Christopher Alakel

The meeting commenced with a closed session regarding two existing litigation matters involving John Borst versus the City of El Paso de Robles. No reportable action was taken in the closed session. The subsequent open session featured a proclamation honoring Public Works Director Freda Berman on the occasion of her retirement after 22 years of service, highlighting her leadership on major capital projects such as park improvements and facility rehabilitations. Following this, the Director of the San Luis Obispo County Workforce Development Board provided an update on workforce initiatives, covering priority industry clusters, talent retention challenges, job quality issues, and the services offered through SlowCal Careers centers.

The meeting concerned a public hearing for the Pastor Robels Youth Arts Center expansion project, which involves approximately 4,800 square feet of new additions to support more classrooms and program space, and architectural enhancements. The proposal included frontage improvements with 16 new on-street angled parking stalls. The applicant requested two modifications to the Uptown Town Center specific plan: a parking modification to waive the requirement for new parking spaces for the addition (maintaining 23 existing spaces), and a fence height modification to allow 4-foot and 6-foot fencing where the specific plan limits it to 3 feet, citing safety and design integration. The presentation detailed the planned new uses, including a piano room, band room, dance room, and digital art room, along with the creation of fenced outdoor art and garden areas. Staff recommended approval of the project with the proposed modifications, noting the project is exempt from environmental review.

The meeting commenced with roll call and transitioned into a closed session regarding conference with legal counsel concerning real property negotiations related to a portion of Pioneer Park at 1910 Riverside Avenue, involving potential negotiations with the Pioneer Museum Foundation, the Housing Authority of St. Louis Abyspo, and the 16th District Agricultural Association. Following the closed session, public comments were briefly solicited. The primary discussion centered on public works capital projects. Updates were provided on active construction, including the status of pickleball court installation at Sherwood Park, the opening of the 12th and Railroad lot improvements (noting some EV charging stations are nonfunctional pending material delivery and PG&E power), and preparation for Sierra Bonita neighborhood road repairs funded by Measure I24. The Westside fiberized slurry seal project was also reviewed, explaining the use of slurry seal and leveling courses to extend road life before costly grind and overlay is required. A minor paving repair project on Black Oak Drive, completed using I24 funds, was detailed, noting 67 tons of asphalt were laid. Upcoming projects discussed included Crest Road Phase Two, which involves a roundabout at Rolling Hills, with bid documentation finalized for advertisement. Improvements to public roads dedicated from the Graange property were also scheduled. Additionally, planning for downtown streets road repairs, which will include curb ramp upgrades and sewer improvements, was mentioned.

The meeting included proceedings that commenced with a closed session regarding real property negotiations involving a portion of Pioneer Park and the Pasro's Pioneer Museum Foundation. Following the closed session, the council recognized February 2026 as Black History Month with a proclamation and presented a recognition award to Firestone Walker Brewing Company for its 30 years in business and 25th anniversary in the city. Public comments addressed topics including the need for a rent stabilization ordinance, concerns about mobile home fees and state legislation impacts, and a complaint regarding the approval and height of six Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) adjacent to a resident's home. Additionally, the Paso Robels Democratic Club announced the third annual Steve Martin Community Service Award nominations, and Council Member Fred Strong was presented with an award deferred from a previous ceremony. The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the February 3rd meeting, receipt of the Youth Commission minutes from January 7th, receipt of the warrant register detailing five payments exceeding $100,000 (including contributions to Main Street, Inc. and the Chamber of Commerce, and construction payments), approval of health benefit contributions for elected officials, an agreement for downtown road repair design services, and awarding a contract for design services for the Sherwood Park field redevelopment project.

The key discussions during the meeting centered on employee recognitions and retirements. Proclamations were presented to honor Deputy Fire Chief Randy Harris upon his retirement after 35 years of service, including 28 years with the Paso Robles Fire Department, and Commander Todd Reiner upon his retirement after 32 years of service with the city's police department. Additionally, a retirement proclamation was issued for Richard Alamandress from the wastewater utilities division, recognizing over 25 years of service. There was also a presentation regarding the Just Serve platform, highlighting the city's recognition as a Just Serve City due to volunteer efforts, particularly in mulching city parks.