Minutes 2020-12-15 SP ACTION MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020
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 Special City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
City Council: Council Members Kristen Barneich and Keith Storton, Mayor Pro Tem
Jimmy Paulding and Mayor Caren Ray Russom were all present. Council
Member George was absent
Staff Present: City Manager Whitney McDonald, Assistant City Manager/Director of
Public Works Bill Robeson, Director of Legislative and Information
Services/City Clerk Kelly Wetmore, City Attorney Timothy Carmel,
Administrative Services Director Mike Stevens, and Police Chief Mike
Martinez.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment on items listed on the agenda. Speaking from the
public were: Ken Dalebout, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, stating that the COVID-19
pandemic is real and cited recent statistics in cases and deaths, that Dignity Health does not see
an advantage in being included with the Southern California Region and supported a tri-county
approach in assessing and managing health care needs, acknowledged the recent surge in
cases, advocated for wearing face coverings, keeping 6 feet distance, washing hands often, and
staying home when sick, and provided an update on vaccines; Janice, expressed concern that if
we open up the County and decrease the restrictions, that visitors will come to our area that do
not follow the rules, especially when there is no enforcement of the rules, and her preference is
to remain within the Southern California region; Kay Gore, stated we are in a crisis situation, she
does not leave her house and is self-isolating, and expressed concern that the order for wearing
face coverings is not being enforced and supported staying within the Southern California region;
and Kathleen, who agreed with the previous two speakers as it relates to staying within the
Southern California region. No further public comments were received.
5. BUSINESS ITEMS:
5.a. Update Regarding Countywide COVID-19 Efforts.
City Manager McDonald noted that Council Member George had a family emergency and could
not attend tonight's meeting. She stated the County reported six new deaths, which is the most
deaths in one day to date; commented on the monitoring of available ICU bed capacity and
number of cases per 100,000 people; clarified that people can sit down outside to eat their take-
out food; however, restaurant service is not allowed; and responded to questions from Council.
Minutes: Special City Council Meeting Page 2
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.
No action was taken on this item.
5.b. Consideration of Letter to the Governor Supporting the Request of the Counties of
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura for Recognition of the Central Coast
Region Under the Regional Stay At Home Order.
City Manager McDonald presented the staff report and recommended that the Council approve
and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter to the Governor supporting the request of the Counties of
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura for recognition of the Central Coast Region under
the Regional Stay at Home Order. Staff responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Ken Dalebout,Arroyo
Grande Community Hospital Administrator, stating that Arroyo Grande Community and Marian
Regional Hospitals are working together to care for COVID-19 patients, and until it is needed,
Arroyo Grande Hospital has been designated as a clean campus to be used for non-COVID-19
patient overflow, and further explained that within the tri-county region, Dignity Health has the
facilities and resources to provide healthcare services to its population. No further public
comments were received.
Action: Council Member Storton moved to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter to
the Governor supporting the request of the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and
Ventura for recognition of the Central Coast Region under the Regional Stay at Home Order.
Mayor Pro Tern Paulding seconded, and the motion passed on following roll call vote:
AYES: Storton, Paulding, Barneich, Ray Russom
NOES: None
ABSENT: George
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned
the meetin• at 6:58 p.m.
i IP -w" f
Caren Ray m, Mayor
ATTEST:
i C „ V____ ,
pati A marie Po ,Interim City Clerk
(Approved at CC Mtg 1 11:1702-1 )