The Arroyo Grande City Council took several routine and semi-routine actions on Feb. 11, approving consent items, finalizing Community Development Block Grant allocations, authorizing a lease for outdoor dining and creating an ad hoc committee to advise on litigation.

Consent agenda: The council approved consent items 9a through 9g (excluding item 9F, which was considered separately) by roll call. A technical correction to the minutes for item 9C (designation language referring to Miller Way) was noted and adopted as amended. The roll call on the consent package (excluding 9F) was unanimous: Council members Guthrie, Lowe, Marviglia, Mayor Pro Tem Seacrest and Mayor Rae (Ray) Russell voted yes.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): The council adopted a resolution recommending county approval of the citys CDBG projects for 2025. Staff recommended funding $9,600 to the 5 Cities Homeless Coalition for public services, $46,302 for curb ramp and sidewalk improvements to meet ADA standards (to be coordinated with annual pavement rehabilitation), and returning $8,353 to the county for program administration. Staff also found the action exempt from CEQA under Guideline 15061(b)(3). The motion carried unanimously.

Gina's lease (138 E. Branch St.): The council authorized the city manager to execute a three-year lease (with two two-year extensions) with Ginas Italian restaurant to allow an outdoor dining patio in the city right-of-way. Lease terms reported by staff were $425 per month ($5,100 annually), calculated at $1 per square foot per month; staff compared the rate to similar outdoor dining arrangements in neighboring jurisdictions. The council approved the resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the new lease and found the authorization not to be a project under CEQA. The vote was unanimous.

Ad hoc litigation committee: As part of the agenda review, staff reported that the council previously voted to create an ad hoc committee composed of Mayor Ray Russom and Council member Lo to evaluate and advise on the impacts of pending litigation to the city (case referenced in closed session). That committee formation was noted in the council's procedural report.

Vacation of equestrian easement (9F): The council considered and approved item 9F (vacation of a public equestrian easement on Ridgeview Way) in a separate, contested vote; see separate article for full coverage of that debate and the 4-1 roll call.

Ending: Most routine items passed with broad support; the council flagged one consent item for separate discussion and voted to vacate an easement after public comment and debate.