City Council — February 17, 2026

Meeting Summary

Present: 4-Aguilera-Hernandez, Escobedo, 3-Soto, 2-Flores, Patino

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

Council Member Flores designated February 21 through 28 as National Future Farmers of America Week.
Representatives from local FFA chapters attended to receive the proclamation and discuss events.
The Chamber of Commerce presented awards to Advanced Wireless and the Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library.
Representatives from both organizations addressed the council regarding their service and contributions.

Council Member Soto moved to place the formation of an ad hoc committee on a future agenda in March.
The City Attorney clarified procedural requirements for the motion before the vote.
The motion to remove the item from the table was seconded and passed.

The council discussed conferences with real property negotiators regarding items 3A and 3B.
The City Attorney reported that instructions were provided to the negotiators during the session.
No further report was considered necessary regarding the closed session discussions.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Patino. The Clerk conducted roll call. Public comment criteria were read. One speaker addressed the council regarding computer usage at the Guadalupe Branch Library, specifically requesting a prohibition on interactive machine gun war games due to safety and behavioral concerns. Following this, the Council recessed to a closed session.

Items 3A and 3B regarding conferences with real property negotiators were discussed. The City Attorney reported that instructions were provided to negotiators and no further report was necessary.

Proclamation: Council Member Flores presented a proclamation designating February 21 through February 28, 2026, as National Future Farmers of America Week. Representatives from local FFA chapters attended to receive the proclamation and discussed upcoming events and competition results.
Business of the Quarter: The Chamber of Commerce presented awards to two organizations. Advanced Wireless was recognized for over 40 years of telecommunications and internet service in the region. The Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library was recognized for its support of library services, fundraising, and literacy programs. Representatives from both organizations addressed the council.

The Council reconvened and the public comment period was reopened. Criteria were read. Multiple speakers addressed the council, primarily regarding immigration policy. Topics included requests for the creation of an ad hoc immigration committee, concerns regarding ICE activity and community safety, economic contributions of immigrant workers, and clarification of previous council statements regarding protests. Several speakers cited statistics and personal experiences. The Mayor responded to comments regarding previous statements, stating she had not characterized immigrants as criminals.

Item 11D2: The Clerk noted a correction regarding the listed age of heavy-duty floor buses.
Item 11D4: A public commenter addressed the design of ADA curb ramps for a proposed crosswalk retrofit at Allan Hancock College, recommending specific standards for safety. City staff explained that the proposed design met ADA compliance for a retrofit given constraints related to truck access, cost, and expediency.
Motion: Council Member Soto moved to approve the item with a condition for staff to provide cost estimates for alternative designs for future budget discussion. Council Member Escobedo moved to approve the item as written.
Outcome: A roll call vote was taken on the consent calendar items (excluding 11D4), and the motion passed. A subsequent roll call vote was taken on Item 11D4, and the motion carried.

City Manager Rowland reported on attendance at the City Manager's Conference and noted that General Plan and Measure A annual reports would be presented at the next meeting.

Council members provided reports on recent events attended, including forums on homelessness, Medi-Cal panels, and community outreach events.
Immigration Ad Hoc Committee: Council Member Soto moved to take the previously tabled item regarding the formation of an ad hoc immigration committee off the table and place it on a future agenda, preferably in March. The City Attorney clarified the procedural requirements for the motion. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.

Council Member Soto read a statement regarding her background and support for immigrant families. Council Member Escobedo made remarks regarding the need for decision-making on pending items. The meeting was adjourned in honor of Linda Glynes.