Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Aguilera-Hernandez, 3-Soto, 2-Flores, Patino
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At a glance
Summer 2026 Hometown Heroes
- Over 300 military personnel and frontline workers were honored with certificates and commemorative banners.
- Representatives from all four military branches, including a Purple Heart recipient, were recognized during the presentation.
- The program concluded with specific applause for the 2008 Class of Hometown Heroes.
4th of July Fireworks Response and Enforcement
- Fire and Police departments responded to 53 incidents, issuing 118 citations and 51 warning letters for violations.
- Officials utilized aerial footage and GPS data to identify launch sites while avoiding direct confrontation for safety.
- The City Attorney confirmed an ordinance is being prepared to potentially increase fines to $2,000.
- Future enforcement may incorporate the Drone First Responder Program if approved as a parameter.
Business of the Quarter
- Signs of Success was recognized for its growth and community contributions since its founding in 1990.
- President Jordan Shepard accepted the award on behalf of the company team.
AI-Enabled Non-Emergency Call Agent Services
- The Council discussed a purchasing agreement with Hyper for an AI system to handle non-emergency calls.
- The proposed system would transcribe calls, detect stress or violence, and translate over 18 languages.
- Staff clarified the technology is intended to supplement, not replace, human dispatchers.
Tire Services Contract
- Staff recommended splitting a tire services contract between Southern Tire Mart and Santa Maria Tire Service.
- Concerns were raised regarding awarding business to a non-local vendor without a local preference policy.
- The item was continued to the next meeting to allow for a closed session discussion on developing a local preference policy.
Block Grants Advisory Committee Appointment
- Cynthia Gudino was nominated to fill a vacancy on the Block Grants Advisory Committee.
- The Council voted to appoint Ms. Gudino to serve an unexpired term ending in July 2029.
Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay District
- An ordinance was approved to establish an overlay district preserving affordable housing for seniors aged 55 and older.
- The measure requires 80% of units to be occupied by at least one person aged 55 or older with biennial certification.
- Staff confirmed the zone is not permanent and conversion to all-ages status would require a formal amendment.
Zoning Text Amendments
- The Council approved amendments updating regulations for ADUs, density bonuses, and transitional housing.
- The package eliminates the Conditional Use Permit requirement for daycare centers in most zones to reduce costs.
- Changes also include removing non-taxable merchandise limitations in commercial zones to accommodate modern retail.
City Council Salary Increase Ordinance
- An ordinance was introduced to increase Council salaries by $341.31 per month and the Mayor's salary by an additional $250.
- The increase is based on Government Code provisions allowing a 5% annual adjustment from the last date.
- The ordinance is proposed to take effect in December 2026.
Continuum of Care Board Representative Designation
- The Council designated the Mayor Pro Tem as the primary elected official representative to the Continuum of Care Board.
- A council member was named as the alternate elected official, with the Community Programs Manager serving as staff alternate.
General Fund Reserve Policy and Section 115 Trust
- A new General Fund Reserve Policy was adopted setting specific targets for core, economic, and catastrophic reserves.
- The resolution authorizes establishing Section 115 Trusts for OPEB and pension liabilities to improve investment returns.
- Funds will be transferred from existing reserves to meet the new policy targets.
Landscape Services Agreement Amendment
- The Council approved payment for $195,000 in past-due invoices for extra services performed in the previous fiscal year.
- The spending limit for extra services in the 2026-2027 fiscal year was increased by $83,000.
- Staff implemented a new tracking system with a 25% threshold alert to prevent future monitoring failures.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported that instructions were provided to agency negotiators regarding items 3a and 3b.
- No further report was deemed necessary for the closed session items.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Closed Session Report
- The City Council meeting for August 4, 2026, was called to order. The City Attorney provided a closed session report regarding items 3a and 3b, stating that instructions were provided to agency negotiators and no further report was necessary.
Presentation: Summer 2026 Hometown Heroes
- The Director of Recreation and Parks deferred the presentation to Recreation Services Manager Dennis Smitherman. Smitherman reported that over 300 individuals, including past and current military personnel and frontline workers from the COVID era, have been honored through the program. Each honoree receives a certificate and a commemorative banner on College Drive. Representatives from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force were recognized, including a Purple Heart recipient. The presentation concluded with applause for the 2008 Class of Hometown Heroes.
Presentation: 4th of July Fireworks Response and Enforcement
- Fire Chief Dandridge presented a summary of the Santa Maria Fire Department's response to 53 incidents between July 4th and 5th, including 11 fires (9 firework-related) and 25 medical calls. Five injuries were reported. The Police and Fire Departments collaborated on enforcement, issuing 118 administrative citations: 93 from proactive patrols and 25 based on aerial footage analysis. The Fire Marshal issued 51 warning letters. Officials explained that citations were issued based on visual confirmation or aerial GPS data correlating launch sites to addresses; personnel did not confront individuals at the scene due to safety concerns regarding large, unpermitted gatherings. Council Member Soto inquired about increasing fines. The City Attorney confirmed a memorandum was prepared regarding a potential fine increase to $2,000 based on a change in Attorney General opinion, and an ordinance is being prepared for Council review. Regarding future enforcement, Police Chief Williams stated the upcoming Drone First Responder Program could be utilized for fireworks enforcement if approved as a parameter. The Mayor asked if fines could be accelerated for violations occurring in April or May; the City Attorney deferred the answer to a future discussion.
Business of the Quarter
- Council Member Soto, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, presented "Signs of Success" as the Business of the Quarter. The company, founded in 1990, was recognized for its growth and contributions to the community. Jordan Shepard, President of Signs of Success, accepted the award on behalf of the team.
Public Comment
- Two speakers addressed the Council. Gary Hall, representing the North Santa Barbara County Manufactured Homeowners Team, advocated for a uniform mandatory mobile home rent stabilization program to protect affordable housing. Addison Sage, a teacher, discussed the impact of theft and vandalism on local business growth, suggesting solutions such as victim assistance, triaging law enforcement calls, and supporting distressed areas.
Consent Calendar
- The Council moved to the consent calendar. Council Member Soto pulled Item 11C2 (Adoption of a resolution awarding a purchasing agreement to Hyper, a Motorola Solutions company, for AI-enabled non-emergency call agent services) for discussion. Police Chief Williams explained that the system would handle non-emergency calls, transcribe information into the dispatch system, detect stress or violence to prioritize live transfers, and translate over 18 languages. The system is cloud-based, compliant with state and federal regulations, and intended to supplement, not replace, human dispatchers.
- Council Member Batalla pulled Item 11D1 (Adoption of a resolution approving professional services agreements for tire services to Southern Tire Mart LLC and Santa Maria Tire Service). Staff explained that an RFP was issued, and Southern Tire Mart offered a cost-competitive advantage. The recommendation was to split the contract between the two vendors. Council Member Batalla expressed concern over awarding business to a non-local company and questioned the lack of a local preference policy. The City Attorney noted that under current purchasing policies, local preference is not a factor, though the Finance Department is discussing potential amendments. A motion was made to award the contract to Santa Maria Tire for a three-year term. The City Attorney raised a potential legal issue regarding awarding the contract to a vendor that did not win the RFP. A subsequent motion was made to continue the item to the next regular meeting to allow for a closed session discussion on developing a local preference policy. This motion to continue was moved and seconded. The Council voted to continue Item 11D1.
- The remaining items on the consent calendar, including two amendments to attachments for items 11A7 and 11A8, were approved by a roll call vote.
Appointments: Block Grants Advisory Committee
- Staff presented a vacancy for the Block Grants Advisory Committee. Council Member Batalla nominated Cynthia Gudino. A motion was made and seconded to appoint Ms. Gudino to serve an unexpired term ending in July 2029. The motion passed via roll call vote.
Public Hearing and Ordinance: Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay District
- Director of Community Development Shannon Dow presented a zoning text amendment to establish a Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay District. The ordinance aims to preserve affordable housing for seniors aged 55 and older in five existing parks, protecting over 1,100 units. The proposal requires 80% of units to be occupied by at least one person aged 55 or older, with a biennial certification process. The status is not permanent; conversion to an all-ages park would require a formal zoning amendment and City Council approval. Council members asked clarifying questions regarding caregivers under the age of 55, surviving partners, and the enforcement of the 80% occupancy rule. Staff confirmed that one person over 55 qualifies the household, surviving partners may remain, and compliance is verified through ID and lease affidavits. The City Attorney noted that while the zone can be changed, the process is designed to be difficult to prevent displacement.
- Public comment was received regarding the proposed ordinance. One speaker supported the measure, citing the need to preserve affordable senior housing and align with the city's housing element policies. Another speaker, representing three mobile home parks, opposed the ordinance, arguing it restricts private property rights, limits housing options for non-seniors, imposes administrative burdens, and is unnecessary as no current parks intend to convert to all-age status. The speaker also raised concerns regarding potential inverse condemnation. Council members questioned staff regarding the rationale for the ordinance and its legal implications. Staff explained the measure was intended to proactively address potential conversions and align with housing element goals to protect affordable senior housing. The City Attorney stated the ordinance is consistent with federal law, noting that the 80-20 rule under the Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPA) allows for limited non-senior occupancy. A council member expressed support for the temporary nature of the measure while acknowledging the long-term need for senior housing solutions.
- A motion was made to approve the ordinance amending the zoning code to establish the Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay District. The motion was seconded. Following discussion, the roll was called, and the motion passed.
Zoning Text Amendments
- Staff presented a report on various zoning text amendments recommended by the Planning Commission. The amendments included updates for density bonus compliance, Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations (including definitions of livable space, parking requirements, and owner occupancy rules for Junior ADUs), and provisions for transitional/supportive housing, employee housing, and child daycare centers. Specifically, the proposal sought to eliminate the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requirement for daycare centers in most zones to reduce costs and processing time. Additionally, the report recommended eliminating the non-taxable merchandise limitation in commercial zones to accommodate modern retail formats. Council members discussed the impact of state mandates on local neighborhoods, particularly regarding ADUs and parking. One council member expressed opposition to the package, citing adverse impacts on neighborhoods. Another council member supported the removal of red tape for daycare centers to address infrastructure gaps. Staff clarified that while the CUP process would be removed, other development standards and state licensing requirements would still apply.
- A motion was made to approve the zoning text amendments. The motion was seconded. Following discussion, the roll was called, and the motion passed.
City Council Salary Increase Ordinance
- Staff presented a recommendation to introduce an ordinance increasing City Council salaries by $341.31 per month, with the Mayor receiving an additional $250 increase. The proposal was based on Government Code provisions allowing a 5% annual increase from the last adjustment date. Staff noted that Santa Maria's council salaries are among the lowest in the region relative to population size. The ordinance was proposed to take effect in December 2026. Council members discussed the timing of the increase in light of the city's budget deficit and ongoing labor negotiations. One council member opposed the motion, citing fiscal constraints and suggesting a review of campaign finance regulations instead. Another council member supported the increase as a means to encourage diverse candidates to run for office, noting the modest amount relative to the budget. A third council member supported the measure to ensure future council members are compensated appropriately.
- A motion was made to introduce the ordinance. The motion was seconded. Following discussion, the roll was called, and the motion passed.
Continuum of Care Board Representative Designation
- Staff presented a recommendation to designate an elected official as the City's representative to the Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care Board, which coordinates homelessness policies and funding. The board recently adjusted its charter to require elected official representation to enhance grant competitiveness. Staff recommended designating a council member as the primary representative and a staff member as a backup. A council member volunteered to serve as the primary representative. Another council member volunteered to serve as the alternate elected official. Staff confirmed the existing staff member would continue as the staff alternate.
- A motion was made to designate the Mayor Pro Tem as the primary representative, a council member as the alternate elected official, and the Community Programs Manager as the staff alternate. The motion was seconded. Following discussion, the roll was called, and the motion passed.
General Fund Reserve Policy and Section 115 Trust
- Staff presented a comprehensive report on adopting a new General Fund Reserve Policy and establishing Section 115 Trusts for Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) and pension liabilities. The proposed policy aims to align with best practices by setting specific reserve targets: a General Fund Core Reserve at 16.7% ($22.7 million), a Local Economic Augmentation Fund (LEAF) reserve at 10-15%, and a new Emergency Catastrophic Reserve at 5-10%. The proposal involves transferring funds from the existing pension reserve to meet these targets and moving OPEB and pension funds into irrevocable Section 115 Trusts to improve long-term investment returns and reduce reported liabilities on the balance sheet. Council members questioned the impact of the reserve restructuring on credit ratings and the feasibility of meeting the proposed savings targets given the current budget deficit. Staff clarified that creditors generally favor higher reserve levels and that the Section 115 Trusts offer higher expected returns and legal protection for long-term liabilities compared to the current investment pool.
- A motion was made to approve the resolution adopting the General Fund Reserve Policy and authorizing the establishment of Section 115 Trusts. The motion was seconded. Following discussion, the roll was called, and the motion passed.
Landscape Services Agreement Amendment
- Staff presented a request to amend the agreement with J.D. Heumann Landscaping. The amendment seeks to approve payment for $195,000 in past-due invoices for extra services performed in the 2025-2026 fiscal year that were not previously monitored against the council-approved limit. Additionally, the request seeks to increase the spending limit for extra services for the 2026-2027 fiscal year by $83,000. Staff explained that the oversight occurred because multiple departments utilized the contract without adequate tracking of the total extra services balance. Staff outlined a new monitoring plan to prevent future occurrences, including regular inspections and a tracking system with a 25% threshold alert. Council members questioned the oversight failure and requested assurances that future spending would be monitored to prevent exceeding limits. Staff confirmed the implementation of a new tracking system and a single approving agent to manage the contract.
- A motion was made to approve the resolution amending the landscape services agreement. The motion was seconded. Following discussion, the roll was called, and the motion passed.
City Manager Report and Council Reports
- The City Manager provided a report on upcoming agenda items, including a bus purchase, a wastewater treatment master plan, and the initiation of a local preference ordinance. The City Manager also thanked city employees for their professionalism during recent labor negotiations. Council members provided individual reports on their recent activities, including attendance at community events, meetings with commissions, and support for local youth programs. Members reported attending various events including the Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Coalition meeting, a visit to the Japanese Community Center, the Pioneer Picnic, the CDBG Community Needs Listening Session, the Walmart Grand Reopening, the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church 75th anniversary celebration, a concert and car show at Pioneer Park, a Calicog webinar, the Cal Poly Strawberry Center field day, the Obon Festival, a fundraiser at Good Samaritan, and the transit mural unveiling. During the CDBG Community Needs Listening Session, a concern was raised regarding residents' perception that water bills had increased by $500 to $1,000. A member noted that this information does not align with actual city water rate increases and suggested the discrepancy should be addressed. Members also commented on the condition of the soccer fields off Depot Street, the transit center park, and various city parks, noting they are well-maintained but, in the case of the transit center, underutilized.
Adjournment
- Following the reports, the meeting was adjourned.