Paso Robles Politics

Council Meeting

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Paso Robles City Council Meeting Summary
April 15, 2025

🏛️ Closed Session Summary

City Council entered closed session to discuss:

  • City Manager Appointment → Chris Huot officially named permanent City Manager.
  • Labor Negotiations related to the new appointment.
  • Pioneer Park Property negotiations with the Pioneer Museum Foundation.
  • Litigation: Tribune v. City of Paso Robles and Councilmember Bausch – not discussed.

✅ Reportable Action: Appointment of Chris Huot as City Manager. Contract to be finalized in a future meeting.

👥 Staff & Leadership Highlights

  • Ashley Hernandez introduced as Paso’s first Homeless Services Manager, sharing a 90-day action plan:
    • Listen and assess services.
    • Align efforts with city strategy.
    • Act to fill critical homelessness service gaps.

🏅 Presentations & Proclamations

  1. Fire Commendation – Aaron Bordon recognized for aiding fire crews during a structure fire.
  2. National Volunteer Week – Library volunteer Denise Serber honored for 30+ years of service.
  3. Public Safety Telecommunicators Week – Dispatchers praised for their behind-the-scenes service.
  4. Military Children Appreciation – April 20–26 declared Military Child Week.
  5. Sexual Assault Awareness Month – Lumina Alliance commended for 2,000+ crisis calls, 70 children sheltered.
  6. PRHS Choir – Celebrated for their April performance at Carnegie Hall.

🗣️ Public Comments

  • Dale Gustin raised questions about refunding invalid parking citations and promoted a Good Friday event.
  • Linda George questioned library wine events and enforcement consistency at council meetings.
  • John Beret (Central Coast Surf Soccer Club) requested council address lack of soccer field access.
  • Gloria Fema invited the public to a downtown protest on civil liberties.

🧾 Consent Calendar (Items 1–12) – ✅ Approved Unanimously

Key Approvals:

  • $3.4M in payments including:
    • $1.9M for Golden Hill Road upgrades
    • $360K for pickleball court project
    • $116K for Q3 animal services
  • Downtown Parking Improvements:
    • Lighting, benches, EV charging, reconfigured layout at 12th & Railroad + Marv’s Pizza lot
  • Flamson School Pedestrian Enhancements:
    • RRFB signals, bulb-outs, and new striping—$750K grant-funded
  • South Vine Bridge:
    • Truss-style, 150-ft span with bike lanes and turn lanes.
    • Managed by M&S Engineers; bids due April 17 for May 6 vote.
  • Salinas Riverbed Clean-Up:
    • Ongoing services renewed for regular waste management by the CAT team.

🧑‍💼 City Manager Report

  • Chris Huot thanked the council and community for their support.
  • Shared updates on:
    • Niblick Corridor planning via the ad hoc committee.
    • Paso’s planning award from Cal Poly student collaboration on Chandler Ranch.

🗨️ Councilmember Reports

Councilmember Beal

  • Reported on Housing Authority and Library Board meetings.
  • Advocated for stronger coordination between school district and city on field use.

Councilmember Strong

  • Noted SLOCOG support for Highway 46 bridge.
  • Reported Paso’s top regional transit ridership.
  • Promoted community preparedness guides.

Councilmember Bausch

  • Thanked staff for handling public records and legal workload.
  • Extended Easter and Passover wishes.

Councilmember Gregory

  • Reported on Travel Paso, Vine Street bridge planning, and local tourism recovery.
  • Congratulated Huot and praised ongoing business engagement.

Mayor Hamon

  • Highlighted Sensorio’s new Bruce Munro installation.
  • Promoted upcoming Planning Commission/DRC meetings.
  • Closed in honor of Holy Week and Easter.

🔄 Capital Project Clarifications & Follow-up

🅿️ Downtown Parking Enhancements

  • 12th & Railroad Lot upgrades include:
    • Decorative lighting consistent with Golden Hill/Union Road.
    • Street furniture, benches, EV charging stations.
    • Council requested crosswalk striping review—staff to evaluate.

🚸 Flamson Pedestrian Project

  • Funded by SLOCOG, includes:
    • RRFBs (flashing beacon crosswalks) at 24th & Oak.
    • Push-button pedestrian safety signals.
    • Enhanced striping for student safety.

👩‍⚖️ Committee Appointments & Policy

  • Diane Hall appointed to the Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Committee after council debate.
  • Recruitment challenges and public comment noted.
  • Council affirmed her qualifications and approved the seat unanimously.

✅ Final Summary

  • All council items—including proclamations, funding measures, project updates, and appointments—were approved unanimously.
  • Public engagement focused on transparency, recreation access, and community safety.
  • The meeting ended on a positive note with strong recognition of city services and Easter observances.

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