Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Hornick, 2-Lewis, 3-Sanchez, 4-Mead, Sola
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At a glance
Human Trafficking Awareness Month Proclamation
- The Mayor designated January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month for the city.
- A representative from the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force accepted the proclamation.
- Educational posters were offered for distribution in public spaces and local businesses.
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Proclamation
- The Mayor recognized January 9, 2026, as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
- Sergeant Karosky accepted the proclamation on behalf of the police department.
- The document acknowledged officer sacrifices made to ensure community safety.
Pet Microchip Scanner Installation
- Staff proposed installing self-service scanning stations to assist with stray animal reunification.
- The Santa Barbara Animal Care Foundation offered equipment at a reduced bulk purchase cost.
- The Council authorized up to $1,500 for equipment placement at three community locations.
First Quarter Budget Amendments
- Staff presented amendments for the General Fund, Wastewater Fund, and Water Fund.
- Key adjustments included salary changes, utility discounts, and the Buellton Fall Festival.
- The Council adopted Resolution 26-01 to approve the balanced budget amendments.
Closed Session
- The meeting adjourned to a closed session to discuss confidential matters.
- Agenda items included the potential initiation of litigation.
Full summary
Meeting Summary: City of Buellton City Council
- Date: January 8, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m.
Agenda Item 1: Agenda Reordering
- The Mayor announced a reordering of the agenda, moving Item 6 and Item 7 to the beginning of the meeting, preceding the consent calendar. The Council approved the reordering.
Agenda Item 2: Proclamation Recognizing Human Trafficking Awareness Month
- The Mayor read a proclamation designating January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the City of Buellton. The proclamation noted the prevalence of human trafficking, the role of education in prevention, and the commitment of the community to safety and accountability. Anne McCarty, Executive Director of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force. She discussed the task force's work to combat trafficking and offered educational posters for public spaces. The proclamation was issued without a recorded vote.
Agenda Item 3: Proclamation Recognizing National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
- The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing January 9, 2026, as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Sergeant Karosky accepted the proclamation on behalf of the police department. The proclamation acknowledged the sacrifices made by officers to protect the community. The proclamation was issued without a recorded vote.
Agenda Item 4: Consent Calendar
- The consent calendar consisted of five items. A motion was made to approve the items. The motion was seconded. The Council voted on the items. All members voted in favor. The consent calendar was approved.
Agenda Item 5: Council Member Comments
- Council Member Hornick: Noted flooding in the Maria area playground following recent rains and stated investigations were ongoing.
- Council Member Lewis: Offered condolences to the Reagan family and requested coordination with the Chamber of Commerce to distribute human trafficking awareness materials in local businesses and public spaces.
- Council Member Sanchez: Reported on the Arts and Culture Committee meeting, noting upcoming projects pending further information.
- Vice Mayor Mead: Announced an appointment to the Community Services Policy Committee.
Agenda Item 6: Pet Microchip Scanners
- Staff and representatives from the Santa Barbara Animal Care Foundation and County Animal Services presented a proposal to install do-it-yourself pet microchip scanning stations throughout the community. The presenters explained that the stations would allow residents to scan stray animals to identify owners, potentially reducing shelter intake and barriers to reunification. The Foundation offered to provide the scanners at a cost of approximately $250 each, with a discount for bulk purchase. Staff estimated the total cost for equipment and mounting materials at $1,500.
- Discussion regarding potential locations included Riverview Park, Village Park, Oak Park, City Hall, and the Humane Society. Staff offered to provide a heat map of stray animal locations to assist in placement.
- A motion was made to authorize the expenditure of up to $1,500 to acquire the scanners and place them at the Humane Society, City Hall, and a park location. The motion was amended regarding specific locations and was seconded. The Council voted on the motion. All members voted in favor. The authorization was approved.
Agenda Item 7: Budget Amendments (FY 25-26 First Quarter)
- Staff presented proposed budget amendments for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-26. The presentation covered amendments to the General Fund, Wastewater Fund, and Water Fund. Key items included salary adjustments, administrative assistant reclassification, low-income water/wastewater discounts, the Buellton Fall Festival traffic control, office equipment, a pledge for the aquatic center, public works grants, and planning general plan updates. The overall proposed budget remained balanced.
- Council members asked questions regarding reserve usage, specific line items, and the recognition of the aquatic center pledge. Vice Mayor Mead moved to adopt Resolution 26-01 approving the budget amendments. The motion was seconded. The Council voted on the resolution. All members voted in favor. The resolution was adopted.
Agenda Item 8: City Manager's Report
- The City Manager provided information regarding upcoming council meetings, including a special meeting scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the library to discuss council priorities and protocols. It was noted that a license agreement for a farmers' market on the Avenue of Flags would be discussed at the January 22nd regular meeting. The Council acknowledged that details regarding vendors and operations were still being coordinated with the licensed operator. No action was taken on this item.
Agenda Item 9: Closed Session
- The Mayor announced that the meeting would adjourn to a closed session to discuss two items, including the potential initiation of litigation.