City Council — March 10, 2026

Management Reports

• Staff presented operational updates covering public works, utilities, and parks maintenance schedules.
• A council member raised concerns regarding limited election drop-off hours for working families.
• Royal Theater construction continues with front wall damage assessment and pending Caltrans permits.
• Caltrans briefed the council on upcoming night shifts and potential road shutdowns for Highway 1-166.

Director of Public Safety Report

• Efforts are underway to improve the city’s ISO rating to ensure proper staffing and infrastructure.
• FEMA funding closeout for the 2023 storm is progressing with $220,000 received so far.
• A police gym space became available following a tenant eviction, with donor events being explored.
• Staff is seeking a vendor to handle cost recovery and collection of unpaid code compliance fines.

Royal Theatre Oversight Committee

• Council discussed appointing members to an oversight committee for the Royal Theatre project.
• Legal review indicated a committee requires more than one member under Brown Act language.
• No motion was made to appoint members, but regular project updates will be included on the agenda.
• Staff suggested a community forum or presentation in late April regarding project status.

Future Agenda Items

• A Memorandum of Understanding for the veterans building was added to the future agenda.
• The Route 1 Fee Reduction item is tentatively scheduled for March 24 pending financial review.
• The fee reduction item will move to the April 14 agenda if not resolved by the earlier date.

Council Activity Reports and Announcements

• A recent food bank event served 307 families, with a proposed cooking class for seniors at the senior center.
• A fundraising effort was initiated for O'Connell Park infield dirt with an estimated cost of $8,200.
• Council members announced upcoming community events including a food drive and pesticide education.

Closed Session

• A motion was made to adjourn the meeting to a closed session.
• The motion was seconded and passed with no further discussion occurring.

Guadalupe City Council Meeting Summary – March 10

Opening Procedures

• The meeting was called to order with a roll call establishing a quorum. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment for thanks, appreciation, or condolences. The agenda was reviewed, with no changes requested by the council. Community participation was offered for items not on the agenda, and no members of the public spoke.

Consent Calendar

• Discussion: The consent calendar items were presented for approval as a single agenda item without discussion unless an item was pulled for debate.
• Motion: A motion was made to approve the consent calendar.
• Second: The motion was seconded.
• Decision: No further discussion occurred.
• Vote Outcome: Passed.

Staff Welcome

• Following the consent calendar, new staff member Eli Martinez was welcomed to the City of Guadalupe.

Management Reports

• Interim City Administrator David presented reports on various city operations:
• Public Works: New speed bumps were installed in Pasadena, and aggressive bumps on Ninos were removed. Storm drain cleaning was completed following recent storms. A roll-up door at the fire department was repaired.
• Environment: Staff is preparing for a Cal Recycle inspection regarding waste management at businesses and government facilities.
• Transit: Work continues on the title transfer of an electric transit bus to Santa Maria Transit following a merger.
• Utilities: The water plant SCADA system is 99% complete, pending IT connection. Wastewater pumps experienced issues due to power outages, which have been resolved. Fire department communications repeaters affected by power outages were repaired.
• Economic Development: Inquiries regarding a new gym were redirected due to commercial lot availability. A building across from the train station is noted as potentially available for lease.
• Elections: The county notified the city that permanent election boxes will not be installed at City Hall due to staffing. A temporary box will be placed in the hall area during elections. Council Member Hernandez raised concerns regarding limited drop-off hours (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for working families, and staff indicated willingness to continue advocacy.
• Royal Theater: Construction is ongoing, including earthwork and footer digging. Damage to the front wall from historical fire and water incidents is being assessed for its impact on the building's historical registry status. Caltrans permits for front wall work are pending, estimated at three to four months.
• Parks: Work at Los Mujeres Park is ahead of schedule. Water issues causing air release in lines were resolved.
• Highway 1-166: Caltrans briefed the council on upcoming work, including night shifts and potential road shutdowns.

Director of Public Safety Report

• Chief Cash provided updates on police and fire services:
• Police: The gym space at 10th and Guadalupe is available due to the current tenant's eviction. A donor event in collaboration with the Guadalupe Business Association is being explored, potentially utilizing the theater.
• Surveillance: Cameras for Los Mujeres Park are being selected and priced. The city is connected to the surveillance system at the Central Coast Processing Plant.
• Fire: A new part-time firefighter was sworn in. Efforts are underway to improve the city’s ISO rating from 10 to 5 by adding office infrastructure and ensuring proper staffing documentation. A fire captain background check is in progress.
• Code Compliance: The city is seeking a vendor to handle cost recovery and collection of unpaid fines, which have not been collected effectively in the past.
• Emergency Preparedness: FEMA funding closeout for the 2023 storm is in progress. A check for $220,000 was received, with a target of approximately $800,000. A generator installation is scheduled for the month.
• Discussion: Council Member Hernandez inquired about the timeline for insurance premium relief for residents following the ISO rating change. Chief Cash stated the rating change would be expedited to insurance companies, though relief timing depends on those companies.

Regular Business: Royal Theatre Oversight Committee

• Discussion: The council discussed the appointment of two members to serve on an oversight committee for the Royal Theatre project. Council Member Villegas volunteered to serve. Council Member Hernandez declined, stating existing communication channels with staff were sufficient.
• Legal Review: Staff advised that the Brown Act language implies a committee requires more than one member, meaning a single council member could not be appointed as a sole committee member.
• Decision: No motion was made to appoint committee members.
• Agreement: Council and staff agreed to include regular project updates on the agenda, potentially every other month, to ensure transparency. Staff also suggested a community forum or presentation in late April regarding project status.

Future Agenda Items

• Veterans Building: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the veterans building was added to the future agenda to ensure follow-up.
• Route 1 Fee Reduction: This item is tentatively scheduled for March 24, pending a financial records review by HDL. If not resolved by then, it will be placed on the April 14 agenda.

Council Activity Reports and Announcements

• Community Events: Council Member Hernandez announced a Planned Parenthood food drive on March 21 and an event on pesticides on March 18. A Council Member reported on the bimonthly housing and homelessness meeting.
• Planning: The Mayor noted an upcoming SPCAG meeting regarding the 166 CHP Enhancement Enforcement Program and a Santa Barbara County Association of Governments meeting.
• Food Bank: A recent food bank event served 307 families. The Santa Barbara County Food Bank has proposed a cooking class for seniors at the senior center.
• Fundraising: A fundraising effort was initiated for O'Connell Park infield dirt. The cost is estimated at $8,200 for 50 tons, with $1,000 received thus far. Donations will go through the Guadalupe Community Action Commission.

Adjournment

• Motion: A motion was made to adjourn the meeting to a closed session.
• Second: The motion was seconded.
• Decision: No discussion occurred.
• Vote Outcome: Passed. The meeting adjourned to the closed session.