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, 
  • Mayor Pro Tem George, 
  • Council Member Barneich, 
  • Council Member Paulding, 
  • and Council Member Storton 
Staff Present:
  • City Clerk Jessica Matson, 
  • City Manager Whitney McDonald, 
  • Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Bill Robeson, 
  • and Administrative Services Director Nicole Valentine 

This meeting was held in an in-person/hybrid format. 


Mayor Pro Tem Barneich called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.

City Clerk Matson took roll call.

Mayor Pro Tem Barneich led the flag salute.

Mayor Ray Russom joined the meeting at 5:09 p.m.

City Manager McDonald presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-25 Budget process and introduced facilitator, Sommer Kehrli, from the Centre for Organizational Excellence.

Sommer Kehrli introduced herself and facilitated a goal-setting workshop with City Council.

Management Analyst Bergam presented results from the online Community Priorities Survey and answered questions from Council.

City Manager McDonald invited public comment. Speaking from the public was Greg, and Jeff Lane. No further public comments were received.

Police Chief Martinez responded to comments regarding crime in the city.

Ms. Kehrli presented the Council Prioritized Goals.

City Manager McDonald invited public comment. Speaking from the public were Greg, and Krista Jeffries. No further public comments were received.

Council took a brief break from 6:48 p.m. to 7:04 p.m.

Ms. Kehrli reviewed the Prioritized Goals Summary. Council discussed the 7 goals listed in the summary: 1. Funding: sales tax measure, new revenue sources, economic development; 2. Five Cities Fire Authority; 3. Address our current infrastructure needs; 4. General Plan; 5. Water Resilience; 6. Homeless/Housing; and 7. Staff resources/employee attraction and retention.

Council discussion ensued regarding the top funding focus.

Police Chief Martinez and FCFA Chief Lieberman responded to questions from Council regarding cannabis businesses.

City Manager McDonald explained the process and next steps which includes staff working to identify what work needs to start, continue, or stop based on the Council goals discussion; and staff will bring 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.

There being no further business before the Council, Mayor Ray Russom adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m.