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, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Friends of the Buellton Library Update
- The group reported operational expansions, new programming, and plans for an electric tricycle and unique bicycle rack.
- Council members discussed the need for a formal policy framework to govern exterior public art on city-owned property.
- Staff was directed to develop a policy or MOU involving the Arts & Culture Committee to resolve jurisdictional questions.
Public Safety and Lighting
- Public comments highlighted insufficient street lighting on Avenue of the Flags and requested road surface repairs on McMurray Road.
- The discussion noted specific safety concerns regarding lumen levels and recent pedestrian incidents.
Visitors Bureau and Regional Updates
- The Visitors Bureau reported over 200 itineraries on their website and plans to promote local businesses during the World Cup.
- Staff provided updates on SB 872 funding for levee repairs and announced a student advisory council event at the library.
Ordinance 26-01: City Clerk Municipal Code Revision
- The proposed ordinance revises the Municipal Code to allow the City Manager to appoint and manage the City Clerk position.
- Council members discussed ethical concerns regarding an appointed elections official reporting to elected officials.
- The Council voted to approve the first reading of the ordinance.
Ordinance 26-02: Outdoor Lighting Standards
- Staff presented updated standards requiring downward-facing, fully shielded LED lighting with specific color temperature limits.
- The ordinance prohibits high-intensity floodlights and flashing lights while exempting seasonal and emergency lighting.
- The Council voted to approve the first reading of the ordinance.
Resolution 26-02: Employee Health Benefits
- The resolution increases the monthly employer health contribution to $2,190 effective July 1, 2026.
- It adjusts the "cash in lieu" payment for employees waiving coverage to 85% of the employer contribution with a $2,000 cap.
- The Council voted to adopt the resolution.
Farmers Market License Agreement
- Staff presented a five-year license agreement with Brenda Browning to operate a weekly farmers market on Avenue of the Flags medians.
- The agreement includes a nominal base fee and requires the operator to restore the medians after each event.
- The Council voted to approve the license agreement.
San Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Sponsorship
- The City Manager requested a $10,000 sponsorship to reimburse costs for the 2025 Holiday Lights Festival.
- Council members emphasized that future funding requests should follow the regular annual budget process.
- The Council voted to approve the sponsorship request.
Establishment of City Council Priorities for 2026
- Staff presented the previously established priorities for 2026 and offered to answer factual implementation questions.
- No motion or vote was recorded for this informational item.
Council Member Comments and Items
- Members reported on community issues including sidewalk repairs, a phone box malfunction, and weed abatement needs.
- Updates were provided on the status of Measure A and upcoming office hours for Assemblymember Greg Hart.
Closed Session
- The meeting included two closed session items regarding potential litigation and significant exposure to litigation.
- No public discussion or vote occurred on these items during the open session.
Full summary
Closed Session Items
- The meeting included two items for closed session: potential initiation of litigation and significant exposure to litigation involving unknown potential clients or plaintiffs. No public discussion or vote occurred on these items during the open session.
Friends of the Buellton Library Update
- A representative from the Friends of the Buellton Library provided an informational report on the organization's activities, including the purchase of furniture, bookshelves, and picnic tables; funding for storytime programs; and the acquisition of local artwork. The group reported increasing operating hours from one to three days per week with plans to expand further. Upcoming events include an art exhibit, a speaker series, and a chalk painting project. A new website was launched, and plans were detailed for an electric tricycle for book delivery and a bicycle rack shaped like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."
- Discussion ensued regarding exterior artwork proposals. The representative noted that a previous submission to the Arts and Culture Committee was withdrawn due to committee dissatisfaction. The group is seeking Council input on future exterior art ideas, such as murals or sculptures. Questions were raised regarding operating hours, volunteer needs, and the potential for renting library chairs. The representative confirmed work is underway on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Goleta Library for book checkouts and preparation of an MOU with the City of Buellton.
- Regarding public art on the library exterior, Council members discussed the need for a formal policy rather than ad hoc decision-making. Concerns were raised regarding the appropriate body for approving art on city-owned property versus leased property, noting the library holds a lease for the interior while the exterior belongs to the city. It was suggested that a policy or MOU involving the Arts & Culture Committee and the City Council is necessary to avoid future conflicts. No formal motion was made; the discussion focused on the need for staff to develop a policy framework.
Public Safety and Lighting
- Public comments were received regarding street lighting on Avenue of the Flags, citing insufficient levels for public safety and suggesting a minimum lumen requirement. Another comment addressed road surface conditions on McMurray Road, noting a recent fall and requesting repairs prior to the occupancy of nearby developments.
Visitors Bureau and Regional Updates
- Updates were provided regarding the Visitors Bureau, noting over 200 itineraries on their website and plans to promote local business during the upcoming World Cup. A discussion occurred regarding SB 872, a state law providing funding for levee repairs and addressing subsidence in the canal. The Council was informed of a student advisory council event scheduled at the Buellton Library.
Ordinance 26-01: City Clerk Municipal Code Revision
- Staff presented a report on Ordinance 26-01, proposing revisions to Section 2.12 of the Municipal Code regarding the City Clerk position. The changes would allow the City Manager or designated authority to appoint, terminate, set compensation, and assign duties to the City Clerk. During the public hearing, staff discussed the implications of the City Clerk being an appointed position reporting directly to the City Council versus the Human Resources Director reporting to the City Manager. Concerns were raised regarding the ethical position of an appointed elections official being beholden to elected officials.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the first reading of Ordinance 26-01.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The Council voted to approve the first reading of Ordinance 26-01.
- Outcome: Passed.
Ordinance 26-02: Outdoor Lighting Standards
- Staff presented a proposal to update the city's outdoor lighting standards, noting current regulations date back to 1994 and 2005. The proposed ordinance aims to conserve energy, preserve community character, maintain safety, protect the night sky and wildlife, and implement a "good neighbor" policy. The standards apply to all new and replaced outdoor lighting, as well as non-conforming lighting on sites requiring discretionary permits or undergoing major modifications. Exemptions include low-level landscape lighting, partially shielded string lighting, temporary event lighting, seasonal holiday lighting, emergency lighting, and government facilities. Prohibited lighting includes high-intensity floodlights, permanent blinking or flashing lights, lights interfering with vehicle operations, and digital billboards.
- Key standards require downward-facing light, full shielding, and measures to minimize light trespass. Requirements include the use of LED or high-efficacy lighting, maximum height restrictions, and lighting controls such as motion sensors and dimming. Photometric plans are required for projects. Color temperature is capped at 3,000 Kelvin citywide, with a stricter 2,700 Kelvin limit in sensitive natural areas. Exceptions were noted for internally illuminated signs in commercial zones, limited neon signage in the Avenue of Flags area, and specific Art Deco-style lighting in that district, provided it is diffuse and shielded from above. Staff recommended updating the Community Design Guidelines for consistency. The zoning ordinance amendment is exempt from CEQA under the common sense exemption.
- During the public hearing, Council members asked clarifying questions regarding minimum lumen standards, enforcement mechanisms for nuisance lighting, and the rationale for specific Kelvin temperature limits. Staff confirmed enforcement would follow the standard code enforcement process for non-compliant new or replaced lighting. Public comment addressed code enforcement for non-conforming neighbor lighting and the impact of LED flashing frequencies on wildlife. Staff confirmed that while LEDs flash at frequencies invisible to the human eye, they may be visible to animals, though the ordinance focuses on shielding and color temperature.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the first reading of Ordinance 26-02.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The Council voted to approve the first reading of Ordinance 26-02.
- Outcome: Passed.
Resolution 26-02: Employee Health Benefits
- Staff presented Resolution 26-02, which sets the monthly employer contribution for health benefits and revokes Resolution 25-17. The proposal increases the employer contribution from $1,800 to $2,190 per month, effective July 1, 2026, calculated as 80% of the lowest family HMO premium. The resolution adjusts the "cash in lieu" payment for employees who waive city coverage to 85% of the employer contribution (approximately $1,861.50), with an absolute cap of $2,000 per month. The resolution establishes an annual review process for CalPERS rates. The total fiscal impact was estimated at $93,600 for the fiscal year. Council members discussed the historical context of the cash-in-lieu option and the benefits of a standardized percentage-based approach. Questions were raised regarding the calculation methodology, the availability of CalPERS Gold, and the impact of Covered California subsidies.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt Resolution 26-02.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The Council voted to adopt Resolution 26-02.
- Outcome: Passed.
Farmers Market License Agreement
- Staff presented a report regarding a license agreement with Brenda Browning to operate a weekly farmers market on Medians 2 and 3 of the Avenue of the Flags. The market is authorized by a Conditional Use Permit approved by the Planning Commission in December 2025. The proposed agreement allows for operations from March through October, with potential year-round flexibility. The market would include vendor booths, food trucks, and live music, with the operator responsible for restoring the medians after each event. The proposed base license fee is $1 annually, though the Council retains the authority to set the final fee. The agreement would be valid for five years, expiring in December 2030. Council members asked about potential parking impacts on local businesses and whether the market was already fully booked. Staff confirmed that vendors must apply directly to the organization for permitting.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the license agreement with Brenda Browning for the farmers market.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The Council voted to approve the license agreement.
- Outcome: Passed.
San Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Sponsorship (Holiday Lights Festival)
- The City Manager presented a request from the San Ynez Valley Botanic Garden for a $10,000 sponsorship to reimburse costs associated with the 2025 Holiday Lights Festival, including lighting enhancements and security measures. Total expenses were reported as $10,647.21. Approval would require a general fund budget amendment. Council members questioned whether the city should provide annual funding or purchase equipment for long-term use. Discussion centered on the funding mechanism, with members noting that funding for signs had been previously requested through the annual arts and culture grant process. Members emphasized that future expenditures should follow the regular budget request process. Questions were raised regarding whether the event is self-funding and whether it would be subject to the same decibel limits as other major events. One council member announced a recusal from the matter to avoid any appearance of conflict.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the sponsorship request.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The Council voted to approve the sponsorship request.
- Outcome: Passed.
Establishment of City Council Priorities for 2026
- Staff presented the City Council priorities for 2026, which had been previously set in a special meeting but continued due to unanswered questions. Staff reiterated that the priorities belong to the Council and offered to answer factual questions regarding implementation. No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Council Member Comments and Items
- Council members reported on various community issues, including a sidewalk groove at Highway 246 and the Chevron gas station, a phone box issue near the senior thrift store, and weed abatement on a Caltrans easement. Updates were provided on the status of Measure A (train and lane project) and upcoming office hours for Assemblymember Greg Hart.
Adjournment
- The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. to move into closed session.