ACTION MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

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Hybrid City Council Chamber/Virtual Zoom Meeting
215 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande
Council Members Present:
  • Mayor Ray Russom, 
  • Council Member Barneich, 
  • Council Member George, 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie, 
  • and Council Member Secrest 
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 a hybrid in-person/virtual format. 


Mayor Ray Russom called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

City Clerk Matson took roll call.

Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute. 

Mayor Ray Russom read the Honorary Proclamation Declaring October 2024 as "Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month". Michael Boyer and Nancy DePue, Lumina Alliance, accepted the Proclamation. 

No action was taken on this item.

City Manager Downing commented on the Harvest Festival's success and provided information on the Five Cities Fire Authority Open House on October 12th at 10 a.m.; Rancho Hoops Ribbon Cutting on October 12th at 1:30 p.m.; Community Paint Day at Rancho Grande court on October 10th; final virtual Town Hall meeting on October 10th at 6 p.m.; and the City Hall ballot drop box.

No action was taken on this item.

None.

Reports are made during the Second Council Meeting each month.

Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Gaea Powell. No further public comments were received. City Attorney Rosen responded to questions from the public.

Mayor Ray Russom asked the Council if there were any questions or any items to be pulled from the consent agenda for further discussion. There were none.

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

  • Moved byCouncil Member Barneich
    Seconded byCouncil Member George

    Approve Consent Agenda Items 9.a. through 9.f., with the recommended courses of action.

    AYES (5)Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Barneich, Council Member George, Council Member Secrest, and Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
    Passed (5 to 0)
  • Received and filed the attached report listing investment deposits of the City of Arroyo Grande as of August 31, 2024, as required by Government Code Section 53646(b).

  • Approved the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 24, 2024, as submitted.

  • Cancelled the second regular City Council meeting in December due to its proximity to the Christmas and New Year holidays.

  • 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. 24-007; AUTHORIZATION TO USE CITY PROPERTY FOR A BEER AND WINE FESTIVAL ON NOVEMBER 9, 2024; LOCATED AT HERITAGE SQUARE PARK; APPLIED FOR BY CHEERS ARROYO GRANDE";  and

    2) Determined that this project is categorically exempt per Section 15304(e) of the CEQA Guidelines regarding minor temporary uses of land.

Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Robeson presented the item and responded to questions from City Council. 

Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public were Mike Harris, and Alisa Williams. Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ray Russom closed the public hearing. 

  • Moved byCouncil Member George
    Seconded byCouncil Member Secrest

    1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SIX-MONTH LEASE BETWEEN THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AND RE/MAX SUCCESS FOR THE CITY-OWNED PROPERTY AT 214 EAST BRANCH STREET, ALSO KNOWN AS OLD CITY HALL"; and

    2) Determined that the approval of a short-term lease agreement for 214 East Branch Street is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (c) (2)-(3), 15378). The lease of the property, where no development or demolition is proposed, constitute an administrative activity of the City. Alternatively, the adoption of resolution to enter a lease agreement is exempt from CEQA on that basis that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061, subd. (b)(3).) The entering into a lease agreement is for the collection of rental fees and does not result in new construction or physical change in the environment.

    AYES (5)Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member Barneich, Council Member George, Council Member Secrest, and Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie
    Passed (5 to 0)

None.

Council Member Barneich thanked Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie for his service on the Harvest Festival Committee; and encouraged the public to attend the Melodrama's production of Werewolf of Arroyo Grande.

Mayor Pro Tem Guthrie thanked the Harvest Festival Committee team for their work on the event; and encouraged any individuals interested in serving next year to contact him.

Council Member Secrest thanked the Harvest Festival Committee.

Mayor Ray Russom commented on the Melodrama's production, Werewolf of Arroyo Grande.

There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the meeting at 6:26 p.m.