Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Hornick, 2-Lewis, 3-Sanchez, 4-Mead, Silva
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
City Clerk Code Revision Ordinance
- Staff proposed revising Municipal Code Section 2.12 to grant the City Manager authority over City Clerk appointments.
- Council discussed implications for checks and balances regarding the Clerk reporting structure.
- The ordinance was accepted for introduction and first reading to be returned for a second reading.
Outdoor Lighting Standards Ordinance
- Staff presented revisions to Title 19 including dark sky friendly standards and maximum color temperature limits.
- Council members discussed safety lighting requirements for thoroughfares versus private property enforcement mechanisms.
- The ordinance was approved for introduction and first reading with an amendment to update Community Design Guidelines.
2026 City Council Priorities
- Staff presented previously established priorities for the upcoming year for formal consideration by the Council.
- Council discussed the list before a motion was made to approve the priorities.
- The motion to approve the priorities passed following a roll call vote.
Employer Medical Contribution Resolution
- Staff proposed a resolution to fix the monthly employer contribution under the Public Employees Medical and Hospital Care Act.
- Discussion focused on calculation percentages for contributions and the annual review process.
- A motion was made to approve the resolution and received a second.
Friends of the Buellton Library Report
- Representatives provided an update on recent activities including furniture updates and artwork organization.
- Council members suggested developing a broader public art policy for city-owned buildings.
- The item remained informational with no formal vote taken on the report.
Botanic Garden Sponsorship
- Staff presented a request for a $10,000 sponsorship to cover costs for the 2025 Holiday Lights Festival.
- Discussion focused on whether the funding should be recurring and the possibility of purchasing light towers.
- A motion was made to approve the sponsorship request and received a second.
Farmer's Market License Agreement
- Staff presented a license agreement for a private operator to hold a weekly market on Avenue of Flags Medians.
- Discussion addressed potential impacts regarding noise ordinances, parking availability, and booth access.
- Staff recommended approval of the agreement proposed for Mondays from March through October.
Closed Session
- The Council convened in closed session to discuss potential litigation and exposure to litigation regarding significant matters.
- One Council member recused themselves from one of the agenda items discussed during this session.
- The meeting adjourned without reconvening to open session following the closed session.
Full summary
City of Buellton City Council Meeting Summary
- Date: February 26, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
- The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by the Mayor. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll call established a quorum. There were no requests for reordering of the agenda.
Public Comment
- Public comment was opened for non-agendized items. A member of the public commented on Assembly Bill 1421 regarding a mileage tax, expressing concerns about revenue and the impact on residents. Staff noted that public comment is for sharing opinions rather than Q&A regarding non-agendized items and offered to direct the commenter to state and district representatives for further information.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve the consent calendar items, including the minutes. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote where all present voted in favor, the motion passed.
Public Hearing Item 1: Ordinance No. 26-01 (City Clerk Code Revision)
- Staff presented an ordinance to revise Municipal Code Section 2.12 regarding the City Clerk position. The proposal allows the City Manager authority to appoint, terminate, set compensation, and assign duties to the City Clerk. Staff noted this change aligns with practices in other cities and would be brought back for a second reading at a future meeting. Council discussion touched on the implications for checks and balances and ethical considerations regarding the Clerk reporting to the Council versus the Manager. No questions were asked of staff during the hearing.
Public Hearing Item 2: Ordinance No. 26-02 (Outdoor Lighting Standards)
- Staff presented an ordinance to revise Title 19 of the Municipal Code regarding outdoor lighting standards. The proposal includes dark sky friendly standards, limits on light trespass, requirements for shielding, and specific color temperature maximums (3000 Kelvin generally, 2700 Kelvin in sensitive natural areas). Exemptions and prohibited lighting types were outlined. Public comment was received in support of the ordinance, with one representative from WeWatch providing written and verbal support. Council members discussed concerns regarding minimum lighting levels for public safety on thoroughfares versus private property, as well as enforcement mechanisms. A motion was made to approve the ordinance for introduction and first reading, amended to direct staff to prepare a resolution to update the Community Design Guidelines. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote where all present voted in favor, the motion passed.
Council Member Comments and Items
- Council members addressed various topics including road surface repair on McMurray Road, sidewalk issues near Highway 246 and the Chevron gas station, and weed abatement on a Caltrans easement. Updates were provided regarding the Youth Making Change Award, the Buellton Library Student Advisory Council, and local community events.
Committee Reports
- Reports were provided regarding the Shredder Hills site committee, the Visitors Bureau website and World Cup promotion, the CCWA and SB 872 legislation regarding levee repair, and updates on Measure A (train and lane progress). Notification was also given regarding Assemblymember Greg Hart's office hours.
Business Item 6: City Council Priorities for 2026
- Staff presented the previously established City Council priorities for 2026 for formal consideration. Following discussion, a motion was made to approve the priorities. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote where all present voted in favor, the motion passed.
Business Item 7: Resolution No. 26-02 (Employer Medical Contribution)
- Staff presented a resolution to fix the employer contribution under the Public Employees Medical and Hospital Care Act. The proposal sets the monthly fixed contribution at $2,190 and defines cash-in-lieu amounts. Discussion focused on the calculation percentages for contributions and the annual review process. A motion was made to approve the resolution, and it was seconded.
Business Item 8: Friends of the Buellton Library Report
- A representative from Friends of the Buellton Library provided a report on recent activities, including furniture updates, artwork organization, and volunteer hours. Discussion ensued regarding exterior artwork proposals and the need for a public art policy versus ad-hoc approval. Council members suggested developing a broader policy for city-owned buildings while providing immediate feedback to the group. The item was informational, and no formal vote was taken.
Business Item 9: San Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Sponsorship
- Staff presented a request from the San Ynez Valley Botanic Garden for a $10,000 sponsorship to cover costs for the 2025 Holiday Lights Festival, specifically for lighting and security. Public comment was received in support of the event. Council discussion focused on whether this should be a recurring budget item, the possibility of purchasing light towers to reduce future rental costs, and timing for budget requests. A motion was made to approve the sponsorship request, and it was seconded.
Business Item 10: Farmer's Market License Agreement
- Staff presented a license agreement for a private operator to hold a weekly farmer's market on Avenue of Flags Medians 2 and 3. The market is proposed for Mondays from March through October. Discussion addressed noise ordinances, parking availability for local businesses, and community information booth access. Staff recommended approval.
City Manager Report
- The City Manager provided updates on the opening of Jersey Mike's and the upcoming Wine and Chili Festival, noting ticket sales and fundraising opportunities for local schools.
Closed Session
- The Council moved into closed session to discuss potential litigation and exposure to litigation regarding significant matters. One Council member recused themselves from one of the items. The Council did not reconvene after the closed session.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.