Meeting Summary
Present: Jr., Villegas, Hernandez, Julian
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Mental Health and AANHPI Heritage Proclamations
- The Mayor proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month to reduce stigma and improve service access.
- A council member designated May 2026 as AANHPI Heritage Month to recognize community contributions.
- Members highlighted the prevalence of PTSD among veterans and encouraged seeking help.
City Project Updates
- Royal Theater construction continues with historical review pending at the federal level.
- Los Monteros grading is underway while the 303 Project prepares for asphalt lane installation.
- The Track Project construction was rescheduled to begin May 26 following permit issuance.
- Two lost dog scanner stations were installed at the fire department and veterans hall.
Gonzalez Family Apartments Design Review
- Staff recommended open carports over enclosed garages to prevent storage use and reduce street parking.
- The applicant requested enclosed garages citing security needs and a desire for a family feel.
- The Council approved the design review permit with a condition limiting carport use to operable vehicles.
Accounting Analyst Position
- Staff proposed a new non-exempt Accounting Analyst role to improve budget management and internal controls.
- The job description lists a bachelor's degree as preferred rather than required to broaden the candidate pool.
- The Council adopted Resolution 2026-20 to establish the new position and classification.
2026 Fire Code Ordinance
- Staff presented an ordinance to adopt the 2026 California Fire Code and amend local safety regulations.
- Council members identified text errors regarding fire department connections and portable extinguishers.
- The item was tabled without a vote to allow staff time to correct the discrepancies.
Cesar E. Chavez Street Name Change
- Staff proposed renaming the street after local Vietnam veteran Ernie Serrano.
- Residents opposed the change due to the financial burden and logistical challenges of updating legal documents.
- The Council directed staff to conduct outreach and a survey before holding a future public hearing.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was provided in the meeting summary.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call
- The regular City Council meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on May 12. A roll call was conducted, establishing a quorum. The meeting proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Moment of Thanks, Appreciation, or Condolences
- A council member offered condolences for the recent passing of Constance "Connie" Gonzales, a longtime resident who was approximately 100 years old. The Council acknowledged her life and extended condolences to her family.
Order of Business
- The Council reviewed and approved a modification to the order of business. The accounting audit item was moved to Item 11. The fire code ordinance remained as Item 12, and the street renaming item remained as Item 13.
Public Participation
- Jerry Coffin, the newly elected president of the Vietnam Vets of America, addressed the Council. He announced his new role, acknowledged the past president, and invited the community to a Memorial Day ceremony at Guadalupe Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., followed by a meal at the memorial building. Council members offered congratulations to Mr. Coffin and thanked the past president for his service.
Ceremonial Calendar
- Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation: The Mayor read a proclamation designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Guadalupe. The proclamation highlighted the importance of open conversations, reducing stigma, and increasing access to culturally appropriate mental health services. A council member added comments regarding the prevalence of PTSD and suicide among veterans, urging the community to seek help.
- Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month Proclamation: A council member read a proclamation designating May 2026 as AANHPI Heritage Month. The proclamation recognized the history, achievements, and contributions of AANHPI communities to the nation and the city, including their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve the consent calendar. The motion was seconded. After no discussion, the motion passed.
Management Reports
- City Administrator Report: The City Administrator provided updates on several projects:
- Royal Theater: Construction is proceeding; historical review has been pushed to the federal level. Interior footer work is ongoing, and exterior concrete pads are being prepared. Staff is awaiting a sewer profile to submit permits.
- Los Monteros: Grading is underway, with curbs and gutters scheduled for the south entrance. The project team is coordinating with the skate park contractor regarding access. Dog park improvements are progressing.
- 303 Project: Front aprons are installed, gates are ordered, and the site is being prepared for asphalt lanes.
- Track Project: Permits are issued. Construction was rescheduled to begin May 26, ahead of the original June 1 date, following sidewalk removal. A temporary bus stop will be used, and access to the train station will be maintained.
- Lost Dog Scanner Stations: Two stations have been installed, one at the fire department and one at the veterans hall, to assist in identifying lost pets via microchip scanning.
- Leroy Park Phase Two: Documents are under review for a 2,200-square-foot extension including a restroom, intended for events and meetings.
- Public Works: The bridge over the UP tracks is under construction. The baseball field is receiving final infill. Irrigation and crosswalk repairs were completed.
- Public Safety Report: The Chief of Police reported no written updates. Council members thanked the Chief for participating in the Cyclemania event.
Public Hearing: Gonzalez Family Apartments Design Review
- The Council held a public hearing to consider a design review permit for a 15-unit multifamily development on a 1.0-acre property.
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented the project details, noting the units are larger than typical apartments (1,230 sq. ft.) with two-and-a-half bathrooms. The project meets zoning requirements for density, landscaping, and setbacks, though some setbacks were measured from the back of the sidewalk due to the irregular lot shape. Staff recommended open carports instead of enclosed garages to prevent storage use and reduce potential street parking, though they noted the project meets parking code requirements with garages.
- Applicant Testimony: The applicant requested approval with enclosed garages, citing security, a "family feel," and protection from loitering or weather. He stated the goal was to improve the neighborhood rather than maximize density.
- Council Discussion: Council members discussed the implications of garages versus carports regarding street parking and neighborhood character. Some members expressed concern that garages might be used for storage, displacing vehicles onto the street, while others supported the applicant's desire for security and aesthetics.
- Decision: A motion was made to approve Resolution 2026-19 and Design Review Permit 2026-006-DR as proposed. The resolution included a condition limiting carport usage to operable vehicles and prohibiting storage. The motion was seconded. After discussion, the Council voted to approve the resolution as written, which conditions the project for carports. The motion passed.
Regular Business: Accounting Analyst Job Description
- Discussion: Staff presented a resolution to establish a new Accounting Analyst position to improve budget management, internal controls, and financial system operations. Council members discussed the job description, noting the requirement for a bachelor's degree was listed as "preferred" rather than "required" to broaden the candidate pool. The position was confirmed as non-exempt under the union contract.
- Decision: A motion was made to adopt Resolution 2026-20 approving the job description and classification. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Regular Business: 2026 Fire Code Ordinance
- Discussion: Staff presented an ordinance to adopt the 2026 California Fire Code and amend municipal fire and safety regulations. During review, a council member identified discrepancies in the text, specifically the deletion of references to fire department connections and portable fire extinguishers without clear replacement language. The Fire Chief acknowledged the errors and agreed to verify the text with the training captain.
- Decision: Due to the identified errors requiring correction, the Council decided to table the item. No vote was taken. The item will be returned to the agenda for a first reading after corrections are made.
Regular Business: Street Name Change (Cesar E. Chavez)
- Discussion: Staff presented a proposal to consider renaming "Cesar E. Chavez" street. The presentation outlined the process for street renaming, including notification of affected residents and public agencies. Staff noted a recommendation to rename the street after Ernie Serrano, a local Vietnam veteran, though it was noted this name might be used in a nearby development.
- Public Comment: Several residents living on the street spoke in opposition to the name change. They expressed concerns regarding the burden of updating legal documents (deeds, IDs, passports, insurance), the cost to residents, and the impact on elderly neighbors and those with limited English proficiency. They requested support and assistance if a change were to occur.
- Council Discussion: Council members discussed the pros and cons of the name change, the impact on residents, and the need for broader community engagement. Members suggested delaying action to allow for more outreach, including door-to-door communication and community events, to ensure all residents are informed and can provide input.
- Decision: The Council directed staff to proceed with a notification process to solicit input from affected residents and the broader community. Staff was instructed to prepare a survey or flyer offering options including "no change" and various potential new names. The item was continued to allow time for this outreach and a future public hearing. No vote on the name change was taken.
Future Agenda Items and Announcements
- Council members provided updates on their activities, including attendance at the food bank, National Day of Prayer, and Mother's Day luncheon. Upcoming events were announced, including a County Supervisor Forum, a voter registration drive, and a Boys and Girls Club Youth Night. The City Administrator noted the next meeting would focus on a budget workshop.
Adjournment
- A motion was made to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded and passed.