Meeting Summary
Present: 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
Proclamations
- The Council presented proclamations for Fire Prevention Week, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the 60th anniversary of SBCAG.
- The Fire Marshal highlighted safety concerns regarding lithium-battery charging for e-bikes and power tools.
- The SBCAG Executive Director outlined the agency's role in regional transportation planning and the State Route 135 study.
Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
- Staff presented the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, confirming sufficient water supplies through 2050 under various dry-year scenarios.
- The Council adopted a resolution to rescind the Stage 2 water shortage condition, citing a safe and stable water supply.
- An ordinance was introduced to codify permanent state conservation mandates into the Municipal Code, allowing the contingency plan to focus solely on actual shortages.
- Staff clarified that state water allocations are typically finalized in June and that the City uses groundwater rights to supplement state water.
Oral Reports of Council Members
- Council members reported attendance at various community events, including the Chamber Gala, Barbecue Festival, and Law Enforcement Appreciation Night.
- Members discussed the formation of a focus group for the State Route 135 Comprehensive Corridor Study.
- Council Member Pattaya expressed appreciation for support regarding the Seamless Parks project.
Clerk’s Report
- The City Clerk reported the conclusion of four town hall meetings for Measure C with approximately 35 total attendees.
- The Clerk clarified that the proposed half-cent sales tax would not apply to groceries, prescription drugs, or hygiene products.
- Written communications from residents regarding the public comment period were noted as received.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Proclamations
- Fire Prevention Week: The City Council presented a proclamation designating the week of October 4–10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week in the City of Santa Maria. The Fire Marshal accepted the proclamation and provided public comment regarding safe charging practices for lithium-battery devices, noting recent fires related to e-bikes and power tools.
- Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month: The City Council presented a proclamation recognizing October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. The North County Lead Advocate for Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County accepted the proclamation and invited the public to an upcoming walk event.
- 60th Anniversary of SBCAG: The City Council presented a proclamation commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). The Executive Director of SBCAG accepted the proclamation and outlined the agency’s regional transportation planning role, including the State Route 135 Comprehensive Corridor Study and Measure A projects.
Agenda Item: Public Comment
- The Council received public comment from multiple residents and community representatives. Comments addressed the following topics:
- Mobile Home Housing: A resident representing the North Santa Barbara County Manufactured Homeowners Team discussed the ineffectiveness of the 2020 model lease and requested that the Council initiate a discussion on replacing it with a mandatory rent stabilization program.
- Immigration Enforcement: Multiple speakers, including community organizers and residents, expressed concern over recent ICE enforcement activities in Santa Maria. Speakers cited the separation of families, the impact on indigenous and immigrant communities, and the fear experienced by residents. Several speakers requested specific actions, including establishing an ad hoc immigration committee, prohibiting ICE entry into city facilities, allocating funds for legal defense, and ending contracts with entities that collaborate with ICE. Other speakers criticized the Council for perceived inaction and referenced a previously canceled meeting.
- General Community Concerns: One speaker expressed frustration regarding safety concerns and the perceived lack of representation for immigrant communities.
Agenda Item: Consent Calendar
- Items 4A3 and 4A4: The Council considered the adoption of resolutions approving wage and benefits packages for non-represented management/confidential employees and public safety managers, including increases to the city’s contribution to health benefits premiums.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the items on the consent calendar. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the items. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
- Staff Presentation: The Utilities Director presented the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP), and a proposed ordinance amending the Municipal Code.
- UWMP: The plan is a state-mandated long-term supply and demand document. Staff reported that the City’s water supplies are sufficient to meet projected needs through the 2050 planning horizon, including under single and multiple dry-year scenarios. The plan includes provisions for additional groundwater well development.
- WSCP and Ordinance: Staff explained that the City has been in a Stage 1 or Stage 2 water shortage condition since 2014 to comply with temporary state conservation mandates. As these mandates have become permanent (e.g., prohibition of non-functional turf watering under Assembly Bill 1572), staff proposed moving these permanent restrictions into the Municipal Code. This would allow the WSCP to focus solely on responding to actual water supply shortages.
- Rescission of Stage 2: Staff recommended rescinding the Stage 2 water shortage condition, stating that the City’s water supply is in a safe and stable condition and that the current designation does not reflect an actual supply shortage.
- Public Hearing: The Council opened a public hearing on the items. No members of the public requested to speak. The hearing was closed.
- Discussion: Council members asked questions regarding the role of Twitchell Reservoir in groundwater recharge, the timeline for finalizing state water allocations, and the specific triggers for future water shortage stages. Staff clarified that state water allocations are typically finalized in June and that the City utilizes groundwater rights to supplement state water as needed.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to adopt the resolution approving the Urban Water Management Plan, amend the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, rescind the Stage 2 water shortage condition, and introduce the ordinance amending the Municipal Code. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the items. The motion passed. Staff indicated that the ordinance would return for a second reading.
Agenda Item: Oral Reports of Council Members
- Council Member Flores: Reported attendance at various community events, including the Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, Chamber Gala, Santa Maria Barbecue Festival, and Cal City Conference. Also reported on the formation of a focus group for the State Route 135 Comprehensive Corridor Study.
- Council Member Soto: Reported attendance at the Landlord Tenant Question and Answer Workshop, Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, SBCAG board meeting, Chamber Gala, and the Santa Maria Barbecue Festival. Also reported on the State Route 135 focus group, Marion Regional Medical Foundation board meeting, Cruising for Life car show, Mayor’s Youth Council meetings, Calicog board meeting, Maintenance Superintendents Conference, LAFCO meeting, and the grand opening of Sourdough & Company.
- Council Member Pattaya: Reported attendance at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce gala. Expressed appreciation for support received for the Seamless Parks project.
- Mayor Patino: Reported attendance at the Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, Chamber Gala, downtown event, Santa Maria Barbecue Festival, Concert in the Park, Cal City Conference, airport forum, Hancock Forum, and Scouts of America Boots and Bling Dinner.
Agenda Item: Clerk’s Report
- The City Clerk reported on the conclusion of four town hall meetings for Measure C, noting approximately 35 attendees in total. The Clerk emphasized that the proposed half-cent sales tax would not impact groceries, prescription drugs, or hygiene products, and highlighted the quality-of-life benefits for parks and facilities. The Clerk also announced the receipt of written communications from several residents regarding the public comment period.
Adjournment
- The Mayor adjourned the meeting.