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City Council — September 15, 2026

City Council — September 15, 2026September 15, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 September 15, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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Present: 4-Aguilera-Hernandez, 1-Batalla, 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 Recognizing Care Net Pregnancy and Resource Center

  • The Mayor presented a proclamation recognizing the organization for 36 years of community service.
  • Christina Sultan, Executive Director of Care Net, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization.

Public Hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Priorities for Fiscal Year 2027–2028

  • Staff recommended keeping capital funding in-house for city projects rather than splitting it with the Block Grants Advisory Committee.
  • Council members debated the allocation, with concerns raised about reducing sub-recipient grants for non-profits.
  • The Council adopted a resolution approving CDBG priorities and a motion to use capital funding for Seamus Park and the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center.
  • The final motion included a 50-50 split of capital funding with the Block Grants Advisory Committee.

Resolution Adding Minor Home Repair Activity to Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Action Plan

  • Staff proposed using $20,000 in restricted CDBG revolving loan funds for minor home repairs.
  • The initiative aims to assist low-to-moderate income households while bridging a gap in state PLHA funding.
  • The Council adopted the resolution to add this activity to the current action plan.

Full summary

Agenda Item: Proclamation Recognizing Care Net Pregnancy and Resource Center

  • Discussion: The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing Care Net Pregnancy and Resource Center for its 36 years of service to the community, including providing pregnancy tests, parenting education, and material assistance. Christina Sultan, Executive Director of Care Net, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization.
  • Action: The proclamation was presented and accepted.
  • Vote Outcome: N/A (Proclamation accepted).

Agenda Item: Public Comment

  • Discussion: Several members of the public addressed the Council.
  • One speaker advocated for Measure C, a half-cent local sales tax, citing potential benefits for parks, libraries, and street repairs, and noting endorsements from city council members and labor unions.
  • Gary Hall, representing the North Santa Barbara County Manufactured Homeowners Team, requested that the Council initiate a discussion on replacing the current mobile home model lease with a mandatory rent stabilization program, noting that previous support for such a discussion had not resulted in an agenda item.
  • A speaker representing the Santa Maria High School FFA Boosters invited the Council to an upcoming fundraiser banquet and silent auction.
  • A speaker provided an update on ICE activity in Santa Maria and promoted resources for the 805 UndocuFund.
  • A speaker representing a coalition of organizations requested the removal of facial recognition and ALPR cameras, the suspension of new surveillance contracts, and the scheduling of meetings at times accessible to working families.
  • Action: Public comments were received.
  • Vote Outcome: N/A.

Agenda Item: Consent Calendar

  • Discussion: The Council reviewed the consent calendar. No items were pulled for discussion.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar.
  • Vote Outcome: Passed.

Agenda Item: Public Hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Priorities for Fiscal Year 2027–2028

  • Discussion:
  • Staff presented the CDBG priorities, recommending that capital funding be kept in-house for city-related projects, specifically ADA improvements to streets and facilities, rather than being split with the Block Grants Advisory Committee for sub-recipient grants.
  • Staff noted that the funding amount is estimated at approximately $900,000 and that federal regulations require the funds to meet national objectives, often favoring low-to-moderate income households.
  • Council members and staff discussed specific project needs, including ADA accessibility at Seamus Park (sports field), the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, and fire stations.
  • Staff clarified that a congressional earmark of approximately $500,000 is anticipated for Seamus Park accessibility, but additional funds are needed for full accessibility.
  • A member of the Block Grants Advisory Committee expressed concern that keeping all capital funding in-house would reduce the number of sub-recipient grants available to non-profits, arguing that the committee has historically managed a 50-50 split effectively.
  • Council members debated whether to prioritize Seamus Park and the Aquatic Center as the top capital projects.
  • Staff advised that a decision on the allocation of capital funding (in-house vs. split) was needed to release the Notice of Funding Availability for public services grants.
  • Action:
  • A motion was made and seconded to adopt a resolution approving the CDBG priorities (A, B, C, and D) as recommended by the Block Grants Advisory Committee.
  • A separate motion was made and seconded to approve the use of fiscal year 2027–2028 CDBG capital funding for city-related projects, specifically prioritizing Seamus Park for ADA improvements, with any remaining funds to be used for the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center. The motion included a provision for a 50-50 split of capital funding with the Block Grants Advisory Committee, with the in-house portion prioritizing the specified projects.
  • Vote Outcome:
  • Resolution approving CDBG priorities: Passed.
  • Motion approving use of CDBG capital funding for city projects (Seamus Park and Paul Nelson Aquatic Center) with a 50-50 split: Passed.

Agenda Item: Resolution Adding Minor Home Repair Activity to Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Action Plan

  • Discussion: Staff presented a resolution to add a minor home repair activity to the current CDBG action plan. This would utilize $20,000 in restricted CDBG revolving loan funds to assist low-to-moderate income households with minor repairs, bridging a gap caused by delays in state PLHA funding. Staff noted there would be no impact on the general fund or other CDBG activities.
  • Action: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution.
  • Vote Outcome: Passed.

Agenda Item: Oral Reports of Council Members

  • Discussion: Council members provided updates on their recent activities, including attendance at community events, meetings with stakeholders, and participation in Measure C forums.
  • Action: Reports were received.
  • Vote Outcome: N/A.

Agenda Item: City Manager’s Report

  • Discussion: The City Manager provided a report on city operations and recent developments.
  • Action: Report was received.
  • Vote Outcome: N/A.