russom and Council Member George disclosed that they recused themselves and
did not participate in the Closed Session.
August 13, 2024
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9:
1 potential case
Letter dated June 19, 2024 from Paul Beard II of the law firm Pierson Ferdinand
City Attorney Rosen announced that there was no reportable action.
5.b Ordinances read in title only
Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
Seconded by Council Member Barneich
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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 New Employee - Human Resources Officer Ashley Garcia
City Manager Downing introduced Ashley Garcia, Human Resources Officer, and highlighted
her educational and professional background.
6.b City Manager Communications
City Manager Downing provided information regarding the application for new Verizon cellular
site; announced that the Swinging Bridge is open and was completed one month ahead of
schedule with a formal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony coming in mid-September; Fall Activity Guide
is completed.
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 Gaea Powell, Aileen Loe,
Darcy Cole. No further comments were received.
Mayor Ray Russom responded to public comment.
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 pulled Item 9.f. for discussion and made comments regarding the proposed change to Section
4.5, Agenda Order, as it relates to Community Comments and Suggestions and the origin of the
suggested change. Council discussion ensued. Council pulled the item for further discussion and
separate vote.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Aileen Loe, Shannon
Kesler, Gaea Powell, Laurie Angel. No further public comments were received.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Seconded by Council Member George
Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.i., with the exception of Item 9.f., with the recommended
courses of action.
AYES (5): Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, Council Member George, Council Member Barneich, Council
Member Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom
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Passed (5 to 0)
9.a Cash Disbursement Ratification
Reviewed and ratifed the listing of cash disbursements for the period of July 1 through July 15,
2024.
9.b Statement of Investment Deposits for June 2024
Received and filed the attached report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande
as of June 30, 2024, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b).
9.c Approval of Minutes
Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 23, 2024, as submitted.
9.d Appointment of a Voting Delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference
Appointed Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie as the voting delegate for the League of California Cities
Annual Conference and authorized submittal by the City of the League of California Cities’
Voting Delegate/Alternate Form.
9.e Policy Designating the City Seal, City Logo, and Police Badge as Official Symbols of the
City
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE DESIGNATING THE CITY SEAL, CITY LOGO, AND POLICE BADGE AS
OFFICIAL SYMBOLS OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE"; and
2) Found 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.)
9.g Resolution Approving a Grant Agreement with the California Highway Patrol and Approve
a Budget Adjustment
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL TO ACCEPT
GRANT FUNDING FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAMS AND TO APPROPRIATE THE
FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM ACTIVITIES";
2) Approved a Budget Amendment Request for FY 2024-25 in the amount of $155,600 to
account for the additional revenue and expenditures related to the grant, including the purchase
of a DUI Trailer totaling approximately $60,000 and a DUI Patrol Truck and outfitting totaling
$80,000; and
3) Found that adopting the Resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to execute the grant
document and appropriate the funding for activities is not a project subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because that declaration in itself has no potential to result
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in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State
CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)-(3), 15378.)
9.h Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Reallocation
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
REALLOCATION"; and
2) Found that this item 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.i Accept the 2022 Slurry Seal Project, PW 2022-06
1) Accepted improvements as constructed by American Asphalt South, Inc. in accordance with
the plans and specifications for the 2022 Slurry Seal Project, PW 2022-06;
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.j Accept the Swinging Bridge Retrofit Project, PW 2021-06
1) Accepted improvements as constructed by Cushman Contracting Corporation, in accordance
with the plans and specifications for the Swinging Bridge Retrofit Project, PW 2021-06;
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.f Updates to the City Council Handbook
Council discussion ensued regarding keeping Community Comments and Suggestions before
the Consent Agenda and reducing the public comment time limit for items not on the Agenda to
1 minute per speaker. City Manager Downing and City Attorney Rosen responded to questions
from Council.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Seconded by Council Member Barneich
1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING THE CITY COUNCIL HANDBOOK UPDATE" with the
modification to keep Community Comments and Suggestions at its current position on the
Agenda before Consent, but reducing the time to speak for items not on the agenda to one
minute; and
2) Found 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
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foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060,
subd. (c)(2)-(3), 15378.)
AYES (5): Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, Council Member Barneich, Council Member George, Council
Member Secrest, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.a Development Code Amendments to Implement Housing Element Programs and Finding
that this Action is Not a Project Under the California Environmental Quality Act Pursuant
to State Guidelines Section 15061
Planning Manager Perez presented the item 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 Council Member George
Seconded by Council Member Barneich
Introduced an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE ADDING SECTION 16.52.270 RELATING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF
AB 1397 AND AMENDING CHAPTER 16.82 OF THE ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO STATE DENSITY BONUS LAW AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT".
AYES (5): Council Member George, Council Member Barneich, Council Member Secrest, Mayor
Pro Tem Guthrie, and Mayor Ray Russom
Passed (5 to 0)
11. OLD BUSINESS
11.a Adoption of a Vision Statement and Guiding Principles for the Comprehensive General
Plan Update and Finding this Action is Not a Project Under the California Environmental
Quality Act
Planning Manager Perez introduced the item and Michael Gibbons, Mintier Harnish consultant.
Mr. Gibbons provided gave a presentation on the General Plan Update process and phases. Mr.
Gibbons responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment for the visioning statement. Speaking from the
public was Barbara Harmon, Kay Lotten, Shannon Kesler, Gaea Powell. No further public
comments were received. Mayor Ray Russom, Mr. Gibbons, and City Manager Downing
responded to questions from the public.
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Council Member George read her proposed version of the vision statement. Council discussion
ensued regarding edits to Council Member George's proposed statement including notation of
other areas of the city with historic roots and inclusion of agriculture.
Mr. Gibbons presented regarding guiding principles. Community Development Director Pedrotti
responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Gaea Powell,
Shannon Kesler, Kay Lotten, Charlie Lotten, Barbara Harmon, Mike Harris, and Glenn Martin.
No further public comments were received. Mr. Gibbons and Community Development Director
Pedrotti responded to questions from the public and Council.
Council discussion ensued regarding each guideline. Council supported Principles 1, 2, and 6
as written.
Further Council discussion ensued regarding Principle 3 including terms "inclusivity" and
"diversity" and removing this Principle from the General Plan document.
Council discussion ensued regarding Principle 4 including prioritizing maintaining infrastructure;
taking out the term "growth" from community growth; and adding "community quality of life for all
residents." Council concurred to rewrite Principle 4 as follows: “Implement strategies to balance
economic growth opportunities with the preservation of natural resources. Prioritize
infrastructure investments and maintenance of roads, public transportation and community
facilities to support our community’s quality of life. Support diverse housing options, catering to
different income levels and living situations.”
Mayor Ray Russom called for a brief break at 7:54 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:00 p.m.
Council discussion ensued regarding Principle 5 including creation of head-of-household jobs;
diverse housing and job opportunities; and ensuring that all residents have access to housing
and business opportunities. Council concurred to rewrite Principle 5 as follows: “Foster a
welcoming community by ensuring that all residents have access to business growth
opportunities, jobs, and housing, including multifamily and missing middle housing types.
Promote an environment in which citizens and visitors thrive.”
Further Council discussion ensued regarding the removal of Principle 3.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
Seconded by Mayor Ray Russom
Remove Guiding Principle #3 - Inclusivity and Diversity from the General Plan Update
document.
AYES (4): Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member George, and Council
Member Secrest
NOES (1): Council Member Barneich
Passed (4 to 1)
12. NEW BUSINESS
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None.
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Ray Russom commented on the request during public comment to direct staff to send a letter in
support of the County's Bob Jones Trail Project. Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie supported the request. City
Manager Downing responded to questions from Council. Mayor Ray Russom and Council concurred to
give direction to have Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie write a letter of support on behalf of Council.
Mayor Ray Russom requested that the Council consider directing staff to agendize a discussion
regarding a Community Workforce Agreement for the Traffic Way Bridge Project. Mayor Pro Tem
Guthrie and Council Member Barneich concurred. Mayor Ray Russom also requested staff to agendize
a discussion item regarding a Council policy on establishing Community Workforce Agreements for
future projects. Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie and Council Member Barneich concurred.
Council Member Secrest announced that a Repair Cafe on August 17th will be held in Grover Beach.
Council Member Barneich commended AGPD and CHP for their DUI arrests and professionalism.
14. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the
meeting at 9:09 p.m.
_________________________
Caren Ray Russom, Mayor
_________________________
Jessica Matson, City Clerk
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