Meeting Summary
Present: Jr., dance, Villegas, 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
Hydrogen Fueling Stations Ordinance
- Staff presented Ordinance No. 2026-531 to create an expedited permitting process required by State Senate Bill 1418.
- The Council noted low local interest in hydrogen fueling despite the state mandate for adoption by September 2028.
- A motion passed to introduce the ordinance by title only and continue the public hearing to the August 11 meeting.
Royal Theater Project Financial Review
- Staff analysis indicated continuing construction with General Fund money would result in a $2.6 million negative cash flow.
- Council members discussed the risk of staff cuts and the inability to use restricted enterprise funds to subsidize the project.
- The Council directed staff to terminate the project while preserving the building structure and reconciling contracts.
- Instructions were given to notify contractors and explore options with grant agencies regarding potential repayments.
Staff Reports
- Updates were provided on the Royal Theater interior work, the Las Mujeres skate park progress, and the Amtrak project.
- Public Safety reported increased service requests due to construction-related parking issues and ADU calls.
- Human Resources detailed recruitment efforts for open positions and noted upcoming benefit rate increases between 6% and 12%.
Community Participation
- A Cemetery District representative announced an open board seat and promoted upcoming cleanup and heritage events.
- Public speakers addressed concerns regarding police staffing, water quality, and the return of the Royal Theater marquee.
- The Friends of the Guadalupe Library presented a $3,500 donation to assist with branch rent.
Future Agenda Items and Announcements
- Requests were made to schedule a presentation by "All About Youth" and develop a staff travel policy.
- A proclamation for the 100th anniversary of the Cardona Club in America was requested for the August 25 meeting.
- Council members reported on recent attendance at various community and professional meetings.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The regular meeting of the Guadalupe City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28. A roll call was conducted, establishing a quorum. The meeting proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of thanks, appreciation, or condolences, during which no council members made remarks.
Agenda Review
- The Council reviewed the order of business. No requests were made to change the agenda.
Community Participation
- Several members of the public addressed the Council:
- Cemetery District: A representative announced an open seat on the Board of Trustees for the Guadalupe Cemetery District, outlining eligibility requirements and meeting schedules. It was noted that sitting City Council members are generally not recommended for the board due to the doctrine of incompatibility. The representative also promoted the upcoming Wreaths Across America ceremony, a planned cemetery cleanup day on August 15, and a proposed "Heritage Day" event for Guadalupe in August of the following year.
- Public Concerns: A resident expressed concerns regarding the return of the Royal Theater marquee, the adequacy of police staffing relative to city growth, and water quality issues.
- Library: A representative from the Friends of the Guadalupe Library presented a check for $3,500 to assist with branch rent and announced an upcoming open house event on August 6.
- Consent Calendar Comments: A public speaker addressed items on the consent calendar, specifically questioning the use of sales tax dollars for council stipends, criticizing a previous street name change discussion as unnecessary given the city's financial situation, and requesting a summary of a council member's recent training attendance.
Consent Calendar
- The Clerk read the consent calendar items, which included:
- Waiving the full reading of ordinances and resolutions.
- Ratifying payment of warrants for periods ending July 3 and July 10, 2026.
- Approving the minutes of the July 14, 2026 meeting.
- Adopting Ordinance No. 2026-530 on second reading, amending the Municipal Code regarding zoning, design standards, parking, and landscaping.
- Approving the Notice of Completion for the Guadalupe Junior High School Sidewalk Project.
- Accepting clerical corrections to Ordinance No. 2026-528 regarding the cannabis business tax.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar as a single item. The motion passed.
Staff Reports
- City Administrator: Updates were provided on the Royal Theater project (interior work, retaining wall completion, roof bid finalization), the Las Mujeres skate park (concrete pouring, irrigation, basketball court striping), and the Amtrak project.
- Director of Public Safety: The report covered police, fire, and code compliance activities for June 2026. The majority of recent activity involved firework citations and parking violations related to downtown construction. A significant increase in service requests was attributed to construction-related parking issues and ADU-related calls.
- Human Resources: The report detailed recruitment updates for maintenance, finance, and security positions. It noted that the Fire Captain position is temporarily on hold. Two workers' compensation injuries were reported. Supervisors are participating in a training program through JPIA, and benefit rate increases for the upcoming year were noted to range between 6% and 12%.
Public Hearing: Hydrogen Fueling Stations
- The Council conducted a public hearing on Ordinance No. 2026-531, which would add Chapter 15.17 to the Municipal Code to create an expedited permitting process for hydrogen fueling stations, as required by State Senate Bill 1418. Staff presented the ordinance, noting that while the state requires adoption by September 2028, local interest in hydrogen fueling is currently low.
- Discussion: Staff recommended introducing the ordinance by title only, waiving the first reading, and continuing the hearing to the August 11 meeting for second reading and adoption.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to introduce the ordinance by title only, waive the first reading, and continue the hearing to August 11. The motion passed.
Regular Business: Royal Theater Project Financial Review
- The Council discussed the financial implications of continuing versus stopping construction on the Royal Theater project.
- Financial Presentation: Staff presented cash flow scenarios indicating that continuing the project using only General Fund money would result in a negative cash flow of approximately $2.6 million by the end of the fiscal year. Including restricted enterprise funds would show a positive balance, but staff clarified that enterprise funds are restricted and cannot legally be used to subsidize the General Fund or the theater project.
- Grant Details: The city has received $5 million in cash from the California Arts Council (CAC) and has a $4.8 million reimbursable grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Staff noted that if the project is stopped, the city may need to repay a portion of the CAC grant (estimated at $1.5 million) and cover closeout costs.
- Public Comment: Community members expressed frustration regarding the financial mismanagement leading to the current situation, questioned the clarity of the termination process, and emphasized the importance of public safety and basic services over the theater project. Some residents expressed a desire to see the marquee restored regardless of the project's status.
- Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended terminating the project to prevent further depletion of the General Fund, which would otherwise jeopardize the ability to pay for public safety, water, and other essential services. Staff noted that continuing the project could lead to staff cuts within six months.
- Discussion: Council members discussed the necessity of stopping the project to preserve the city's solvency. Questions were raised regarding the timeline for termination, the potential for future private development, and the status of the marquee. Staff indicated that the marquee is currently being rebuilt to meet code and historical standards, but its reinstallation depends on structural assessments and permits.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to direct staff to terminate the Royal Theater project while preserving the building structure to the extent possible. The motion included instructions to reconcile contracts, notify contractors, and explore options with grant agencies. The motion passed.
Future Agenda Items and Announcements
- Future Items: Requests were made to schedule a presentation by "All About Youth" and to develop a policy on staff travel for future meetings. A proclamation for the 100th anniversary of the Cardona Club in America was requested for the August 25 meeting.
- Council Activity Reports: Council members reported on attendance at pesticide meetings, CCWA meetings, the Guadalupe 5K run, and a NASA presentation at Mary Buren Elementary.
- Adjournment: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed.