City Council — April 14, 2026

Meeting Summary

Present: Jr., Villegas, Hernandez, Julian

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Council recognized proclamations for organ donation, abuse prevention, and library week.
Presenters discussed community partnerships and upcoming awareness events.
Themes included the importance of driver's license indicators and finding joy in libraries.

The Regional Club Director provided a quarterly report on program activities and attendance.
Updates included partnership collaborations and winter break program participation.
Staff noted current membership registration and scholarship availability for families.

Public Works updated the council on construction projects and wastewater treatment.
Public Safety confirmed the ISO public protection classification is currently a five.
Finance reported a preliminary budget deficit potentially rising after audit reconciliation.

Staff presented the three-year employment agreement for the interim City Administrator.
Council members inquired regarding administrative leave accrual provisions.
Resolution 2026-16 was adopted to approve the agreement.

Staff recommended maintaining the current public benefit fee due to city deficits.
Representatives from Route 1 requested a temporary reduction to protect profitability.
Council approved reducing the fee from 6% to 4% for a one-year period.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Julian. A roll call established a quorum. The Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of appreciation were conducted. During the agenda review, a motion was made to move Item 13 (Approval of Employment Agreement with David Trujillo) to position 12 and move Item 1 to position 13. No objections were raised, and the order was adjusted accordingly. No members of the public requested to speak on non-agenda items during community participation.

Three proclamations were read and presented:
National Donate Life Month: A proclamation recognizing April 2026 was presented. Scott Burns spoke regarding organ donation statistics, the importance of the "pink dot" on driver's licenses, and upcoming events.
Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month: A proclamation for April was presented. Anne McCarty, Executive Director of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, discussed community partnerships, the pinwheels on the lawn, and the importance of prevention education.
National Library Week: A proclamation recognizing April 19th through 25th was presented. Dawn Jackson, Library Director for the Santa Maria Public Library System, discussed library services, upcoming events, and the theme "Find Your Joy."

Boys and Girls Club Quarterly Report: Daisy Perez, Regional Club Director, presented highlights from December through March. Topics included program activities (arts, sports, cooking), attendance numbers, partnerships with local organizations, winter break programs, and upcoming fundraising events. The report noted current membership registration and scholarship availability for families regarding summer fees.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar as a single item. The motion passed.

Public Works and Administration (Interim City Administrator David Trujillo): Updates included the completion of the Urban Forestry Management Program, wastewater treatment initiatives, and progress on various construction projects including the Royal Theater, Los Mojeres, and the Amtrak project. Staff noted delays regarding Caltrans permits and PG&E coordination. The SCADA emergency project was closed under budget.
Public Safety (Chief Cash): The Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification for Guadalupe was reported as a 5, with an effective date of August 1, 2026.
Finance (Director Martinez): A preliminary financial report as of March 31, 2026, indicated a budgetary deficit. Expenses were reported at 71% with the fiscal year 75% complete. The current deficit was cited at approximately $901,000, potentially rising to $1.7 million after audit reconciliation. Staff noted the need to align expenditures with available unrestricted revenues and discussed potential cost savings measures while maintaining essential services.

Approval of Employment Agreement (Resolution 2026-16):
Discussion: Staff presented the agreement for David Trujillo as City Administrator, including a three-year term and salary details. A council member inquired regarding the administrative leave accrual provision, which staff noted could be corrected.
Action: A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution 2026-16.
Outcome: The resolution passed.
Route 1 Request for Public Benefit Fee Reduction:
Discussion: Staff presented a recommendation not to support a reduction in the 6% public benefit fee due to city budget deficits and market analysis showing profitability. Austin Cannella of Route 1 requested a temporary reduction to 2% or 4%, arguing that the current contractual fee impacts their bottom line differently than a formal tax would. Council members discussed the impact of the deficit, the difference between a tax and a fee, and the necessity of maintaining the business.
Action: A motion was made and seconded to temporarily reduce the public benefit fee from 6% to 4% for a period of one year. The reduction would end earlier if a 6% cannabis tax ordinance is passed by voters.
Outcome: The motion passed. Staff will proceed with developing the tax ordinance.

Council members provided updates on council activities, including school presentations, zoo meetings regarding housing and homelessness, and an upcoming Earth Day cleanup. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed.