HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-04-2025 Agenda Packet - Special Meeting (Council Retreat)
City Council
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Friday, April 4, 2025, 8:30 a.m.
Library Internal Conference Room
SLO City/County Library Internal Conference Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
The semi-annual Council Retreat will not be streamed to the City's website, YouTube Channel, or
Channel 20. Attendees of City Council or Advisory Body meetings are eligible to receive one hour of
complimentary parking; restrictions apply, visit Parking for Public Meetings for more details.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
Public Comment prior to the meeting (must be received 3 hours in advance of the meeting):
Mail - Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Address letters to the City Clerk’s Office at 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401.
Email - Submit Public Comments via email to emailcouncil@slocity.org. In the body of your
email, please include the date of the meeting and the item number (if applicable). Emails will not
be read aloud during the meeting.
Voicemail - Call (805) 781-7164 and leave a voicemail. Please state and spell your name, the
agenda item number you are calling about, and leave your comment. Verbal comments must be
limited to 3 minutes. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting.
*All correspondence will be archived and distributed to councilmembers, however, submissions
received after the deadline may not be processed until the following day.
Public Comment during the meeting:
Meetings are held in-person. To provide public comment during the meeting, you must be
present at the meeting location. Verbal comments must be limited to 3 minutes and may only
address items listed on the agenda.
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Erica A. Stewart will call the Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo City
Council to order.
2.PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ONLY
Public Comment will only be accepted for items listed on the agenda.
3.CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP (Times are approximate)5
Welcome & Opening Remarks (8:30 AM - 9:30 AM)•
Communication and Collaboration Strategies as a Council (9:00 AM -
10:00 AM)
•
Onboarding Process and Updates (10:00 AM - 10:30 AM)•
Break (10:30 AM -10:45 AM)•
Reflection on Major City Goals and Strategic Approach (10:45 AM -
12:00)
•
Break for Lunch (12:00 PM - 12:30 PM)•
Strategic Planning Framework Discussion (12:30 AM - 1:30 PM)•
Community Engagement & Accountability (1:30PM - 2:15 PM)•
Break (2:15 PM - 2:30 PM)•
Council Discussion & Next Steps (2:45 PM - 3:30 PM)•
Facilitator: Sommer Kehrli, Ph. D., Chief Executive Officer,
The Centre for Organizational Effectiveness
4.ADJOURNMENT
The City Council will hold a Special Closed Session on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at
5:30 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall. The next Regular Meeting of
the City Council will be held on April 15, 2025 with Closed Session at 4:30 p.m.
in the Council Hearing Room and the Regular Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
LISTENING ASSISTIVE DEVICES for the hearing impaired - see the Clerk.
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible
to the public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate
alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who
requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting
should direct such request to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 at least
48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf (805) 781-7410.
City Council meetings are televised live on Charter Channel 20 and the City's
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/CityofSanLuisObispo. Agenda related
writings or documents provided to the City Council are available for public
inspection in the City Clerk’s Office located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis
Obispo, California during normal business hours, and on the City’s website
https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/agendas-and-
minutes. Persons with questions concerning any agenda item may call the City
Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114.
Page 4 of 12
City of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum
City of San Luis Obispo
Council Agenda Correspondence
DATE: March 27, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Whitney McDonald, City Manager
SUBJECT: Council Retreat Agenda and Materials
Below is the agenda for the April 4, 2025, Council Retreat, along with several attachments
and links to helpful reference materials for Council to review ahead of the meeting and
during the retreat discussions.
Facilitator: Sommer Kehrli, Ph. D., Chief Executive Officer,
The Centre for Organizational Effectiveness
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Mayor’s introduction
Retreat Goals: Discuss Council Communication Strategies and Onboarding, the
Major City Goal process, and Potential Preparation of a Strategic Plan
Overview of the day’s agenda and expectations
9:00AM - 10:00AM | Communication and Collaboration Strategies as a Council
Discussion on Communication Modes & Methods
Open Dialogue
10:00AM – 10: 30 AM | Onboarding Process and Updates
Discussion of new Council Member onboarding process and progress
10:30 – 10:45AM | Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Reflection on Major City Goals and Strategic Approach
Purpose of the session: Discussion of Major City Goals and Potential
Development of a Strategic Plan
Recap of recently adopted Major City Goals (2025-2027)
Facilitated discussion on successes, challenges, and lessons learned from
previous goal-setting processes:
o What aspects of the current goal-setting process works well and should
continue?
o What challenges have we encountered with the 2-year cycle/MCGs?
o What has worked? What could be improved?
12:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch Break
Page 5 of 12
Council Retreat Agenda and Materials Page 2
12:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Strategic Planning Framework Discussion
Presentation: Examples of successful long-term strategic plans in other cities
(Attachment A)
Review and Discussion of Preliminary Pieces:
o Organizational Values (do these need re-visiting?)
o Vision & Mission (do these need re-visiting?)
o Review Existing Strategic Plans
City Plans, Priorities, and Workflow Combined (Attachment B)
o Preliminary Prioritization of Key Focus Areas
o Development of Measurable Outcomes
Facilitated discussion on what works for SLO:
o What should be included in San Luis Obispo’s Strategic Plan framework?
o What aspects of the current goal-setting process should be retained?
1:30 PM – 2:15PM | Community Engagement & Accountability
How to engage the public and stakeholders in the planning process
Defining clear accountability measures and tracking progress
Tools for communicating a Strategic Plan’s progress to the community
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM | Break
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Council Discussion & Next Steps
Council feedback and key takeaways from the retreat
Confirming next steps
Closing remarks
Attachment A – Strategic Plan Examples
Attachment B – Existing City plans, priorities, and work programs
Page 6 of 12
Strategic Plan Examples
Strategic Plan Templates (examples):
1.Carlsbad:
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11580/63801366147847000
0
2.Santa Cruz:
https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/home/showpublisheddocument/95406/6382777116168
70000
3.El Cerrito Strategic Plan (very similar to Santa Cruz): https://www.el-
cerrito.org/747/Strategic-Plan
4.Pleasanton: https://www.cityofpleasantonca.gov/our-government/city-manager/strategic-
plan/
5.San Diego: https://performance.sandiego.gov/
6.Alameda: https://www.alamedaca.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/city-manager/[final]-
alameda-strategic-plan-2023-2026.pdf
7.Boulder: https://bouldercolorado.gov/media/10447/download?inline
Page 7 of 12
Page 8 of 12
Departmental & Strategic Plans
A document outlining long‐term goals, critical issues, and action plans that will increase the organization’s
effectiveness in attaining its vision, priorities, mission, goals and objectives.
Land Use Element
(2014)
Circulation Element
(2017)
Housing Element
(2020)
Noise Element
(1996)
Climate Adaptation
and Safety Element
(2023)
Conservations and
Open Space
(2006)
Parks and Recreation
Element
(2021)
Water and Waste
Water Element
(2018)
Optional ElementsRequired Elements
General PlanArea & Specific Plans
Climate Action Plan
(2022)
Active Transportation
Plan
(2021)
Lead by Example (2021)
Safe Routes to
School Plan (2017)
Anholm Bikeway Plan
(2018)
Community Forest Plan (2023)
Access and Parking
Management Plan
(2023)
Recycled Water
Master Plan (2017)
Stormwater Resource
Plan (2019)
Wastewater
Collection System
Infrastructure
Renewal Strategy
(2015)
Water Distribution
Plan (2015)
Sewer System
Management Plan
(2025)Zoning Regulations (2022)
Subdivision Regulations (2023)
Airport Area (2020)
Avila Ranch (2017)
Chevron/Tank Farm Area
Dalidio Annexation
Downtown (2017)
Edna-Islay (1982)
Foothill Area
Four Creeks
Froom Ranch (2020)
Historic Railroad District
(1998)
Higuera Commerce Park
(1997)
Margarita Area (2004)
Mid Higuera Area (2001)
Madonna Area
Perfumo CreekOrcutt Area (2010)
San Luis Ranch (2017)
South Broad Area (2014)
Upper Monterey
DEI Strategic Plan
Police Department
Strategic Plan
Economic
Development
Strategic Plan
Homelessness
Response Strategic
Plan
TBID Strategic Plan
Fire Department
Strategic Plan
Information
Technology
Strategic Plan
Public Works
Strategic Plan
All plans hyperlinked
Financial Management Manual
Fund Balance & Reserve Policy
Fiscal & Budget Policies
Investment Policy
Debt Management Policy
Compensation Philosophy
Branding & Style Guide
Council Policies and Procedures
Fiscal Responsibility Philosophy
Personnel Rules and Regulations
Public Engagement & Noticing Manual
Records Retention Policy & Schedule
Supplemental Employee Policy
Revenue Management Manual
Comprehensive Fee Schedule
Travel and Expense Policy
Purchasing Policy
Credit Card Policy
Short Range Transit
Plan (2025)
Groundwater
Sustainability Plan
(2021)
Comprehensive Disaster
Leadership Plan (2020)Broadband Plan (2023)
Lead by Example 2025-27
Work Program (2025)
Vision Zero Action
Plan (underway)
Climate Action and Resilience
Other
SAN LUIS OBISPO MUNICIPAL CODE
A Codification of the General Ordinances
of the City of San Luis Obispo, California
Title 1 - General Provisions
Title 2 - Administration and Personnel
Title 3 - Revenue and Finance
Title 4 - Fees
Title 5 - Licenses, Permits, and Regulations
Title 6 - Animals
Title 7 - (Reserved)
Title 8 - Health and Safety
Title 9 - Public Peace, Morals and Welfare
Title 10 - Vehicles and Traffic
Title 11 - Air Quality
Title 12 - Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places
Title 13 - Public Services
Title 14 - Community Preservation
Title 15 - Buildings and Construction
Title 16 - Subdivisions
Title 17 - Zoning Regulations
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Art. I - Incorporation and Application
Art. II - Form and Powers of Municipality
Art. III - Municipal Elections
Art. IV - Elective Officials
Art. V - Council Powers and Procedures
Art. VI - Legislative Actions
Art. VII - Appointive Officials
Art. VIII - Fiscal Administration
Art. IX - Public Works and Contracts
Art. X - Licenses and Franchises
Art. XI - Personnel Administration
Art. XII - Boards and Commissions
Policies and Procedures
Key Plans and Policies
Page 9 of 12
Cultural Vitality, Economic Resilience, and
Fiscal Sustainability Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Homelessness Response
Housing & Neighborhood Livability –
Healthy, Safe, and Affordable
Infrastructure and Sustainable
Transportation
Open Space, Climate Action, and Resilience
Facilitate sustainable growth that aligns with
climate, economic, and housing goals
Promote the expansion and diversification of
housing opportunities for all
Ensure housing is safe, healthy, and affordable,
while facilitating stronger protections for renters
Foster diverse, connected, and safe neighborhoods
that are livable for all
Improve the local business environment, support
Downtown vitality, and help businesses thrive
Support the cultural arts, including the Cultural Arts
District
Support initiatives to assist the local workforce to
develop the skills needed to secure quality jobs and
local businesses and employers to attract and retain
talent
Promote the City as an appealing community for
people to live, work, visit, and invest
Balance operational needs and infrastructure
investments with consideration of the long-term fiscal
sustainability of the City organization
Support increased access and belonging for all
community members
Facilitate programs and initiatives to support diverse
community engagement and representation, including
climate justice initiatives
Operationalize inclusive practices in City processes
and policies
Foster an inclusive organizational culture with
equitable practices in recruiting, hiring, and retention
Collaborate with partners to prevent and reduce
homelessness
Leverage external funding with regional partners to
expand crisis response and continuum of shelter and
support programs
Implement the Homelessness Response Strategic
Plan (HRSP)
Refine approaches to reduce the impacts of
homelessness to balance safety, health, and
community well-being
Advance street safety improvements and support
Vision Zero goals for all road users
Continue implementation of the Active Transportation
Plan, including expansion of multimodal transportation
networks to improve connectivity, advocating for
regional financial support as necessary.
Ensure public spaces, roads, and utilities are well
maintained and sufficient to support planned future
growth and development
Build out park infrastructure to support community
recreation and accessibility
Support policies and programs aimed at expanding
mass transportation and public transit
Continue implementation of the Climate Action Plan
and Lead by Example Plan Work Programs
Implement disaster mitigation efforts to reduce risks
from floods and fires
Strengthen community resilience through emergency
preparedness, community networks, and planning
efforts
Protect, sustain and advance open space and natural
and historic resources
Expand trail connectivity and accessibility to support
biking, hiking, and outdoor enjoyment for all
community members
2025-27 Major City Goals
Page 10 of 12
CSG Administration ($658,925)City Attorney ($1,514,049)Human Resources ($2,203,622)Public Works ($30,925,798)Utilities ($28,457,543)Parking Admin ($7,251,816)Transit Ops and Maint ($5,129,526)Parks Maint ($4,451,008)CIP Project Eng ($3,019,946)Streets Maint ($2,475,330)Public Works Admin ($1,571,031)Facilities Maintenance ($1,558,325)Fleet ($1,487,340)Stormwater and Flood Control ($1,237,553)Transportation Plan and Eng ($905,892)Swim Center Maint ($698,871)Traffic Signals and Lighting ($594,143)Urban Forest Services ($290,564)Active Transportation ($254,454)Wastewater Admin and Eng ($8,816,315)Water Resource Recovery ($4,593,690)Water Treatment ($4,451,856)Water Admin and Eng ($3,513,668)Water Distribution ($2,070,253)Wastewater Collection ($1,549,072)Water Quality Lab ($838,345)Water Resources ($684,972)Utilities Revenue ($677,093)Environmental Programs ($472,322)Water Source of Supply ($426,084)Solid Waste Recycling ($363,874)Police ($23,493,292)Patrol ($12,536,033)Investigations ($3,612,738)Police Support Services ($3,533,903)Police Admin ($2,538,303)Traffic Safety ($948,997)Neighborhood Services ($323,317)Fire ($16,786,119)Emergency Response ($13,125,373)Fire Admin ($1,300,399)Hazard Prevention ($1,167,937)Fire Apparatus Services ($638,946)Emergency Management ($200,876)Mobile Crisis Unit ($195,614)Training Services ($113,448)Fire Station Facility Support ($43,525)Admin & IT ($11,130,422)Network Services ($3,574,551)City Manager's Office ($1,659,973)Information Services ($1,590,735)Natural Resource Protection ($973,285)Economic Dev ($934,062)City Clerk ($774,801)Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) ($619,222Community Promotion ($397,816)Cultural Activities ($365,161)City Council ($240,816)Building and Safety ($3,196,366)Planning ($2,234,614)Housing Policy and Programs ($1,197,570)Engineering ($1,029,539)Community Dev Admin ($1,016,584)Commissions and Committees ($37,240)Youth Services ($1,504,633)Recreation Admin ($971,535)Ranger Service ($916,900)Golf Course ($835,133)Community Services ($740,317)Aquatics ($627,884)Recreation Facilities ($374,527)Jack House ($10,500)Accounting ($1,186,619)Financial Admin ($440,669)Finance NonDepart ($893,338)Revenue Mgmt ($483,061)Finance Support Services ($331,700)Budgets ($253,086)Purchasing ($252,896)FY 2024-25 Operating BudgetPage 11 of 12
Vision
The City of San Luis Obispo is a dynamic community embracing its future while respecting
its past with core values of civility, sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, regionalism,
partnership, and resilience
Departmental & Strategic Plans
A document outlining long‐term goals, critical issues, and action plans that will increase the organization’s
effectiveness in attaining its vision, priorities, mission, goals and objectives.
Land Use Element
(2014)
Circulation Element
(2017)
Housing Element
(2020)
Noise Element
(1996)
Climate Adaptation
and Safety Element
(2023)
Conservations and
Open Space
(2006)
Parks and Recreation
Element
(2021)
Water and Waste
Water Element
(2018)
Optional ElementsRequired Elements
General PlanArea & Specific Plans
Climate Action Plan
(2022)
Active Transportation
Plan
(2021)
Lead by Example (2021)
Safe Routes to
School Plan (2017)
Anholm Bikeway Plan
(2018)
Community Forest Plan (2023)
Access and Parking
Management Plan
(2023)
Recycled Water
Master Plan (2017)
Stormwater Resource
Plan (2019)
Wastewater
Collection System
Infrastructure
Renewal Strategy
(2015)
Water Distribution
Plan (2015)
Sewer System
Management Plan
(2025)Zoning Regulations (2022)
Subdivision Regulations (2023)
Airport Area (2020)
Avila Ranch (2017)
Chevron/Tank Farm Area
Dalidio Annexation
Downtown (2017)
Edna-Islay (1982)
Foothill Area
Four Creeks
Froom Ranch (2020)
Historic Railroad District
(1998)
Higuera Commerce Park
(1997)
Margarita Area (2004)
Mid Higuera Area (2001)
Madonna Area
Perfumo CreekOrcutt Area (2010)
San Luis Ranch (2017)
South Broad Area (2014)
Upper Monterey
DEI Strategic Plan
Police Department
Strategic Plan
Economic
Development
Strategic Plan
Homelessness
Response Strategic
Plan
TBID Strategic Plan
Fire Department
Strategic Plan
Information
Technology
Strategic Plan
Public Works
Strategic Plan
All plans hyperlinked
Financial Management Manual
Fund Balance & Reserve Policy
Fiscal & Budget Policies
Investment Policy
Debt Management Policy
Compensation Philosophy
Branding & Style Guide
Council Policies and Procedures
Fiscal Responsibility Philosophy
Personnel Rules and Regulations
Public Engagement & Noticing Manual
Records Retention Policy & Schedule
Supplemental Employee Policy
Revenue Management Manual
Comprehensive Fee Schedule
Travel and Expense Policy
Purchasing Policy
Credit Card Policy
Short Range Transit
Plan (2025)
Groundwater
Sustainability Plan
(2021)
Comprehensive Disaster
Leadership Plan (2020)Broadband Plan (2023)
Lead by Example 2025-27
Work Program (2025)
Vision Zero Action
Plan (underway)
Climate Action and Resilience
Other
SAN LUIS OBISPO MUNICIPAL CODE
A Codification of the General Ordinances
of the City of San Luis Obispo, California
Title 1 - General Provisions
Title 2 - Administration and Personnel
Title 3 - Revenue and Finance
Title 4 - Fees
Title 5 - Licenses, Permits, and Regulations
Title 6 - Animals
Title 7 - (Reserved)
Title 8 - Health and Safety
Title 9 - Public Peace, Morals and Welfare
Title 10 - Vehicles and Traffic
Title 11 - Air Quality
Title 12 - Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places
Title 13 - Public Services
Title 14 - Community Preservation
Title 15 - Buildings and Construction
Title 16 - Subdivisions
Title 17 - Zoning Regulations
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Art. I - Incorporation and Application
Art. II - Form and Powers of Municipality
Art. III - Municipal Elections
Art. IV - Elective Officials
Art. V - Council Powers and Procedures
Art. VI - Legislative Actions
Art. VII - Appointive Officials
Art. VIII - Fiscal Administration
Art. IX - Public Works and Contracts
Art. X - Licenses and Franchises
Art. XI - Personnel Administration
Art. XII - Boards and Commissions
Policies and Procedures
Key Plans and Policies
Mission
People serving people
Quality in endeavors – pride in results
Into the future with a design
Organizational Values
Shared Vision, Mission and Goals
Service
Leadership and Support
Communication
Team Players
Honesty, Respect, and Trust
Initiative and Accountability
Innovation and Flexibility
Employee Development and Recognition
Stewardship and Ethics
Community
Mayor and Council
Service to Community
Emergent community needs, State and Federal requirements,
and other external factors
Major City Goals
City Service Highlights
Biennial Financial Plan, Annual Budget,
and Capital Improvement Plan
The critical
focus areas to
achieve the
vision
CSG Administration ($658,925)
City Attorney ($1,514,049)
Human Resources ($2,203,622)
Public Works
($30,925,798)
Utilities
($28,457,543)
Parking Admin ($7,251,816)
Transit Ops and Maint ($5,129,526)
Parks Maint ($4,451,008)
CIP Project Eng ($3,019,946)
Streets Maint ($2,475,330)
Public Works Admin ($1,571,031)
Facilities Maintenance ($1,558,325)
Fleet ($1,487,340)
Stormwater and Flood Control ($1,237,553)
Transportation Plan and Eng ($905,892)
Swim Center Maint ($698,871)
Traffic Signals and Lighting ($594,143)
Urban Forest Services ($290,564)
Active Transportation ($254,454)
Wastewater Admin and Eng ($8,816,315)
Water Resource Recovery ($4,593,690)
Water Treatment ($4,451,856)
Water Admin and Eng ($3,513,668)
Water Distribution ($2,070,253)
Wastewater Collection ($1,549,072)
Water Quality Lab ($838,345)
Water Resources ($684,972)
Utilities Revenue ($677,093)
Environmental Programs ($472,322)
Water Source of Supply ($426,084)
Solid Waste Recycling ($363,874)
Police
($23,493,292)
Patrol ($12,536,033)
Investigations ($3,612,738)
Police Support Services ($3,533,903)
Police Admin ($2,538,303)
Traffic Safety ($948,997)
Neighborhood Services ($323,317)
Fire
($16,786,119)
Emergency Response ($13,125,373)
Fire Admin ($1,300,399)
Hazard Prevention ($1,167,937)
Fire Apparatus Services ($638,946)
Emergency Management ($200,876)
Mobile Crisis Unit ($195,614)
Training Services ($113,448)
Fire Station Facility Support ($43,525)
Network Services ($3,574,551)
City Manager's Office ($1,659,973)
Information Services ($1,590,735)
Natural Resource Protection ($973,285)
Economic Dev ($934,062)
City Clerk ($774,801)
Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) ($619,222
Community Promotion ($397,816)
Cultural Activities ($365,161)
City Council ($240,816)
Building and Safety ($3,196,366)
Planning ($2,234,614)
Housing Policy and Programs ($1,197,570)
Engineering ($1,029,539)
Community Dev Admin ($1,016,584)
Commissions and Committees ($37,240)
Youth Services ($1,504,633)
Recreation Admin ($971,535)
Ranger Service ($916,900)
Golf Course ($835,133)
Community Services ($740,317)
Aquatics ($627,884)
Recreation Facilities ($374,527)
Jack House ($10,500)
Accounting ($1,186,619)
Financial Admin ($440,669)
Finance NonDepart ($893,338)
Revenue Mgmt ($483,061)
Finance Support Services ($331,700)
Budgets ($253,086)
Purchasing ($252,896)
Operating Budget
Capital Budget
Major Upcoming Projects
Fire Station 5
Public Safety Center
Prado Road Interchange
Cultural Arts District Parking Structure
Orcutt Area Parks
**Data from 2025‐27 Financial Plan
Admin & IT
($11,130,422)
Page 12 of 12