Paso Robles Politics

Council Meeting

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Paso Robles City Council Meeting Summary
May 20, 2025

🔑 Meeting Highlights & Takeaways

1. Closed Session Litigation

  • Discussed: Steinbeck Vineyards v. County of SLO
  • Not Discussed: Tribune v. City of Paso & Chris Bausch

2. Public Works Appreciation

A proclamation honored the men and women behind city infrastructure—water systems, roads, public spaces, and more—for their essential, behind-the-scenes work.

3. Public Comments & Announcements

AARP Tax Aid Recognition

  • Over 1,000 free tax returns completed in Paso Robles in 2025.
  • Over $800,000 in refunds brought back to local residents.
  • Supported by volunteers and city facility use.

Civic Donations to Literacy

  • Former Atascadero Mayor Tom O’Malley donated $2,000 to Paso Library Foundation, in memory of his wife and former Mayor Martin.
  • Focus: Children’s literacy, scholarships, and community programs.

Recovery & Support Services

  • Restorative Partners’ Anna’s Home fundraiser announced (May 31).
  • They provide transitional housing for women and children, with services including employment, child care, and trauma recovery.

Community Tensions Addressed

  • Several speakers voiced criticism over internal council conflicts and litigation.
  • Others defended the council’s transparency and commitment to the city.
  • Comments reflected political and emotional division within some community factions.

⚽ 4. Youth Sports Field Crisis: Center Stage

Background

  • Youth participation in organized sports has risen 59% over the past five years.
  • Paso Robles only has 16 public sports fields, with quality, lighting, and safety concerns raised—especially at Sherwood Park.
  • Key issues: gopher holes, inadequate lighting, worn turf, and uneven field access.

What’s Being Done

Short-Term Recommendations

  1. Install new lighting at Sherwood fields
    💲 Estimate: $1M–$1.5M (eligible for development fees)
  2. Turf and irrigation renovations at Sherwood
    💲 Estimate: $1M–$1.5M (not eligible for development fees)

Long-Term Strategy

  • Finalize Larry Moore Park and Beachwood Park plans to add fields.
  • Develop a Master Parks, Recreation & Trails Plan (first since 2003).
    💲 Estimated cost: $150K–$300K
  • Collaborate with Paso School District to preserve public access at the former Georgia Brown campus.

💬 Council & Community in Sync

  • Council members were unified in urgency and support.
  • Staff directed to return in June with actionable budget items.
  • Funding strategies discussed, including a potential 2027 bond measure to fund future infrastructure.
  • Community members(including youth athletes)spoke passionately about the need for local access, pride, and equity.

5. Consent Calendar (Items 1–9 Approved Unanimously)

Key approvals:

  • 💲 Payments for sewer, road, and meter infrastructure.
  • 💲 Pickleball complex change order (due to unexpected underground well line).
  • 💲 Southine Bridge bids rejected for re-advertising.
  • 💲 $4M confirmed as total projected cost for Sherwood Park upgrades (incl. pickleball courts, new restrooms, and public parking).

Final Reflections

Mayor Hamon and council members expressed commitment to:

  • Think beyond maintenance and toward strategic citywide planning.
  • Create a shovel-ready roadmap to secure state and federal grants.
  • Keep the momentum strong for public recreation that matches Paso’s growth.

“Let’s make this the city our kids remember not just for where they played, but how the community showed up for them.”
– Councilmember Beal

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