Meeting Summary
Present: Jr., Villegas, Hernandez, Jolyon
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 Appreciation, Thanks, or Condolences
- Council Member Edgar Santana offered condolences to the Velasquez family regarding the passing of Amy Velasquez.
- No formal action was taken on this item.
Ceremonial Calendar Proclamation
- The Mayor proclaimed September 2026 as Cardona Club in America Centennial Celebration Month.
- A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Fernando Capodapo for his service as the liaison for the Little Giants program.
- The proclamation honored the club’s 100-year history and its roots in Guadalupe.
Presentation – Hear Youth Voices
- Representatives from All About Youth Santa Maria Lompoc presented results from Youth Listening Roundtables held in January 2024.
- Key themes included concerns about housing, racism, and cost of living, alongside appreciation for local resources.
- The organization outlined future plans, including monthly intergenerational coffee talks and reconnecting with local youth organizations.
Management Report (City Administrator)
- Updates were provided on La Sumo Jerez Park, with a ribbon cutting scheduled for September 4 and a mural project planned for the skate park.
- The Royal Theatre project is awaiting a cost estimate and pay statement from the contractor, with a goal to use remaining CAC funds for preservation.
- The City Administrator agreed to provide a written report on the Royal Theatre status at the next council meeting.
Public Safety Report (Chief of Police)
- The department reported success in its mentorship program and ongoing efforts to connect homeless individuals with residential resources.
- A donated fire engine from Santa Maria is expected in mid-September, while the city retires an older engine for parts.
- Emergency preparedness training was completed at the Boys & Girls Club, with the next session scheduled for September 2.
HR Report (Information Only)
- Temporary maintenance worker positions are now funded via a reimbursement grant and processing will begin shortly.
- An Accounting Analyst was successfully onboarded, while Public Safety positions remain on hold pending internal resolutions.
- HR noted upcoming open enrollment for insurance changes and provided updates on employee disability statuses.
Appointment to Fill Vacancy on Recreation and Parks Commission
- The Council voted to appoint Juan to the Recreation and Parks Commission to fill a vacancy open for nearly a year.
- Juan expressed interest in reviving city programs and becoming more involved in the community.
- He will take the oath of office at the next council meeting or the next Parks and Rec meeting.
Amendment to Section 8.80.030 of the Municipal Code
- Staff presented an amendment to the Vacant Commercial Property Registration Ordinance to remove the gross square footage basis for fees.
- The amendment aligns fees with the reasonable cost of administering and enforcing the program, as required by California law.
- The Council voted to introduce the ordinance by title only and continue it for second reading and adoption on September 8, 2026.
Future Agenda Items
- The Council requested ongoing informational updates on the Royal Theatre project.
- The Social Host Ordinance remains on the future agenda after the Council voted against dropping the item.
- Staff had proposed removing the ordinance, which would allow fines for parents hosting minors with alcohol.
Full summary
Agenda Item 3: Moment of Appreciation, Thanks, or Condolences
- Discussion: Council Member Edgar Santana offered condolences to the Velasquez family regarding the passing of Amy Velasquez on August 10.
- Action: None.
Agenda Item 4: Order of Business
- Discussion: The Council reviewed the order of business. No requests were made to change the order.
- Action: None.
Agenda Item 5: Community Participation
- Discussion: Three members of the public addressed the Council.
- 1. Virginia Navarro, Team Leader for Day of Hope, announced that the event would be held the following day from 7:00 AM to approximately 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM. The location would be across the street from the American Legion Post, near the former church site, and would include the Pasadena homes entrance. 2. Mike Rocklin commented on the management of the Royal Theatre project, citing issues with grant writing, contractor supervision, and administrative procedures. He noted that the Council lacked construction knowledge and relied heavily on administrative procedures, leading to the interruption of works. 3. Mira Baylor raised concerns regarding financial accountability and transparency. She questioned why the City Administrator’s office does not link monthly status reports to the council agenda, unlike other departments. She inquired about the recovery of approximately $600,000 in reimbursable grant expenditures, the status of the Royal Theatre project termination, and the disposition of approximately $5 million in state funding, specifically whether the city must reimburse the roughly $3 million already spent or can retain the remaining $1.5 million. She emphasized the need for public oversight and independent scrutiny given the city’s financial challenges.
- Action: None.
Agenda Item 6: Ceremonial Calendar Proclamation
- Discussion: The Council presented a Centennial Celebration Proclamation for the Cardona Club in America (1926–2026). The proclamation honored the club’s 100-year history, its roots in Guadalupe, and the first organized gathering held in 1947 at Leroy Park. The Centennial Celebration Dinner and Dance is scheduled for September 6, 2026, at the Filipino Community Hall in Santa Maria.
- Action: The Mayor proclaimed September 2026 as Cardona Club in America Centennial Celebration Month in the City of Guadalupe.
- Additional Recognition: A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Fernando Capodapo for his service as the liaison between the city and the Little Giants program. Capodapo expressed hope for the program’s continuation, noting 65 registrants and 12 parent volunteers, and emphasized the importance of providing free team sports for youth in an underserved community.
Agenda Item 7: Presentation – Hear Youth Voices
- Discussion: Representatives from All About Youth Santa Maria Lompoc (formerly Women’s March Santa Maria Valley) presented the results of Youth Listening Roundtables held in Santa Maria in January 2024. The presentation covered data from 28 participants (ages 14–30) regarding their experiences in the region. Key themes included:
- Appreciation: Resources, opportunities, programs, and community connections.
- Concerns: Racism and self-segregation (14 mentions), housing and homelessness (18 mentions), jobs and farmworker rights, cost of living, transportation infrastructure (bikeability/walkability), and health concerns including drugs, alcohol, and mental health.
- Desired Actions: Sharing results with local government, schools, and community organizations; establishing intergenerational talking circles; providing tutoring; connecting youth with volunteer opportunities; and creating quiet spaces at community events.
- Future Plans: The organization discussed potential initiatives such as monthly intergenerational coffee talks in Guadalupe and reconnecting with local organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and Allan Hancock College.
- Action: None.
Agenda Item 8: Consent Calendar
- Discussion: The Clerk read the consent calendar items:
- A. Waive the reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions.
- B. Ratify payment of warrants for the period ending July 31, 2026, and August 7, 2026.
- C. Approve the minutes of the City Council regular meeting of August 11, 2026.
- No council members requested to pull any items for further discussion.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the consent calendar.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote: Passed.
Agenda Item 9: Management Report (City Administrator)
- Discussion: The City Administrator provided updates on several projects:
- La Sumo Jerez Park: Trees and plants are installed; ground cover is being added. A final walkthrough and punch list are underway. Paving and striping of the parking lot are scheduled for the current week. The ribbon cutting is set for September 4 at 12:00 PM. A mural project involving local schools and students is planned for the skate park walls, with a 24-month timeline for completion.
- Amtrak Station: Underground work and curb installation are in progress.
- Royal Theatre: A punch list includes safety, site security, weather protection, grading, backfill, street restoration, and structural work. The city is awaiting a cost estimate and July pay statement from the contractor. The goal is to use remaining CAC funds to preserve the facility.
- Central Coast Processing: The facility is preparing for harvest, which may cause odors. They are sealing buildings and repairing the roof. They are in design with a planner for the corner lot on 166 and Obispo, intending to market it for grocery or fast-food use.
- Development Interest: A developer has expressed interest in bringing a fast-food chain to Guadalupe, potentially on property near DJ Farms. Another developer is interested in building a hotel with suites and a steakhouse, having scouted the area for eight months.
- Questions: Council members asked if the city would have to return any Royal Theatre funds (Answer: No). They requested a written report on the Royal Theatre status for the next meeting. They inquired about the mural artist (Answer: School art teachers and students will be involved). They asked about the ribbon cutting logistics (Answer: Fencing will be installed around the sodded grass area to protect it for three months; other amenities will be open).
- Action: The City Administrator agreed to provide a written report on the Royal Theatre at the next council meeting.
Agenda Item 10: Public Safety Report (Chief of Police)
- Discussion: The Chief of Police provided the following updates:
- Mentorship/Internship: The program has been successful, with approximately 9 high school participants and 16 college-age participants placed in internship roles.
- Homelessness: Three residential locations are available for mental health and homeless individuals. The department is working with citizens to connect them to these resources.
- Fire Insurance: The department has completed 38 fire insurance letters. The ISO rating has been revised, and the city is in compliance. However, insurance companies are deciding whether to accept the letters. The Chief directs residents to the State Insurance Commissioner’s office to file complaints if their issues are not resolved.
- Fire Engine: A donation of a fire engine from Santa Maria is expected in mid-September. The Chief and the Santa Maria Fire Chief test-drove the vehicle. The city will retire an older yellow engine for parts.
- Emergency Preparedness: Training was completed at the Boys & Girls Club. The next session is scheduled for September 2 at the Senior Center at 10:00 AM.
- Action: None.
Agenda Item 11: HR Report (Information Only)
- Discussion: The HR Director provided updates:
- Maintenance Workers: Temporary positions were on hold due to general fund constraints but are now funded via a reimbursement grant. Processing will begin shortly.
- Accounting Analyst: Successfully onboarded.
- Public Safety: Positions are on hold while internal issues are resolved. Interviews for PCFs (Police Community Fellows?) were conducted.
- Staff Status: One employee returned from temporary total disability; one remains on long-term disability.
- Open Enrollment: Upcoming soon; HR will be available to assist with insurance changes.
- Action: None.
Agenda Item 12: Appointment to Fill Vacancy on Recreation and Parks Commission
- Discussion: The City Administrator recommended the appointment of Juan (last name not specified in transcript) to fill the vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission, which has been open for nearly a year. Juan, a resident of 32 years, expressed interest in becoming more involved in the community and helping to revive city programs. He has not yet met the current commissioners.
- Motion: A motion was made to appoint Juan to the Recreation and Parks Commission.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote: Passed.
- Next Steps: Juan will take the oath of office at the next council meeting or the next Parks and Rec meeting.
Agenda Item 13: Amendment to Section 8.80.030 of the Municipal Code
- Discussion: Staff presented an amendment to the Vacant Commercial Property Registration and Property Maintenance Ordinance.
- Issue: The original ordinance (adopted in 2023) based the annual registration fee on gross square footage. Staff identified legal and practical issues with this method in California, noting that fees should be based on the reasonable cost of administering and enforcing the program (staff time, wages, benefits, supplies, equipment).
- Change: The amendment removes the gross square footage basis for the fee.
- Implementation: The ordinance will take effect approximately 45 days after adoption. Staff will then present a resolution with a justified fee estimate based on administrative costs.
- Enforcement: The ordinance targets properties that are vacant and not actively being leased, sold, or improved. It does not apply to properties with active building permits or those being marketed for rent/sale.
- Questions: Council members asked about the number of registered properties (Staff indicated at least one has registered, but annual fees were not previously established). They discussed the importance of economic development and holding the city to the same standards as private property owners regarding maintenance.
- Motion: A motion was made to introduce the ordinance by title only and continue it for second reading and adoption at the September 8, 2026, meeting.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote: Passed.
Agenda Item 14: Future Agenda Items
- Discussion:
- Royal Theatre Update: Council requested ongoing informational updates on the Royal Theatre project.
- Social Host Ordinance: Staff proposed dropping this item from the future agenda. A social host ordinance would allow fines for parents hosting minors with alcohol. Council members discussed the need for such an ordinance, noting recent tragic accidents involving youth. The Council voted to keep the item on the future agenda rather than dropping it.
- Action: The Social Host Ordinance remains on the future agenda.
Announcements
- Library: The library packet for the month is "Youth World Travel" for ages 8–12. September is National Library Card Month; cards are free.
- Senior Nutrition: The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for senior nutrition services is transitioning from the Santa Maria-based agency to the Family Services Agency. The new agency will take over the meal program at the Senior Center around October 1.
Adjournment
- Motion: A motion was made to adjourn.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote: Passed.