Meeting Summary
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
Recreation and Parks Month Proclamation
- The Council adopted a proclamation declaring July 2026 as Recreation and Parks Month to highlight community wellness and youth development.
- The Baza family accepted the proclamation and shared their positive experiences with city programs like swim clubs and leadership camps.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
- The Council confirmed appointments to the Block Grants Advisory Committee, Downtown Revitalization Committee, and Central Coast Commission for Seniors.
- Incumbent members were reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees, while the Measure U Citizens Oversight Committee appointment was deferred.
2026-2027 Landscape Assessments
- Staff recommended adopting the fiscal year 2026-2027 Landscape Management District assessment without applying a Consumer Price Index increase.
- The Council adopted the resolution following a public hearing with no public comments received.
Updated Citywide User Fee Schedule
- The Council approved a new fee schedule that updates solid waste, fire, and liquid waste rates to achieve full cost recovery.
- Police special event fees were revised to charge only overtime rates, with the reduction backdated to April 1, 2026.
Transaction and Use Tax Ordinance
- The Council introduced an ordinance to impose a transaction and use tax, subject to voter approval in the November 2026 general election.
- Ballot language was amended to specify that tax revenue will sustain general services like parks and libraries, distinct from public safety measures.
July 4th Fireworks Incident Review
- Officials reported 53 incidents on July 4th, including 25 medical aids and 11 fires, with approximately 95 potential citations identified.
- The Police Chief explained the strategy of recording violations for administrative citations to ensure officer safety during large gatherings.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported that instructions were provided to negotiators or attorneys regarding items 3a through 3d.
- No further reporting was deemed necessary for the closed session matters.
Full summary
Meeting Called to Order and Closed Session Report
- The City Council meeting for July 7, 2026, was called to order. The City Attorney provided a closed session report regarding items 3a through 3d, stating that instructions were provided to negotiators or attorneys in various cases and that no further reporting was necessary.
Proclamation: Recreation and Parks Month
- A proclamation declaring July 2026 as Recreation and Parks Month in the City of Santa Maria was presented. The proclamation highlighted the importance of recreation programs, facilities, and public art to community wellness, physical and mental health, and youth development. The Baza family accepted the proclamation on behalf of the community. A representative from the family spoke regarding their family's participation in various city programs, including CERT, swim clubs, soccer, and leadership camps, emphasizing the value of these activities for youth development and community investment.
Public Comment
- Seven members of the public provided comments on various matters:
- Guinevere Cannon: Expressed opposition to a previous proclamation regarding Gay Pride Month, citing concerns about the use of funds and the nature of such proclamations. She advocated for increased funding for law enforcement and public safety, specifically regarding DUI enforcement.
- Eileen Armijo and Esther Jensen: Both residents of La Maria Senior Mobile Home Park spoke in support of a senior overlay ordinance for mobile home parks. They argued that maintaining the parks as senior-only preserves affordability and peace for residents who purchased homes with the expectation of a senior community, and they opposed converting the parks to all-age communities.
- Stella Feliz Villarreal and Brandon Feliz Villarreal: Both residents of Cesar Chavez Drive opposed the proposed renaming of the street. They cited a survey of 60 households showing near-unanimous opposition to the change due to the practical burdens of updating addresses on legal and financial documents. They argued the estimated $26,000 cost should be redirected to safety improvements such as speed humps and crosswalks near Tommy Coons Junior High. They also questioned the consistency of the renaming standard, noting other streets honor figures with controversial historical records.
- Dena Rae Soares: Discussed the homeless population, noting that while some individuals face harassment from park rangers, the city is making progress with facilities like Hope Village. She requested updates to restrooms in several parks, noting some remain closed.
- Ed Carcari, Jaime Flores, and Todd Ventura: Representing event organizers (Rotary, Elks Lodge, and the Santa Maria Fair Park), these speakers discussed the high costs of police services for community events such as the Christmas Parade, Rodeo Parade, and Strawberry Festival. They requested a reduction in fees or a creative solution to lower costs, noting that these events are volunteer-run and rely on fundraising. They specifically requested that any fee reductions be backdated to cover events held in April and May.
Consent Calendar
- The Mayor announced that item 11-D (adoption of a resolution for a U.S. Department of Justice grant application) had been pulled by staff. A motion was made and seconded to approve the remaining consent calendar items. The motion passed.
Clarification of Record: District 1 Vacancy
- The Mayor provided a statement to clarify the record regarding the filling of the District 1 City Council vacancy left by the resignation of Carlos Escobedo. The Mayor outlined the statutory timeline under California Code 36512(b), the application process, and the number of eligible candidates. The Mayor addressed a letter from Councilmember Soto, stating that the process was transparent, all candidates were given the opportunity to speak, and Councilmember Soto did not make a nomination or comment during the public comment portion of the previous meeting.
Appointments
- The Council considered appointments to several boards and commissions:
- Block Grants Advisory Committee: Nominations were made for Mackenzie Greeley, Cory Mills, Eva Avila, and Jose Ramirez. Councilmember Flores deferred her nomination pending a meeting with the candidate. Councilmember Bataya deferred his nomination. A motion was made and seconded to appoint the four nominated individuals. The motion passed.
- Downtown Revitalization Committee: The Mayor nominated Rebecca Carey and Isabel Blanco, who had been appointed by the Recreation and Parks Commission and Planning Commission, respectively. A motion was made and seconded to confirm these appointments. The motion passed.
- Central Coast Commission for Seniors, Area Agency on Aging: The Mayor nominated incumbent Midge Nicosia. A motion was made and seconded to confirm the appointment. The motion passed.
- Library Board of Trustees: The Mayor nominated incumbent Laura Selkin. A motion was made and seconded to confirm the appointment. The motion passed.
- Measure U Citizens Oversight Committee: Councilmember Soto was assigned the appointment but stated they were not ready to make a nomination. The item was deferred to the next meeting.
Public Hearing: 2026-2027 Landscape Assessments
- A public hearing was held regarding the adoption of a resolution confirming the fiscal year 2026-2027 Landscape Management District and Special Benefits Zone assessment. Staff recommended adopting the resolution without applying a previously proposed Consumer Price Index increase. No public comments were received. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Updated Citywide User Fee Schedule
- A public hearing was held to consider adopting a resolution approving an updated citywide user fee schedule. The Director of Finance presented omitted fees from a previous hearing, including updates for solid waste, fire protection, and liquid waste disposal to achieve full cost recovery. The presentation also included adjustments to Recreation and Parks fees (rounding to the dollar) and a revised methodology for Police Department special event services, which removed benefit costs from the calculation to charge only the overtime rate. A written comment was received from Kevin Walters regarding the new fee structure for special events. Council discussion focused on the request from event organizers to backdate the fee reduction for police services. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the fee schedule with the police service fee reduction effective April 1, 2026. The motion passed.
Ordinance: Transaction and Use Tax
- The Council considered an ordinance adding Chapter 3-8B to the Santa Maria Municipal Code to impose a transaction and use tax. The City Manager explained that the ordinance would be introduced and set for adoption at the next meeting, subject to voter approval at the November 3, 2026, general election. The ballot measure language was amended to reflect that the tax would sustain and enhance general services, including parks, recreation, the aquatic center, library, youth programs, and road improvements, distinguishing it from Measure U which focuses on public safety. No public comments were received. A motion was made and seconded to introduce the ordinance. The motion passed.
City Manager Report and July 4th Fireworks Incident Review
- The City Manager provided a report on upcoming agenda items and thanked staff and the Council for their work on the budget. The Fire Chief provided a preliminary report on the July 4th response. There were 53 total incidents, including 25 medical aids (some involving severe injuries from illegal fireworks) and 11 fires (trash/rubbish fires caused by fireworks). The Fire Prevention staff and Police Department operated a joint task force and a hotline, receiving over 160 calls. Approximately 92 to 95 preliminary incidents were identified for potential citation, pending review of aerial overwatch footage. The fine for illegal fireworks is $1,000. Discussion ensued regarding the enforcement strategy. The Police Chief explained that officers observe and record violations to issue administrative citations rather than making direct contact, which is deemed safer for officers and firefighters given the potential for combative situations at large gatherings. The Chief noted that the issue is systemic and cultural. Councilmembers inquired about the enforcement methods used in Oxnard, where fines are reportedly higher, and the use of drones for enforcement. The Police Chief stated they would investigate the Oxnard fine structure and provide a full report at the next meeting.
Councilmember Reports
- Councilmembers provided oral reports on their recent activities, including attendance at Chamber of Commerce events, the 250th anniversary celebration, the Japanese Community Center ribbon cutting, the Police Council Golf Tournament, the YMCA Battle of the Badges, and meetings with Congressman Salud Carbajal. Councilmember Soto reiterated their stance on the District 1 vacancy process and noted multiple FOIA requests regarding the matter.