Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Aguilera-Hernandez, Bethaya, 3-Soto, 2-Flores, Patino
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At a glance
Preliminary Fiscal Year 26-28 Budget
- Director Campbell presented the proposed biennial budget including financial forecasts and revenue projections.
- Staff noted a structural deficit in the General Fund and concerns regarding LEAF reserve balances.
- Council discussed the proposed closure of the Paul Nelson Pool during the presentation.
- The motion passed to receive the budget for review with adoption scheduled for June 16.
Public Hearing: Paul Nelson Pool
- A public hearing was held regarding the budget item concerning the Paul Nelson Pool.
- Nancy Jo Ward spoke in opposition citing the facility's importance for swimming lessons.
- The Clerk reported that 120 written public comments were received regarding the pool.
2026 User Fee Schedule
- Director Campbell presented fee updates based on cost recovery studies by a consultant.
- Utility fees were excluded from the current resolution pending correction.
- The Council voted to adopt the resolution approving the user fee schedule.
Disruption Policy and Public Outreach
- Chief Deputy City Clerk Schwartz presented resolutions required by SB 707 for meeting disruptions.
- Policies outline procedures for interruptions and outreach to groups not traditionally participating.
- The Council voted to adopt both the Disruption and Public Outreach resolutions.
Municipal Election
- Clerk Schwartz presented resolutions to call a general and special municipal election for November 2026.
- The resolutions included a tax measure for sales and use tax alongside the election process.
- The Council voted to adopt the resolutions setting the election procedures.
Landscape Maintenance District
- Recreation Services Manager Smitherman recommended rescinding a resolution regarding a 3% assessment increase.
- Staff proposed pausing the increase to allow for further review and due diligence.
- The Council voted to rescind the resolution of intention.
Closed Session
- The Council recessed to discuss public employee performance and conference with labor negotiators.
- Legal counsel was consulted regarding existing litigation matters during the closed session.
- The City Attorney reported that instructions were provided to negotiators upon reconvening.
Full summary
Meeting Summary: City Council of Santa Maria
- Date: June 2, 2026
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The City Council meeting was called to order. A roll call was conducted, and a quorum was established.
Public Comment (Pre-Closed Session)
- Nicole Bryant of SEIU Local 620 spoke regarding labor negotiations. She requested that bargaining authority granted to the negotiating team reflect organizational values regarding dignity and fairness. She noted proposed wage reductions and benefit cuts for general unit employees compared to other bargaining units receiving cost of living adjustments.
Closed Session
- The Council recessed to a closed session to discuss Public Employee Performance Evaluation, Conference with Labor Negotiators, and Conference with Legal Counsel regarding Existing Litigation. Upon reconvening, the City Attorney reported that instructions were provided to negotiators during the session.
Memorial Day Acknowledgment
- Mayor Patino acknowledged students from Santa Maria High School and Pioneer High School FFA chapters for placing flags at the cemetery for Memorial Day.
Proclamation: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
- Council Member Soto presented a proclamation recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Suzette Lopez, Executive Director of House of Pride and Equality (HOPE), accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization.
Public Comment (Open Session)
- Several members of the public addressed the Council on various topics:
- Traffic safety concerns at the intersection of Main Street and Concord.
- Recognition of Ramon Gallo, the new Director of the Recreation and Parks Department.
- Zoning and operational issues regarding the GLD Boxing Academy.
- Maintenance and funding issues regarding city baseball fields and parks.
- Concerns regarding the proposed winter closure of the Paul Nelson Pool.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The Council voted, and the motion passed.
Preliminary Fiscal Year 26-28 Budget
- Director of Finance Rebecca Campbell presented the proposed biennial budget. The presentation included financial forecasts, revenue projections, and balancing measures. A structural deficit in the General Fund was noted, along with concerns regarding LEAF reserve balances following an audit review.
- Discussion: Council members and staff discussed the proposed closure of the Paul Nelson Pool. Mayor Patino requested a meeting with swim club leadership to explore alternatives.
- Motion: Council Member Soto moved to exclude the swimming pool discussion from the current budget consideration to allow an ad hoc committee to meet with stakeholders and staff for a resolution before the June 16 meeting.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed. The budget was received for review, with adoption scheduled for the June 16 meeting.
Public Hearing: Paul Nelson Pool
- A public hearing was held regarding the budget item concerning the Paul Nelson Pool. Nancy Jo Ward spoke in opposition to the proposed closure, citing the facility's importance for swimming lessons and community use. The Clerk noted that 120 written public comments were received regarding the pool.
2026 User Fee Schedule
- Director Campbell presented the updated 2026 user fee schedule, based on cost recovery studies by a consultant. The fees were proposed to achieve full cost recovery for specific services. Utility fees were noted as requiring a future update.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution approving the user fee schedule, excluding specific utility fees pending correction.
- Vote: The Council voted, and the motion passed.
Disruption Policy and Public Outreach
- Chief Deputy City Clerk Donna Schwartz presented resolutions required by SB 707. The Disruption Policy outlines procedures for interruptions to telephonic or internet services during meetings. The Public Outreach Policy details efforts to invite groups that do not traditionally participate in meetings.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to adopt both resolutions.
- Vote: The Council voted, and the motion passed.
Municipal Election
- Clerk Schwartz presented resolutions to call a general and special municipal election for November 3, 2026. The resolutions also included a tax measure for sales and use tax. The City Manager noted six resolutions were required for the election process.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolutions calling the election and setting procedures. The meeting proceeded to the next agenda item.
Landscape Maintenance District
- Recreation Services Manager Dennis Smitherman presented a report to rescind Resolution 2026-76 regarding a proposed 3% assessment increase for landscape maintenance districts. Staff recommended pausing the increase to allow for further review and due diligence.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to rescind the resolution of intention.
- Vote: The Council voted, and the motion passed.
City Manager Report
- City Manager David Rollins provided an overview of upcoming agenda items, including the budget adoption and urban water measure plan. He formally introduced Ramon Gallo as the new Recreation and Parks Director, noting his background and commitment to community engagement.
Council Member Oral Reports
- Council Members and the Mayor provided oral reports regarding meetings and events attended during the reporting period, including community outreach, budget reviews, intergovernmental agreements, and local events.