Council approves consent items, land‑use financing, pavement rules and appoints city manager

The Paso Robles City Council on May 6 approved a slate of routine and substantive items, voted to proceed with financing at Olsen/South Chandler Ranch, introduced a new municipal ordinance addressing trenching and adopted microtrenching technical standards, and approved the appointment of Chris Huot as city manager.

Council votes and formal actions at a glance

- Consent calendar: Council approved items 1–3 and 5–8 (payments, advisory body bylaws, contracts and project payments) and then separately approved consent item 4 (the Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee bylaws and appointment of grandfathered members). Motion to approve items 1–3 and 5–8: Motion by Council member Gregory; second by Council member Beal; vote: unanimous (5–0). Motion to approve item 4: Motion by Council member Beal; second by Council member Gregory; vote: unanimous (5–0).

- Ordinance 1158 (county animal services code adoption): Council approved the second reading and adopted an ordinance to incorporate the county animal services regulations into the municipal code (retaining locally applicable provisions such as prohibitions on roosters and pigs). Motion to adopt second reading: moved and seconded; vote: unanimous (5–0).

- Community Facilities District (CFD) No. 2022‑1N (Olsen/South Chandler Ranch): The council held the required public hearing, confirmed no written protests and that no registered voters reside in the CFD territory, and authorized three actions: (a) call for a special election on financing propositions for Improvement Areas 1, 3 and 5; (b) determine necessity to incur increased bonded indebtedness; and (c) accept and declare the election results (all ballots submitted were in favor). The council then introduced, by title only, an ordinance authorizing the levy of the special taxes. Motions were made and approved by recorded roll calls; each action passed unanimously.

- Trenching and microtrenching regulations: Council introduced for first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 11.2 of the municipal code to limit trenching and excavations in newly paved streets for five years, with a defined set of exceptions and enhanced pavement‑restoration requirements when cuts are permitted. Council also approved a resolution adopting the city’s microtrenching standard (minimum 16‑inch depth, location limited near the gutter edge, required backfill and restoration materials and compaction). Motion to introduce ordinance (first reading) and adopt the microtrench resolution: motions passed unanimously.

- General Plan annual report (2024): Council received and approved the 2024 general plan implementation status and directed staff to submit the required reports to state agencies. Motion to approve and transmit to state: passed unanimously.

- Appointment of city manager and employment agreement: Council approved a four‑year employment agreement with Chris Huot and appointed him city manager effective April 15, 2025; the council directed the city clerk to administer the oath at a ceremonial event. Motion passed (ayes: Gregory, Beal, Strong, Mayor Hammond; no: Council member Bausch).

What the votes mean: key legal and procedural references

- The closed‑session items reported earlier (real property negotiations under Government Code §54956.8 and existing litigation under Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)) produced no reportable action, as the council disclosed when it returned to open session.

- Actions tied to the Olsen/South Chandler Ranch CFD implement voter‑authorized special taxes and bond authorizations for infrastructure in that specific plan area; the public hearing and special election steps followed the statutorily required process for CFD financing.

How to find detailed records

The city clerk will post ordinances, resolutions and the adopted employment agreement in the official record. Staff presentations and the adopted microtrenching standard are available via city staff if requested.

Council members voting record (selected items)

- Consent calendar (items 1–3, 5–8): Gregory (yes), Beal (yes), Bausch (yes), Strong (yes), Mayor Hammond (yes). - Housing Constraints and Opportunities Committee (consent item 4): Beal (yes), Gregory (yes), Bausch (yes), Strong (yes), Mayor Hammond (yes). - City manager appointment and employment agreement: Gregory (yes), Beal (yes), Bausch (no), Strong (yes), Mayor Hammond (yes).