ACTION MINUTES

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Monday, February 10, 2025 at 9:00 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.

The Agrarian Hotel Conference Room

325 E Branch Street

Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Council Members Present:

• Mayor Caren Ray Russom, 
• Council Member Jim Guthrie, 
• Mayor Pro Tem Kate Secrest, 
• Council Member Aileen Loe, 
• and Council Member Jamie Maraviglia 

Staff Present:

• Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bill Robeson, 
• Administrative Services Director Nicole Valentine, 
• City Clerk Jessica Matson, 
• Deputy City Clerk Julie Hawkins, 
• and City Manager Matthew Downing 

This meeting was conducted in-person. 

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Ray Russom called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. 

2.

ROLL CALL

City Clerk Matson took roll call.

3.

FLAG SALUTE

Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute. 

4.

CITY COUNCIL GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP

Facilitator, Nancy Hetrick with Raftelis welcomed the City Council and staff and facilitated the goal-setting workshop including the following topics:

• Financial Forecasts and Budget Outlook
• Update on Major Infrastructure Investment underway
• Community Survey Results Summary
• Priority Projects and Actions

Human Resources Officer Ashley Garcia presented results from the online Community Priorities Survey and responded to questions from Council along with City Manager Downing.

Council took a brief break from 9:56 a.m. to 10:06 a.m.

Council discussion continued regarding pavement and infrastructure, long-term water resilience, transportation planning and circulation, the General Plan Update, economic development, open space and recreational amenities, affordable housing and homeless services, community events, organizational capacity, funding, and community engagement and communication. Priority themes were identified as follows: infrastructure and resilience, economic development and vitality, quality of life including emergency preparedness, and organizational effectiveness.

Staff responded to questions from Council.

Further discussion ensued regarding community engagement, and implementation of Measure E funds.

Facilitator Nancy Hetrick identified items to come back to for further discussion at another time including transportation planning; regional partnerships related to transportation, emergency preparation, and water; and public comment time allotment.

Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. No public comments were received.

Following Council discussion, the Council developed the following 5 Council Goals for FY 2025-27, which will come back to City Council for formal adoption at a regular meeting:

1. Complete the General Plan Update
2. Redevelop East Grand Ave Corridor (Halcyon to Elm)
3. Pursue Revenue Sources
4. Infrastructure/Roads and Sidewalks Maintenance
5. Water Resilience (ballot measure in 2026)

City Manager Downing explained the process and next steps which includes staff bringing back a Council Goals item as part of the FY 2023-25 Budget process for Council consideration and adoption.

No action was taken on this item.

5.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the meeting at 1:02 p.m.