Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Aguilera-Hernandez, 3-Soto, 2-Flores, Patino
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At a glance
Council Member Resignation
- Council Member Escobedo submitted a letter of resignation effective March 3, 2026.
- The resignation was due to moving outside the district and no longer meeting residency requirements.
- The City Attorney noted the seat is immediately vacant with an election scheduled for November.
Ordinance No. 2025-03 Amendment
- Staff presented an amendment to clarify fee approval authority rests with the City Council.
- The change aligns the municipal code with existing Council policy direction.
- A motion to introduce the amended ordinance was made and passed.
Measure U Annual Report
- The Director of Finance presented the fiscal year 2024-25 revenue and expenditure report.
- Council discussed revenue projections falling short and expenditure variances due to carryover projects.
- A motion to receive and file the annual report was made and passed.
Immigration Ad Hoc Committee Formation
- Staff opened discussion regarding the potential formation and responsibilities of a new committee.
- Council Member Soto proposed a structure focused on policy review and assessing local impacts.
- Public speakers advocated for the committee to address safety and transparency concerns.
- A motion to establish the Ad Hoc Committee failed due to an equal number of votes.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney provided a report regarding items discussed in closed session.
- Instructions were provided to labor negotiators regarding ongoing negotiations.
- Information regarding existing litigation was shared with the Council.
Full summary
City Council Meeting Summary
- Date: March 3, 2026
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order. Interpreter services were noted to be available. The roll was called and the quorum was established.
Closed Session Report
- The City Attorney provided a report regarding items discussed in closed session. Instructions were provided to labor negotiators, and information regarding existing litigation was shared. No further report was deemed necessary.
Public Comment
- Three members of the public addressed the council. Topics included mobile home rent stabilization, concerns regarding immigration enforcement activities, and local camping and homelessness issues.
Council Member Resignation
- Council Member Escobedo presented a letter of resignation effective March 3, 2026. The resignation was attributed to moving outside District 1, thus no longer meeting residency requirements. The City Attorney noted the seat was immediately vacant and indicated that the next step would involve a November election, with a potential appointment prior to that. The matter was noted for future staff memoranda regarding the appointment process.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed.
Item 11A: Ordinance No. 2025-03 (Recreation and Parks Fee Approval Authority)
- Staff presented a report regarding an amendment to Ordinance No. 2025-03. The purpose was to clarify that final approval authority for Recreation and Parks fees rests with the City Council, correcting ambiguity regarding the Commission's role. The amendment aligns the municipal code with Council policy direction. No fiscal impact was associated with the clarification. A motion was made and seconded to introduce the amended ordinance. The motion passed.
Item 11B: Measure U Annual Report
- The Director of Finance presented the Measure U Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25. The report detailed revenue, expenditures, and fund balances. Discussion focused on revenue coming in below projections, expenditure variances due to carryover projects, and budget balancing efforts. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the report. The motion passed.
Item 11C: Formation of an Immigration Ad Hoc Committee
- The City Manager opened the discussion regarding the potential formation of an Immigration Ad Hoc Committee. Staff noted that if the committee were formed, responsibilities would be developed for a future meeting. Council Member Soto provided a proposed structure and purpose for the committee, including review of city policies, assessment of local impacts of immigration enforcement, and development of policy recommendations.
- A public comment period followed, during which numerous speakers addressed the council. Speakers generally advocated for the establishment of the committee, citing concerns regarding immigration enforcement activities, community safety, and the need for policy review to protect residents. Requests were made for the city to allocate facilities to non-profits, hold workshops, and increase transparency.
- During the discussion, the Mayor read a city statement regarding immigration enforcement, noting the city's focus on local public safety and the legal limitations of local authority over federal agents. A motion was made and seconded to establish the Ad Hoc Committee. The vote resulted in an equal number of affirmative and negative votes. The motion failed.
City Manager Report
- The City Manager provided an update on agenda items for the next meeting, including a presentation on drones as first responders, red light cameras, the CDBG action plan, and special budget policy.
Council Member Reports
- Council Members and the Mayor provided brief reports on their recent activities, including attendance at various forums, meetings, and community events.
Adjournment
- The Mayor offered a memorial tribute honoring a former Santa Maria firefighter. The meeting was adjourned.