Meeting Summary
Present: Bethaya, 3-Soto, 2-Flores, Patino
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
Proclamation Honoring Anne McCarty
- Council Member Soto presented a proclamation recognizing Anne McCarty's 30+ years of service to the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center.
- The proclamation highlighted her career progression from hotline coordinator to Executive Director.
- Anne McCarty accepted the proclamation without a formal motion or vote being recorded.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Presentation
- Chamber representatives delivered a six-month report detailing membership growth, workforce development, and economic recovery efforts.
- Council members inquired about specific resources available for new businesses regarding licensing and financing.
- The Chamber confirmed their role in connecting businesses with local brokers and city staff.
Fireworks Education Campaign and Enforcement
- Staff presented a three-level campaign involving education, enforcement, and entertainment, including 23 approved "safe and sane" booths.
- Enforcement measures include a $1,000 fine for illegal fireworks, police patrols, and a contracted aircraft for surveillance.
- Council members discussed citation accuracy concerns and the correlation between legal sales and illegal use.
Resolution Approving Alexander Posada for Naming Consideration
- The Recreation and Parks Director recommended a resolution to approve Alexander Posada for future park or facility naming consideration.
- The recommendation cited his 47 years of service and significant community leadership.
- The Council adopted the resolution via a passed motion.
Consideration of Renaming Cesar E. Chavez Drive
- Staff presented an informal survey indicating a preference to retain the current street name despite a clerical error in mailing dates.
- Public comment included arguments for renaming due to allegations against Cesar Chavez and opposition based on costs and safety priorities.
- The Council passed a motion to remove the name "Cesar E. Chavez" and refer the matter to a draft committee for a replacement.
Santa Maria Downtown Multimodal Assessment
- A Caltrans planner presented a feasibility study for Broadway and Main Street improvements based on 380 public responses.
- Proposed enhancements include bulb-outs, high-visibility crosswalks, and lane removals with strong support for protected bike lanes.
- The Council accepted the concepts and supported continued coordination for project development and a maintenance agreement.
Small Business Support Initiative
- The Community Development Director proposed reducing regulatory barriers by eliminating certain Conditional Use Permit requirements.
- Recommendations included modifying the downtown permit review matrix and exploring fee reductions to aid small businesses.
- The Council directed staff to develop a framework for these code changes without a formal vote on a specific ordinance.
Ordinance Amending Chapter 7-5.04 (Catering Vehicle Ordinance)
- Staff presented a proposed ordinance replacing the 2008 rules with a 300-foot separation requirement between catering vehicles and restaurants.
- The proposal includes prohibitions on loudspeakers and restrictions on operating hours and furniture.
- The Council passed a motion to proceed with the ordinance after discussing impacts on vendors in condensed areas.
Cross-Connection Control Ordinance
- The Council considered an ordinance aligning with state policy to manage hazard assessments for approximately 1,500 homes with fire sprinklers.
- Concerns were raised regarding potential water shut-offs for non-compliance, though staff noted such actions are rare.
- The Council passed a motion to continue the item to the next meeting for further staff research and meetings.
Fiscal Year 2026–2028 Biennial Budget
- The Finance Director presented a budget projecting $369.3 million for FY 2026–2027 and $425.3 million for FY 2027–2028.
- The plan addresses a structural deficit by using $7.3 million from reserves and reducing 37.8 full-time equivalent positions.
- Specific amendments canceled two capital projects to fund the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center gap.
- The Council adopted the biennial budget resolution as presented.
Election Resolutions
- The Council considered resolutions amending previous election resolutions for the November 3 general and special municipal elections.
- Amendments updated ballot measure language to reflect goals for sustaining general services and filing written arguments.
- The Council passed a motion to adopt the amended election resolutions.
City Manager's Report
- The Deputy City Manager reported the City Manager's absence due to illness and noted a reduction in city employees from 745 to 703.
- The report highlighted maintained service levels and positive resident satisfaction polling.
- The schedule for the upcoming July 7 meeting was outlined.
Mobile Home Park Model Lease Agreement
- A council member proposed scheduling a future agenda item to review the current model lease agreement for mobile home parks.
- Another council member expressed support for the proposal.
- The matter was acknowledged for future consideration without a formal motion or vote.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported that instructions were provided to negotiators regarding items 4a and 4b.
- No further information was deemed reportable from the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Closed Session Report
- The City Council meeting for June 16, 2026, was called to order. The Clerk confirmed the presence of Council Members Aguilera, Bethaya, and Soto, Mayor Pro Tem Flores, and Mayor Patino. The City Attorney provided a closed session report regarding items 4a and 4b, stating that instructions were provided to negotiators on behalf of the city and no further information was reportable.
Proclamation Honoring Anne McCarty
- Council Member Soto presented a proclamation honoring Anne McCarty for more than 30 years of service to the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center. The proclamation recognized her career beginning in 1994 as a hotline coordinator and her tenure as Executive Director since 2015. Anne McCarty accepted the proclamation. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Presentation
- Representatives from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau presented a six-month report covering October 2025 through March 2026. The report detailed membership growth, committee activities, workforce development programs, and economic development efforts, including support for business relocation and tourism recovery. Council members inquired about services for new businesses, including location assistance, licensing, and financing resources. The Chamber confirmed they connect businesses with local brokers, city staff, and available resources. No motion or vote was taken.
Fireworks Education Campaign and Enforcement
- Administrative Analyst Jane Taye presented the 2026 Fireworks Campaign, outlining a three-level approach: education, enforcement, and entertainment. The city approved 23 "safe and sane" fireworks booths for sales between June 28 and July 4. Enforcement measures include a $1,000 fine for illegal fireworks, police patrols, and a contracted aircraft equipped with GPS and video technology. A drone show is scheduled for July 3, and a family event is planned for July 4. Council Member Flores raised concerns regarding a previous incident involving incorrect citations due to drone data limitations. Police Chiefs Dendridge and Williams explained that citations are scrutinized before issuance and that individuals may plead their case. Council Member Soto inquired about the correlation between "safe and sane" sales and illegal use. The Mayor asked about fine collection and aircraft availability; staff confirmed most fines were collected and the aircraft is currently contracted only for July 4. No motion or vote was taken.
Public Comment
- The Council received public comments on traffic safety at the intersection of North Broadway and Presco Lane, mobile home housing lease agreements, and labor contract negotiations with SEIU Local 620. Speakers regarding labor negotiations highlighted concerns over a proposed 0% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and increased healthcare costs for civilian employees compared to Police and Fire departments. No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during the public comment period.
Consent Calendar
- The Council considered the Consent Calendar. A staff member noted a correction to Item 12D1, clarifying the agreement was with the Santa Maria Public Airport District. No items were pulled for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion passed.
Resolution Approving Alexander Posada for Naming Consideration
- The Director of Recreation and Parks presented a report recommending the adoption of a resolution to approve Alexander Posada as eligible for future naming consideration of a city park or facility, citing his 47 years of service and community leadership. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed.
Consideration of Renaming Cesar E. Chavez Drive
- The Director of Public Works presented a report on a survey regarding renaming Cesar E. Chavez Drive. The report indicated 71 surveys were received, with a preference to retain the current name. Staff noted the survey was informal and acknowledged a clerical error regarding the mailing date. Public comment was received from three speakers; one advocated for renaming the street citing allegations of sexual abuse against Cesar Chavez, while two residents opposed the change due to financial costs and the need to prioritize safety improvements. Council members discussed the issue, balancing the desire to address allegations against the logistical burdens on residents. A motion was made and seconded to direct the removal of the name "Cesar E. Chavez" from the street and to refer the matter to the draft committee to select an appropriate replacement name. The motion passed.
Santa Maria Downtown Multimodal Assessment
- A planner from Caltrans presented a report on the Downtown Multimodal Assessment, a feasibility study for improving Broadway and Main Street. The study included public engagement yielding 380 responses and proposed enhancements such as bulb-outs, high-visibility crosswalks, and lane removals. Public feedback indicated strong support for Class 1 multi-use paths and Class 4 protected bike lanes. The report noted funding was secured for a project initiation document and highlighted the need for a shared maintenance agreement. A motion was made and seconded to accept the concepts presented and support continued coordination with Caltrans for future project development and a maintenance agreement. The motion passed.
Small Business Support Initiative
- The Director of Community Development presented the Small Business Support Initiative, aimed at reducing regulatory barriers for small businesses. Recommendations included eliminating Conditional Use Permit requirements for certain uses, modifying the downtown permit review matrix, expanding ministerial reviews, and exploring fee reductions. Council members discussed the potential impact on childcare centers and the preservation of small businesses. Staff indicated code changes could be tailored to prioritize small businesses. The Council directed staff to proceed with developing a framework for these code changes. No formal vote was taken on a specific ordinance.
Ordinance Amending Chapter 7-5.04 (Catering Vehicle Ordinance)
- The Director of Community Development presented a proposed ordinance to replace the existing 2008 Catering Vehicle Ordinance. Key features include a 300-foot separation requirement between catering vehicles and other catering vehicles or brick-and-mortar restaurants, prohibitions on loudspeakers, and restrictions on operating hours and furniture. Council members questioned the separation distance and its impact on vendors in condensed areas. Staff explained the distance was based on research to prevent unfair competition. Discussion continued in a subsequent segment regarding the number of licensed vehicles and outreach to owners. A motion was made and seconded to proceed with the ordinance. The motion passed.
Cross-Connection Control Ordinance
- The Council considered an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to align with the state's Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook. The proposal authorizes the Utilities Director to develop and enforce a control plan and manage appeals, triggering hazard assessments for approximately 1,500 single-family homes with fire sprinkler systems, with compliance deadlines extending to 2034. Council members expressed concern regarding potential water shut-offs for non-compliance. Staff responded that shut-offs are rare and typically resolved quickly, while legal staff noted that delaying the ordinance creates regulatory risk. A motion was made and seconded to continue the item to the next meeting to allow for further staff meetings and research. The motion passed.
Fiscal Year 2026–2028 Biennial Budget
- The Director of Finance presented the biennial budget, projecting total appropriations of approximately $369.3 million for fiscal year 2026–2027 and $425.3 million for fiscal year 2027–2028. The General Fund shows a structural deficit, requiring the use of $7.3 million from reserves to balance the first year. The budget includes a reduction of 37.8 full-time equivalent positions through attrition and a hiring chill. Specific amendments addressed the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center funding gap by canceling two capital projects (RV hookup for park hosts and Elks Field lighting upgrade) and utilizing revenue and transfers. Council members inquired about staffing impacts on permit processing, reserve policy updates, and controls for reserve overdrafts. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the biennial budget resolution as presented. The motion passed.
Election Resolutions
- The Council considered resolutions amending previous election resolutions regarding a general municipal and special municipal election scheduled for November 3. The amendments update ballot measure language to reflect the goal of sustaining and enhancing general services and amend priorities for filing written arguments. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolutions amending the election resolutions. The motion passed.
City Manager's Report
- The Deputy City Manager provided a report noting the absence of the City Manager due to illness. The report highlighted the reduction in city employees from approximately 745 to 703 while maintaining service levels and referenced positive polling regarding resident satisfaction. The report outlined the schedule for the upcoming July 7 meeting.
Council Member Reports
- Council members provided oral reports on their attendance at various community events, including the Mistako Agricultural Fair, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, the West Side Little League Championship, Allan Hancock College events, the VIP Economic Forecast, the Leadership of Santa Maria Valley graduation, the Santa Maria Police pinning ceremony, Public Works Week, the Calicog Board meeting, the Planning Commission meeting, the League of California Cities Policy Committee, the Communify 2026 awards dinner, the Japanese Community Center ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Recreation and Parks Commission meeting, the Block Grants Advisory Committee, the Santa Barbara SBK North County Subregional Planning Committee, the Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Coalition meeting, a community leader barbecue, and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber Economic Forecast.
Mobile Home Park Model Lease Agreement
- A council member proposed scheduling a future agenda item to review the current model lease agreement for mobile home parks. Another council member expressed support for the proposal. No formal motion, second, or vote was recorded; the matter was acknowledged for future consideration.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.