Megan Hunter

The council held a regular meeting that included several proclamations recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 175th anniversary of California statehood, National Night Out, Parks and Recreation Month, and Mario Martinez Day. Key business items involved a closed session to discuss potential litigation, various agenda modifications regarding capital improvement projects and master fee schedules, and public comments addressing local traffic concerns and community development opportunities.

The meeting includes a closed session for personnel and labor relations matters. Key agenda items feature the approval of in-kind city services and street closures for the 40th Annual Our Lady of Solitude Fiesta, the ordering of a general municipal election, the adoption of project lists for the Road Repair and Accountability Act, and a consulting services agreement. Public hearings cover assessment district levies, environmental impact certifications for the Almond Acres project, and updates to the Urban Water Management and Water Shortage Contingency plans. Additionally, the agenda addresses the closeout report for a community development grant, the commitment of funds for a safe streets grant application, and an agreement for youth homeless services funding.

The council reconvened from a closed session and received a report from legal counsel. Agenda items included the addition of a proclamation for a retiring superintendent, public comment on city matters, and the approval of the consent agenda. The council also discussed and approved resolution 6368 regarding garbage collection rates for the upcoming fiscal year, featuring a presentation on consumer price index adjustments. Additionally, the council addressed resolution 6369 concerning interim funding for the next two months due to the failure of a parcel tax measure and ongoing negotiations for fire service contracts.

The City of Soledad's 2025 Urban Water Management Plan is a long-range planning document evaluating water supply reliability and the City's capacity to meet current and future demands through 2050. It details projected water use, characterizes existing and planned groundwater and recycled water supplies, and assesses reliability under various hydrologic conditions. The plan outlines demand management measures, a Water Shortage Contingency Plan for drought response, and reaffirms the City's commitment to sustainable and resilient water service in compliance with state regulations.

The Planning Commission discussed the proposed Almond Acres project, a 12.4-acre subdivision involving 55 single-family homes and 12 affordable multi-family apartment units. The session focused on the environmental impact report, specifically addressing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and recommendations for a planned unit development and tentative subdivision map. The commission also reviewed infrastructure requirements, traffic circulation, public pedestrian access, and the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting program associated with the project development.