ACTION MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 5:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Hybrid City Council Chamber/Virtual Zoom Meeting

215 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande

Council Members Present:

• Mayor Ray Russom, 
• Council Member George, 
• Council Member Guthrie, 
• and Council Member Secrest 

Council Members Absent:

• Mayor Pro Tem Barneich 

Staff Present:

• Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bill Robeson, 
• Administrative Services Director Nicole Valentine, 
• and City Clerk Jessica Matson 

This meeting was conducted in a hybrid in-person/virtual format. 

 

CLOSED SESSION MEETING 5:00 P.M.

1.  CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Ray Russom called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

 

2.  ROLL CALL   

City Clerk Matson took roll call. At the time of roll call, Mayor Pro Tem Barneich was absent.

 

3.  FLAG SALUTE

Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute.

 

4.  PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS   

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

 

5.  CLOSED SESSION        

City Attorney Rosen announced that the City Council will recess to a closed session for the following and will report any reportable action at the City Council Regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.:

a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:

     Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: 1 potential case.

 

The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m.

 

6.  ADJOURNMENT

The City Council adjourned at 5:58 p.m.

 

REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M.

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Ray Russom called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. 

2.

ROLL CALL

City Clerk Matson took roll call. At the time of roll call Mayor Pro Tem Barneich was absent.

3.

MOMENT OF REFLECTION

4.

FLAG SALUTE

Mayor Ray Russom led the flag salute. 

5.

AGENDA REVIEW

5.a

Closed Session Announcements

City Council Closed Session Meeting of September 26, 2023:

a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION:

Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: 1 potential case.

City Attorney Rosen announced that there was no reportable action.

5.b

Ordinances read in title only

• Moved by Mayor Ray Russom
  Seconded by Council Member George

  Move that all ordinances presented at the meeting shall be read by title only and all further readings be waived.

  Passed

6.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

6.a

Honorary Proclamation Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Mayor Ray Russom read the Honorary Proclamation Recognizing . Jatziba Sandoval, Lumina Alliance, accepted the proclamation.

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

No action was taken on this item.

6.b

Honorary Proclamation Declaring Fire Prevention Week

Mayor Ray Russom read the Honorary Proclamation Declaring Fire Prevention Week. Five Cities Fire Chief Steve Lieberman, accepted the proclamation.

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

No action was taken on this item.

6.c

Interim City Manager Communications

Interim City Manager Robeson provided an update on projects within the City. City Engineer Sweeney presented the updated timeline for the Village construction projects. City Engineer Sweeney responded to questions from Council. 

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

No action was taken on this item.

7.

CITY COUNCIL REPORTS

The City Council provided brief reports from the following committee, commission, board, or other subcommittee meetings that they attended as the City’s appointed representative.

7.a

MAYOR RAY RUSSOM:

1. California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA)
2. Central Cost Blue Regional Recycled Water Authority Board
3. San Luis Obispo County Mayor's Meeting
4. South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD)
5. Other

7.b

MAYOR PRO TEM BARNEICH:

1. Audit Committee
2. Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC)
3. Zone 3 Water Advisory Board
4. Other

7.c

COUNCIL MEMBER GEORGE:

1. Five Cities Fire Authority
2. Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board
3. Visit SLO CAL Advisory Board
4. Other

7.d

COUNCIL MEMBER GUTHRIE:

1. County Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC)
2. Council of Governments/Regional Transit Authority/ South County Transit (SLOCOG/SLORTA/SCT)
3. Integrated Waste Management Authority Board (IWMA)
4. REACH Economic Development Roundtable
5. Other

7.e

COUNCIL MEMBER SECREST:

1. Air Pollution Control District (APCD)
2. South County Chambers of Commerce Arroyo Grande Business Meeting
3. South County Chambers of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee
4. Other

8.

COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment.  Speaking from the public were Tammy, and Candice. No further public comments were received. Community Development Director Pedrotti and Interim City Manager Robeson responded to questions and comments from the public. Mayor Ray Russom commented regarding the possibility of the Police Department providing some speed enforcement on Sunset.

City Clerk Matson provided notice to the public that written public comments submitted after 4:00 p.m. on the day of the City Council meeting, will no longer be read into the record, but will be included as part of the administrative record.

9.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Ray Russom asked the Council if there were any questions or any items to be pulled from the consent agenda for further discussion.  

Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Janna Nichols. No further public comments were received.

• Moved by Council Member George
  Seconded by Council Member Secrest

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

  AYES (4)	Mayor Ray Russom, Council Member George, Council Member Secrest, and Council Member Guthrie
  ABSENT (1)	Mayor Pro Tem Barneich

  Passed (4 to 0)

9.a

Consideration of Cash Disbursement Ratification

• 1) Ratified the listing of cash disbursements for the period of August 16 through August 31, 2023; and 2) Determined that ratifying the cash disbursements 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. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.)

9.b

Consideration of a Homeless Service Grant Agreement with 5Cities Homeless Coalition

• 1) Reviewed the proposal from 5CHC and authorize the Interim City Manager to execute a Grant Agreement between the City and 5CHC for Winter Shelter Support in the City subject to any, minor, technical, or non-substantive changes as approved by the Interim City Manager and City Attorney that effectuates City Council’s intent; 2) Made findings that approval of an agreement and expenditure of funds 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. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.)

9.c

Approval of Minutes

• Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 12, 2023, as submitted.

9.d

Authorize Change Order No. 3 to Quincon, Inc. for Construction of the Habitat Mitigation Phase of the Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project, PW 2020-08

• 1) Authorized the City Manager to execute Change Order No. 3 with Quincon, Inc. for the Habitat Mitigation Phase of the Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation project, 2) Approved a budget adjustment request in the amount of $51,662; and 3) Made findings that Caltrans, as lead agency, has determined that the project is categorically excluded from the requirements to prepare and Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) pursuant to 23 CFR 771.117(d): activity (d)(13) covering bridge rehabilitation that avoids an adverse effect to historic properties under the National Historic Preservation Act

9.e

Consideration of Three Action Items for the Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project 1) Adoption of Mitigated Negative Declaration; 2) Approve a Contract for Consulting Services with Hamner Jewell Associates; and 3) Approve a Program Supplement Agreement

• 1) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE TO ADOPT THE INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (SCH #2022060452) AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR THE TRAFFIC WAY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT, AND APPROVE THE PROJECT; 2) Approved and authorized the Mayor to execute City’s standard Professional Services Agreement for Consultant Services with Hamner Jewell Associates to provide Right-of-Way Services for the Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project in substantially final form (subject to minor revisions as approved by the City Manager consistent with Council direction); and 3) Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT NO. F017 TO ADMINISTERING AGENCY-STATE AGREEMENT NO. 05-5199F15 FOR THE TRAFFIC WAY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT".

9.f

Monthly Water Supply and Demand Update

• Received and filed the Monthly Water Supply and Demand Update.

9.g

Consideration of a Consultant Services Agreement for Building Division Staff, Plan Review, and Inspection Services

• 1) Approved and authorized the Mayor to execute the Professional Services Agreement for Consultant Services for Building Division staff, plan review, and inspection services; 2) Made findings that the approval of a Professional Services Agreement for the contemplated services 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. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.)

10.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

10.a

Consider Introduction of Ordinance Updating Chapter 3.08 of the City’s Municipal Code, Purchasing System, Designate Dollar Thresholds for Awarding Contracts, and Consider Updated Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual

Administrative Services Director Valentine introduced the item. Pete Gonda, Consultant, presented the updates to the purchasing ordinance. Director Valentine responded to questions from Council.

Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was No Name Provided. No further public comments were received. Mr. Gonda responded to questions from the public.

• Moved by Council Member George
  Seconded by Council Member Guthrie

  Introduced an Ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 3.08 OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO PURCHASING".  

  Passed
• Moved by Council Member George
  Seconded by Council Member Guthrie

  Adopted a Resolution entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AUTHORIZING LEVELS OF PURCHASING AUTHORITY"; and made findings that introducing a proposed Ordinance, adopting a Resolution designating dollar thresholds for awarding contracts, and reviewing the purchasing policies and procedures manual 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. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.)

  Passed

11.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

12.

NEW BUSINESS

12.a

Consider Introduction of Tally Ho Road Speed Limit Reduction Ordinance

City Engineer Sweeney presented the staff report and responded to questions from Council.

Mayor Ray Russom opened the public hearing. Speaking from the public were Nancy Macy, and Terry Boe.  Upon hearing no further public comments, Mayor Ray Russom closed the public hearing. 

• Moved by Council Member George
  Seconded by Council Member Guthrie

  1) Waived the first reading and introduced for reading by title only an ordinance authorizing a speed limit reduction on Tally Ho Road between James Way and Highway 227 from 35 mph to 30 mph; and 2) Made findings that the speed limit adjustment 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. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.) Other than the replacement of existing street signs, there is no additional physical alteration or construction associated with this action, and this speed adjustment is not anticipated to alter traffic patterns other than to reduce speed.

  Passed

12.b

Discussion of SLOCOG Supplemental Funding Efforts

City Engineer Sweeney presented the staff report and Council Member Guthrie provided some background for the Council to consider. 

James Worthley, SLOCOG, responded to questions from Council and commented that the item for SLOCOG Board consideration has been delayed to December 2023.

Mayor Ray Russom invited public comment. Speaking from the public was James Worthley. No further public comments were received.

Council discussion ensued regarding road maintenance including bike lanes and trails; having the Halcyon corridor at Hwy 1 provide additional access to Hwy 101; a review of El Campo; and concerns regarding leveraged funds.

Council Member Guthrie commented on highway connections to San Luis Obispo; and maintaining City infrastructure.

• Received an update, discussed, and provided feedback to Council Member Guthrie for the SLOCOG Board of Directors

13.

COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

Council Member Guthrie announced the Harvest Festival on September 29th and 30th which will include over 100 vendors and more kids activities. 

Mayor Ray Russom commented on the Celebration of Life and Proclamation for Mayor Martin; AG Day at Cal Poly Football on October 7th and the QR code available on social media for free tickets to residents of Arroyo Grande.

14.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.