Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Aguilera-Hernandez, Bezaia, 3-Soto
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Proclamations and Awards
- The Council adopted proclamations for Water Awareness Month, Bike Month, and various national observances.
- Business of the Quarter awards were presented to Santa Maria Town Center and Fusion Colors Auto Body Repair.
- A proclamation recognized the 80th anniversary of Life Way Fellowship and designated "Go Rodeo Days."
Council Appointment
- Virgil Bathaya was appointed as Councilmember for District 1 effective April 7, 2026.
- The appointment remains in effect until newly elected members are seated following the November special election.
Santa Maria 2045 General Plan
- Staff presented a plan projecting 16,140 new housing units and 24,000 jobs with increased density limits.
- Public comment raised concerns regarding annexation and park standards, which staff addressed during discussion.
- The Council voted to adopt the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan.
Mobile Home Zoning Ordinance
- Staff reported that the ordinance draft is complete and preliminary outreach has occurred.
- A study session is scheduled for July, followed by a subsequent Council presentation.
Board and Commission Appointments
- The Council approved appointments to fill vacancies on four outside boards and the Block Grants Advisory Committee.
- Corey Mills was nominated and appointed to the Block Grants Advisory Committee.
Solid Waste Collection Rates
- Staff proposed a four-year rate adjustment driven by fleet electrification and rising operational costs.
- The public hearing concluded with seven written protests, which did not constitute a majority protest.
- The Council adopted the ordinance to update solid waste collection rates as recommended.
Landscape District Assessments
- Staff presented an engineer's report updating assessment rolls with a 3% Consumer Price Index adjustment.
- No new areas were added to the districts during this annual public hearing.
- The Council authorized the finalization and submission of the assessment roll to the county tax assessor.
Measure A Five-Year Program
- Staff outlined a $40 million allocation prioritizing an in-house paving program and street lighting upgrades.
- The Council approved the five-year program of projects for Measure A funds.
Workforce Vacancies Report
- Staff reported a 13.3% vacancy rate across 719.4 FTE positions as of January 2026.
- Union representatives discussed retention improvements and requested financial data on vacant positions.
- The report was received and filed without a formal motion or vote.
TEFRA Hearing: Perelman Apartments
- The Council held a hearing to allow the issuance of tax-exempt bonds for a 150-unit affordable housing project.
- Staff clarified that the City holds no financial or legal obligation regarding the bonds.
- The resolution approving the TEFRA hearing was adopted.
Cross-Connection Control Plan Amendments
- Staff proposed amending the Municipal Code to align with new state regulations on cross-connection control.
- Council members requested additional time for community notification and information gathering.
- The item was continued to the June 16th meeting, and the original approval motion was not voted upon.
Potential Sales Tax Measure
- Staff presented polling results showing 74% support for a half-cent sales tax after explaining fund uses.
- The Council directed staff to draft ballot language and a budget review draft for the next meeting.
- The item was received and filed without a formal motion or vote.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported that instructions were provided to negotiators for items 3A and 3B.
- No further report was deemed necessary regarding the closed session activities.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call
- The City Council meeting for May 5, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Alice Patino. The City Clerk conducted the roll call, confirming all members were present. The City Attorney provided a closed session report regarding instructions given to negotiators for items 3A and 3B, stating no further report was necessary.
Proclamations and Awards
- The Council adopted a series of proclamations and presented awards:
- Water Awareness Month: A proclamation designating May 2026 as Water Awareness Month was presented. Winners of the 15th annual Water Awareness Poster Contest were recognized.
- Municipal Clerks Week: A proclamation recognizing the week of May 3–9, 2026, as Municipal Clerks Week was adopted.
- Compost Awareness Week: A proclamation recognizing the week of May 3–9, 2026, as Compost Awareness Week was adopted.
- National Day of Prayer: A proclamation designating May 7, 2026, as National Day of Prayer was adopted.
- National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day: A proclamation recognizing the week of May 10–16, 2026, as National Police Week and May 13, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day was adopted.
- Life Way Fellowship 80th Anniversary: A proclamation recognizing May 17, 2026, as the 80th anniversary of Life Way Fellowship was adopted.
- National Public Works Week: A proclamation recognizing the week of May 17–23, 2026, as National Public Works Week was adopted.
- Bike Month: A proclamation designating May 2026 as Bike Month was adopted.
- Business of the Quarter: Awards were presented to the Santa Maria Town Center and Fusion Colors Auto Body Repair.
- Rodeo Days: A proclamation designating May 27–31, 2026, as "Go Rodeo Days" was adopted.
Certificate of Appointment
- The City Clerk read a Certificate of Appointment designating Virgil Bathaya as Councilmember for District 1, effective April 7, 2026, until newly elected members are seated following the November 3 special municipal election.
Santa Maria 2045 General Plan (Item 13A)
- Director of Community Development Shannon Dow presented a staff report on the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan, which includes land use maps, policy documents, and an environmental impact report. The plan projects up to 16,140 new housing units and 24,000 jobs over three regional cycles. Key elements include new mixed-use designations, an increase in high-density residential limits to 30 units per acre, and a planned annexation of 985 acres. Staff outlined public engagement efforts and key policies regarding sustainability, complete streets, and park acreage standards.
- During discussion, Council Member Soto inquired about infill development triggers, the role of LAFCO, and affordable housing policies. Staff explained that limited infill opportunities exist due to environmental constraints and confirmed that a Sphere of Influence change and annexation application are next steps. Staff also addressed affordable housing tools, noting the lack of an inclusionary housing ordinance.
- Public comment was received from Claire Wyman, who urged reconsideration of the Area 9 rezone and opposed the annexation of lands parallel to Highway 101. Lori Tamura requested a separate report on the Las Flores property and expressed concerns regarding park standards and complete streets requirements for private projects. Staff responded that the complete streets policy applies to public streets with flexibility for private projects, and clarified that Las Flores was excluded from the General Plan as it is outside city limits.
- Council Member Soto moved to adopt the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Public Comment Period
- The Council opened the floor for public comment on matters within its jurisdiction.
- Eddie Navarro requested the designation of three locations as historical sites to preserve local sports history. The City Manager directed the request to the Parks Commission.
- Gary Hall urged the Council to replace the 2020 model lease with a mandatory mobile home rent stabilization program and requested expedited action on a senior mobile home park zoning overlay ordinance.
- Nicole Bryant addressed the Council regarding proposed pay concessions for city employees due to a structural budget deficit, urging the adoption of reserve policies, a revenue tax measure, and shared financial burden.
Mobile Home Zoning Ordinance Update
- In response to a Council member's request for a timeline update, staff reported that the mobile home zoning ordinance has been drafted and preliminary outreach has occurred. The item is scheduled for a study session in July, with a subsequent Council presentation expected shortly thereafter.
Consent Calendar
- The City Manager moved to approve the consent calendar. During discussion, the Mayor questioned the performance of contractor J.D. Heumann regarding landscape and lighting district maintenance. Staff explained that the city is halfway through a two-year contract and will issue a full request for proposal upon expiration, noting limited resources with 16 special district staff covering 383 acres alongside the contractor. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Appointments to Outside Boards and Commissions
- Staff presented a report regarding vacancies on four outside boards created by the resignation of Council Member Carlos Escobedo. The Mayor proposed appointments for Council Member Battaia, Mayor Pro Tem Flores, and Council Member Battaia to various boards. The City Manager moved to appoint these nominees. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Block Grants Advisory Committee Appointment
- Staff reported a vacancy on the Block Grants Advisory Committee and noted one application from Corey Mills. Council Member Aguilera nominated Corey Mills. The City Manager moved to appoint the nominee. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Solid Waste Collection Rates (Public Hearing)
- Interim Director of Utilities Michelle Ruiz and consultant Josiah Close presented a staff report on an ordinance to update solid waste collection rates for the next four years. The report detailed an 18-month cost-of-service study compliant with Proposition 218. Drivers for the adjustment include fleet electrification, increased processing costs, and rising insurance premiums. Staff recommended a phased approach with flat rates for the first year and increases beginning in the second year. Council members inquired about cost-saving measures, the electrification timeline, outreach, and impacts on low-income ratepayers. Staff confirmed outreach was conducted in English and Spanish and noted Proposition 218 prohibits charging less than the cost of service without a subsidy.
- The public hearing was opened and subsequently closed. The City Clerk reported receiving seven valid written protests, which did not constitute a majority protest. The City Manager moved to adopt the solid waste rates as proposed. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Landscape District Assessments (Public Hearing)
- Interim Director of Recreation and Parks Dennis Smitherman presented a staff report regarding the annual public hearing for the Recreation and Parks Department Landscape Maintenance Districts. The report included an engineer's report updating assessment roll data files with a 3% Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment. No new areas were being added to the districts. The public hearing was opened and closed with no requests to speak. The City Manager moved to accept the engineer's report and authorize the assessment roll to be finalized and submitted to the county tax assessor. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Measure A Five-Year Program of Projects (Public Hearing)
- Director of Public Works Brett Volgoni presented a staff report on the Measure A five-year program of projects. The presentation outlined a $40 million five-year allocation, with 15% designated for alternative transportation. Staff detailed a new in-house paving program prioritizing arterials and collectors, and discussed street lighting upgrades. The public hearing was opened and closed with no requests to speak. Council Member Soto moved to approve the Measure A five-year program of projects. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Workforce Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention (AB 2561)
- Chief Human Resources Officer Graciela Reynosa presented the annual workforce vacancy and recruitment report. As of January 2026, the city had 82 current vacancies out of 719.4 FTE positions, resulting in a 13.3% vacancy rate. Staff noted recruitment statistics and incentives offered to attract talent.
- Representatives from Local 2020 (Firefighters) and SEIU Local 620 addressed the Council regarding staffing vacancies and retention. The firefighter representative noted improved retention following a 2025 compensation decision but acknowledged eight current suppression vacancies. The SEIU representative requested the total financial value of the 82 funded vacant positions. Staff indicated they would provide the requested financial data and clarified that the 20% vacancy trigger under AB 2561 applies only to represented groups. The City Manager confirmed the report was received and filed.
- Outcome: No motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Hearing: Perelman Apartments
- The Director of Finance presented a staff report regarding a TEFRA hearing for the Perelman Apartments project. The hearing was required for the California Municipal Finance Authority to issue tax-exempt bonds up to $35 million for a 150-unit affordable housing project. Staff clarified that the City has no financial, legal, or moral obligation to the bonds. The public hearing was opened and closed with no requests to speak or written comments. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Amendments to Santa Maria Municipal Code: Cross-Connection Control Plan
- The Deputy Director of Utilities presented a report on amending Title VIII of the Municipal Code to align with new state regulations regarding cross-connection control. The proposed ordinance would grant the Utilities Director authority to develop and enforce a Cross-Connection Control Plan. Council members discussed the timeline, financial impact on homeowners, and the lack of prior community outreach. One council member moved to continue the item to the June 16th meeting to allow time for further information gathering and community notification planning. The motion to continue was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion to continue passed. The original motion to approve the ordinance amendments was not voted upon.
Polling Survey Results for Potential Ballot Measure
- Staff presented polling results from DHM Research regarding a potential half-cent sales tax measure for the November 2026 general election. The survey indicated 60% initial support, rising to 74% after voters were informed of potential fund uses. SEIU Local 620 expressed support for placing the measure on the ballot. Council members discussed drafting specific language for the ballot measure. The City Manager confirmed staff would draft the sales tax ballot resolutions and a first reading draft of the 2026-2028 budget review for the next meeting.
- Outcome: The item was received and filed. No motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Council Member Oral Reports
- Council members provided brief oral reports regarding their attendance at various community events, including meetings with police and fire departments, budget reviews, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and community service activities.
- Outcome: No motions were made, and no votes were taken.
Adjournment
- Following the reports, the meeting was adjourned as there was no other business to conduct.
- Outcome: No vote was taken on the adjournment.