Minutes 2020-05-26 ACTION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 215 E. BRANCH STREET
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. via
teleconference.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council: Council Members Lan George, Jimmy Paulding, Kristen Barneich, Mayor
Pro Tern Keith Storton, and Mayor Caren Ray Russom were all present
via teleconference.
Staff Present: Acting City Manager Bill Robeson, Acting Deputy City Manager Whitney
McDonald, City Attorney Timothy Carmel, Administrative Services
Director Mike Stevens, Accounting Manager Nicole Valentine, Chief of
Police Beau Pryor, and Five Cities Fire Authority Fire Chief Steve
Lieberman were present via teleconference. Director of Legislative and
Information Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore and Information
Technology Manager Walt Cuzick were present in the Council Chambers.
3. MOMENT OF REFLECTION
4. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Pro Tem Storton led the flag salute.
5. AGENDA REVIEW
5.a. Closed Session Announcements.
None.
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.
Acting Deputy City Manager McDonald, provided a brief update on Countywide and Citywide
COVID-19 efforts. She reminded the public about the County and City's hotline as well as the
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City's email address for questions regarding implementation of the County and State orders.;
stated that the County was authorized by the State to move farther into Stage 2 of reopening
which will allow retail and in-restaurant dining to open; that the County has instructions and
guidelines for businesses on how to reopen on their website at www.readyslo.orq and
www.emergencyslo.org/reopen; stated that religious services and cultural ceremonies are
allowed to occur on a limited basis, and hair salons and barber shops can reopen with safety
procedures put in place; and that nail salons, spas, massage providers, gyms, fitness centers,
and commercial/public pools are not allowed to open. She noted that the City is trying to
accommodate, to the extent possible, restaurants that would like to expand seating capacity by
providing outdoor dining services.
Mayor Ray Russom stated that due to the recent holiday, she did not have any updates to share
from the County since last week's report. She reminded the public to visit www.readyslo.org for
the most updated information regarding COVID-19.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
6.b. Presentation by Coraggio Group Regarding the 2021-2024 Tourism Strategic Plan
for Visit Arroyo Grande.
Holly Leighton, representing South County Chambers of Commerce, stated that due to a family
emergency, Jocelyn Brennan, President/CEO, could not attend the meeting tonight. She
requested, on behalf of representatives from Coraggio Group, Verdin Marketing, and the South
County Chambers of Commerce, that the presentation be continued to a future date so all
representatives could be present.
Mayor Ray Russom moved to continue the presentation to a date uncertain. Council Member
Barneich seconded, and the motion passed unanimously by roll-call vote.
7. COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Ray Russom acknowledged written public comment received from Judi Kodaj regarding
fireworks, stated she responded to Ms. Kodaj and provided links to two previous discussions the
Council had on this matter.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public via teleconference was
Jamie Sanbonmatsu, regarding the "We Are The Care Initiative" of San Luis Obispo County to
address the local child care crisis and requested the Council appoint a childcare liaison for the
community to work with First 5 SLO to support early childhood and childcare. No further 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.
Mayor Ray Russom commented on Item 8.c. (Consideration of Acceptance of the Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report) acknowledging that the City received an unmodified opinion from the
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City's auditors which assures the reader that the information presented in the CAFR fairly
represents the financial position of the City.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment on the Consent Agenda. City Clerk Wetmore read
into the record written correspondence received from Vonie Grimm regarding COVID-19 and that
the local emergency declaration should be rescinded as soon as possible. No further public
comments were received.
Action: Council Member Barneich moved to approve Consent Agenda Items 8.a. through 8.h.,
with the recommended courses of action. Mayor Pro Tern 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 May 1, 2020 through May
15, 2020.
8.b. Consideration of Statement of Investment Deposits.
Action: Received and filed the attached report listing of investment deposits of the City of
Arroyo Grande, as of April 30, 2020 as required by Government Code Section 53646(b).
8.c. Consideration of Acceptance of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Action: Received and filed the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2019.
8.d. Consideration of Designation of Authorized Agents for State and Federal Disaster
Relief Funds.
Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED AGENTS FOR THE
CITY'S APPLICATION(S) FOR STATE AND FEDERAL DISASTER COST RECOVERY
ASSISTANCE".
8.e. Consideration of Approval of Minutes.
Action: Approved the minutes of the Special City Council Meetings of April 23, 2020 and
May 5, 2020, the Regular City Council Meeting of May 12, 2020, and the Special City
Council Meeting of May 19, 2019, as submitted.
8.f. Consideration of Adoption of Resolution Amending the Citywide Combined Salary
Schedule and Approval of Employment Agreements for the Acting City Manager
and Acting Deputy City Manager.
Action: Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING THE CITYWIDE COMBINED SALARY
SCHEDULE, ESTABLISHING A PAY SCHEDULE FOR THE POSITIONS OF ACTING
CITY MANAGER AND ACTING DEPUTY CITY MANAGER", and approved the
Employment Agreements with Bill Robeson as Acting City Manager and Whitney
McDonald as Acting Deputy City Manager.
8.g. Adoption of a 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".
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8.h. Monthly Water Supply and Demand Update.
Action: Received and filed the monthly Water Supply and Demand Report.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.a. Annual Public Hearing for the Arroyo Grande Tourism Business Improvement
District (AGTBID) and Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget.
Acting City Manager Robeson presented the staff report and recommended that the Council: 1)
Conduct a public hearing to receive testimony regarding the City Council's intention to continue
the AGTBID and levy an annual assessment for Fiscal Year 2020-21; 2) Determine whether a
legally sufficient number of protests have been made; 3) If a legally sufficient protest is not made,
adopt a Resolution confirming the Advisory Board's report and levying an annual assessment for
the AGTBID for the 2020-21 Fiscal Year; and 4) Adopt a Resolution approving the FY 2020-21
budget for the AGTBID.
Holly Leighton, South County Chambers of Commerce, explained that the additional funding is
being requested in order to implement the goals of the Strategic Plan, assist lodging operators
with the impacts and requirements associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and work with City
staff on short term rental host compliance and tourism events. Staff, Ms. Leighton, and Chelsea
Modlin, representing Verdin Marketing, responded to questions from Council regarding the
proposed FY 2020-21 AGTBID budget and host compliance programs and enforcement. Mayor
Ray Russom noted that the Council had previously directed staff to return to Council with further
information regarding host compliance.
Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public via teleconference was
Tim Brown, who expressed concerns about the City spending money due to the financial impacts
to the City as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. City Clerk Wetmore noted that no written
protests were received. Upon hearing no further comments, Mayor Ray Russom closed the public
hearing.
Further comments ensued regarding the pause in marketing activities and programs during the
COVID-19 pandemic, and the revenue that is generated for the TBID from the assessment, which
is separate from the City's General Fund.
Action: Mayor Ray Russom moved to adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE LEVYING AN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT
FOR THE ARROYO GRANDE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE
2020-21 FISCAL YEAR". Council Member George seconded, and the motion passed on
following roll call vote:
AYES: Ray Russom, George, Barneich, Paulding, Storton
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Action: Mayor Ray Russom moved to adopt a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-
21 BUDGET FOR THE ARROYO GRANDE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT", as modified, to approve the budget in the amount of $212,500, subtracting the
additional $7,500 for event sponsorships, and subtracting the $30,000 request from the Chamber,
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and that a future discussion of the Chamber's request be considered at the same time as the
presentation of the Strategic Plan. Council Member George seconded. Brief discussion ensued
clarifying the motion as it relates to the modification of funding for event sponsorships. The motion
passed on following roll call vote:
AYES: Ray Russom, George, Paulding, Barneich, Storton
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
10. OLD BUSINESS:
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a. Discussion and Provide Input and/or Direction to Five Cities Fire Authority Board
Representative Regarding Successor Memorandum of Understanding with the
International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4403.
Acting Deputy City Manager McDonald presented the staff report and recommended the Council
discuss and provide input and/or direction to the City's Five Cities Fire Authority Board
representative regarding the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Acting Deputy
City Manager McDonald and Fire Chief Lieberman responded to extensive questions from
Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment and acknowledged written correspondence received
prior to the meeting and distributed to the Council from Ben Oakley, Art Madson, Tim Brown, and
Sharlotte Wilson. Mayor Ray Russom read into the record written correspondence received during
the meeting from Wanda Reed. Speaking from the public via teleconference were Tim Brown,
stated the Police Officers Association has already forgone raises, acknowledged the City's
budget situation, stated that negotiations could be re-opened when circumstances change, and
opposed any raises at this time; and Sean McMahon, President, Five Cities Firefighters Local
4403, who referred to the written correspondence the Council received from the Five Cities
Firefighters Local 4403 encouraging the City of Arroyo Grande to keep its commitments to the
Five Cities Fire Authority, its firefighters and to public safety by honoring the Authority's negotiated
contract with Five Cities Firefighters, Local 4403. No further public comments were received.
Council comments ensued regarding the negotiation process; acknowledgment that
circumstances have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in budget
impacts; acknowledgement that firefighters are on the front line; that all agencies, including the
Five Cities Fire Authority, should be reviewing their budgets and identifying cost cutting measures
and cost containment strategies; acknowledgement that all of the City's other labor groups
received cost of living adjustments last year; acknowledgement that the negotiations were held in
good faith and there is an issue of parity; acknowledgement of the work of firefighters under the
current pandemic circumstances; concern that it is a proposed two year agreement and that the
other groups may not get an adjustment next year and whether or not the fire fighters union would
consider going back to the table for the second year.
No action was taken on this item.
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12. 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.
(a) MAYOR RAY RUSSOM:
(1) California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA)
(2) South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD)
(3) Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board
(b) MAYOR PRO TEM STORTON:
(1) Brisco/Halcyon Interchange Subcommittee
(2) Five Cities Fire Authority (FCFA)
(3) Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA)
(4) South County Chambers of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee
(c) COUNCIL MEMBER BARNEICH:
(1) Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC)
(2) South County Homeless Taskforce
(3) Zone 3 Water Advisory Board
(d) COUNCIL MEMBER PAULDING:
(1) Air Pollution Control District (APCD)
(2) Brisco/Halcyon Interchange Subcommittee
(3) Council of Governments/Regional Transit Authority (SLOCOG/SLORTA)
(4) South County Transit (SCT)
(e) COUNCIL MEMBER GEORGE:
(1) Community Action Partnership San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO)
(2) County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC)
(3) Regional Water Initiatives
(4) Visit SLO CAL Advisory Board
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Paulding requested, and Mayor Ray Russom agreed, to direct staff to place on
a future agenda the appointment of a representative to attend Central Coast Blue project
meetings.
Council Member Barneich requested, and Mayor Russom agreed, to direct staff to invite Eric
Daniels from PG&E to provide a short presentation at a future meeting on Public Safety Power
Shutoff (PSPS) events as it relates to changes in their program.
Council Member Barneich requested an item be placed on a future agenda an item to discuss
closure of Short Street temporarily so restaurants can expand outdoor dining. Mayor Pro Tern
Storton stated he would support that request if any restaurants have come forward and made that
request.
Council Member Barneich acknowledged Arroyo Grande Police Department Reserve Officer Jim
Jolly who was recognized by the International Footprinter Association Chapter 73 for his
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outstanding work as a detective in the area of high tech crimes and computer forensics and
congratulated him for receiving the Association's Distinguished Service Award.
Mayor Ray Russom requested, and Council Member George agreed, to direct staff to place on a
future agenda an item to authorize the City to join the League of California's Coalition to Support
Local Recovery and authorize the Mayor to work with the League and to sign related letters.
Mayor Ray Russom referred to a State level program that partners restaurants with people in
need, specifically seniors, and stated that the Chamber is working on this program.
Council Member George requested, and Council Member Barneich agreed, to direct staff to place
on a future agenda an item to discuss how SB1090 funds will be spent.
14. CLOSED SESSION
a) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE EVALUATION pursuant to Government Code Section
54957:
Titles: Acting City Manager, Acting Deputy City Manager
The Council reconvened to open session at 10:25 p.m. City Attorney Carmel announced that no
reportable action was taken.
15. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned
the meeting at 10:26 p.m.
I , ,Aiasfisty
Caren Ray Russ•m Mayor
ATTEST:
Kelly Wetm re, ity Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg (oh it LO