Meeting Summary
Present: Jr., Ness, Hernandez
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
Moment of Thanks and Safety Reminder
- A moment of silence honored young individuals killed the previous weekend.
- The Mayor issued a reminder regarding safety during the graduation season.
Proclamations on Biodiversity and Pride Month
- A proclamation affirming commitment to protecting native ecosystems was acknowledged.
- A proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month was read and acknowledged.
- No formal motions or votes were recorded for either proclamation.
Management Reports
- Public Works and Wastewater teams reported on field repairs, irrigation, and equipment maintenance.
- Progress updates were provided for the Theater Project, Las Mujeres Park, and the 303 Project.
- The French Fry T-ball program began practice with the first game scheduled for June 20th.
Director of Public Safety Report
- Police are reviewing locations for speed bumps in response to speeding complaints.
- Discussions regarding an RFP for ambulance services and revenue generation are ongoing.
- A new web design will enable online payment of code compliance fines.
- Emergency preparedness supplies were inventoried, though a generator is still needed.
Ordinance 2026-527 (California Fire Code)
- The ordinance adopts the 2026 California Fire Code and amends the Municipal Code.
- Staff clarified that a previous city amendment was deleted due to alignment with state code.
- The motion for the first reading of the ordinance passed.
Ordinance 2026-528 (Cannabis Business Tax)
- The ordinance establishes a cannabis business tax with rates up to 8% for retail and 4% for non-retail.
- Adoption by the Council is required before the measure can be placed on the ballot.
- The item was continued to the next meeting for adoption and subsequent ballot placement.
Ordinance 2026-529 (Transient Occupancy Tax Increase)
- The ordinance proposes increasing the TOT rate from 6% to 12% and updating lodging definitions.
- The measure requires voter approval via a ballot measure to take effect.
- The item was continued to the next meeting for adoption and subsequent ballot placement.
Preliminary Draft Budget Workshop
- Staff presented a draft budget addressing a projected $3 million structural deficit.
- Immediate stabilization actions include freezing non-critical hires and delaying capital expenditures.
- Council members emphasized that layoffs should be a last resort and requested prior communication on departmental changes.
- Monthly financial updates will be provided to the Council for the next 12 months.
Future Agenda Items and Announcements
- A joint meeting with the Recreation Commission was requested and accepted by the Council.
- Council members reported on recent community engagements including youth events and food bank distributions.
Request Regarding Future Leaders of America
- A request was presented to support a youth fund created through cannabis tax revenue.
- No formal motion was made regarding this request, which may be an action item for a future meeting.
Full summary
Item 3: Moment of Thanks, Appreciation, and Condolences
- The meeting included a moment of silence to honor young individuals killed the previous weekend and their families. The Mayor issued a reminder regarding safety during the graduation season.
Item 4: Agenda Review
- No requests were made to change the order of business.
Item 5: Community Participation
- Public comment was received on unagendized items. Speakers addressed concerns regarding a lack of communication between the City Council and the community, citing the removal of the fourth Parks and Recreation manager, a city deficit, and the delayed public discussion of the Cannabis Festival. Issues regarding the reliability of the city's YouTube channel for remote access were noted, and a request was made to review recordings of the June 2nd Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Concerns were expressed over the elimination of the Recreation Manager position and the departure of Arnulfo Navarro III, with suggestions offered to reduce hours or share burdens across departments instead. The impact of the Parks and Recreation department shutdown on the upcoming youth baseball program and other events was discussed. Questions were raised regarding why the City Administrator's position was not made part-time. A statement was read expressing disappointment in the dismissal of Arnulfo Navarro III and requesting that the City reconsider the decision.
Item 6: Ceremonial Calendar
- Proclamation on Biodiversity: A proclamation affirming the City's commitment to protecting native plants, wildlife, and coastal ecosystems was presented. It commits the City to considering biodiversity in future planning, including the Climate Action Plan, and encourages partnerships with tribal communities and conservation organizations. Public comment was received in support of the proclamation. The proclamation was read and acknowledged. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
- Proclamation on Pride Month: A proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month was read. It acknowledges the LGBTQIA+ community, the history of the Stonewall Rebellion, and encourages the advancement of equality. Public comment was received. The proclamation was read and acknowledged. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Item 7: Consent Calendar
- The Consent Calendar (Items A through D) was presented for approval without discussion. A motion was made to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Item 8: Management Reports (City Administrator)
- Updates were provided on the following areas:
- Public Works: Baseball field preparation, light repairs, irrigation, weed abatement, and water line repairs in the Point Sal area.
- Wastewater: Repairs to the clarifier and maintenance on the screw press.
- Theater Project: Interior demolition and footing work are underway; footers are expected to be poured soon.
- Las Mujeres Park: Grading of the bocce ball court, lighting installation, and irrigation layout are in progress. Dog park fencing and infill are set.
- 303 Project: Cleanup is complete; the project is awaiting a final gate and transformer piece.
- Amtrak: Construction has resumed.
- California Clean Air Grant: The City received a Notice to Proceed for a grant allotting two 12-month positions.
- Youth Baseball: The French Fry T-ball program began practice, with the first game scheduled for June 20th.
Item 9: Director of Public Safety Report (Chief Cash)
- Police: Complaints regarding speeding in residential neighborhoods, specifically Point Sal, were noted. Officers are reviewing locations for potential speed bumps.
- Education: Meetings were held with Hancock College regarding late-night courses for junior high students.
- Airport Contract: The City Administrator, Finance Director, and Chief Cash met at the Santa Maria airport to review the current contract. A revised proposal will be prepared for Council review.
- City Cameras: An inventory of city cameras is underway to identify outdated units and determine a unified system within budget constraints.
- Fire Services: Mutual aid requests have increased due to staffing shortages. Discussions regarding an RFP for ambulance services to allow city input and potential revenue generation are ongoing. Revenue-generating opportunities from state fire officials are being explored.
- Code Compliance: A new web design will allow for online payment of fines. The collection agency relationship is being reactivated.
- Emergency Preparedness: An inventory of emergency supplies was completed and stored in a container at a city lot. A generator is still needed.
- Medical Services: The City is seeking a new medical director to oversee the fire department's medical certification.
- Animal Services: Increased presence in Guadalupe was discussed. A free microchip event is scheduled.
- Fireworks: Enforcement is pending due to overtime constraints. A recent severe injury involving fireworks was cited as a safety concern.
- Special Projects: Emergency preparedness training for the Boys and Girls Club is being set up. A senior patrol program plan from 2022 is being revisited.
- Code Compliance Inquiry: A resident reported a fallen object blocking a sidewalk near a school crossing; the issue was directed to Public Works for removal. Another resident reported trash cans from the cemetery blocking sidewalks.
Item 10: Introduction of Ordinance 2026-527 (California Fire Code)
- The ordinance adopts the 2026 California Fire Code and amends the Guadalupe Municipal Code. Staff clarified that a previous city amendment was deleted because the updated state code now aligns with city requirements. A motion was made for the first reading of Ordinance 2026-527. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Item 11: Introduction of Ordinance 2026-528 (Cannabis Business Tax)
- The ordinance establishes a cannabis business tax, replacing the current public benefit fee structure. It allows the Council to set a retail tax rate up to 8% and a non-retail tax rate up to 4%. The ordinance will not take effect until approved by voters. Staff clarified that the ordinance must be adopted by the Council before being placed on the ballot via a separate election resolution. A motion was made to introduce Ordinance 2026-528. The motion was seconded. The motion passed. The item was noted for continuation to the next meeting for adoption and subsequent ballot placement.
Item 12: Introduction of Ordinance 2026-529 (Transient Occupancy Tax Increase)
- The ordinance proposes an increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate from 6% to 12% and updates definitions to align with state statutes, including "other lodgings" such as RV parks and campgrounds. The ordinance includes an exception for month-to-month leases and requires voter approval via a ballot measure. Staff noted that a similar measure was narrowly defeated in 2022. A motion was made to introduce the ordinance and continue it to the next meeting for adoption and subsequent ballot placement. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Item 13: City of Guadalupe Preliminary Draft Budget Fiscal Year 2026-27 Workshop
- Staff presented a preliminary draft budget addressing a projected $3 million structural deficit and a cash flow shortfall of approximately $4.65 million against a $15.9 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. Immediate actions to stabilize finances were outlined, including freezing non-critical hires, delaying capital expenditures, reducing non-essential consulting services, and tightening expenditure approvals. Potential revenue recovery opportunities discussed included the implementation of the TOT and cannabis tax, a utility rate study, updating the master fee schedule, and maximizing grant reimbursements. Options for operational restructuring within public safety were presented, including staff studies, schedule reviews, shared services, and potential position consolidations or layoffs. The Chief of Police expressed concern that proposed cost-saving measures regarding public safety were presented without prior operational input. Council members discussed the impact of potential cuts on essential services and the importance of community engagement. Staff proposed a multi-year recovery plan involving stabilization, restructuring, and revenue correction. It was agreed that monthly financial updates would be provided to the Council for the next 12 months. Council members emphasized that layoffs should be considered a last resort and requested that significant departmental changes be communicated to the Council before implementation. No formal motion was made or voted upon during this workshop item.
Future Agenda Items and Announcements
- Council members discussed the need for a joint meeting with the Recreation Commission to coordinate efforts before the end of the year. A request was made to schedule this joint commission meeting, which was accepted by the Council. Council activity reports were provided, including attendance at the Guadalupe Business Association (GBA) meeting and participation in the local food bank.
Community Event Reports and Updates
- Council members provided reports on recent community engagements, including a BACA Youth event with the Boys and Girls Club, the "Lunch on the Lawn" event at McKenzie, a summer reading program, Field Day at Mary Barron, Karaoke Night at the Social Club, a promotion ceremony for junior high students, and the school food bank's distribution to approximately 250 families.
Request Regarding Future Leaders of America
- A request was presented from "Future Leaders of America" asking the City of Guadalupe to sign a letter supporting the creation of a youth fund through cannabis tax revenue by the County Board of Supervisors. The proposed fund would support youth leadership and mental health initiatives. It was suggested that this might be an action item for a future meeting. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon regarding this request.
Adjournment
- A motion to adjourn the meeting was made. The motion was seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned.