City Council — March 12, 2026

Meeting Summary

Present: 2-Lewis, 3-Sanchez, 4-Mead, Silva

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Staff presented amendments to Municipal Code requiring hotels with long-term residents to convert back to short-term tenancy.
Public comment raised concerns regarding potential displacement of low-income residents and exemptions for other properties.
Council clarified the ordinance includes a six-month reversion period extendable for residents on affordable housing waitlists.
The Council approved the ordinance for first reading following a motion and second.

Staff proposed a contract for the preparation of the Economic Development Element of the General Plan.
The proposal authorized a total contract amount not to exceed $50,000 with an annual budget increase to $25,000.
Council members questioned hourly rates, budget impacts, and the company’s prior experience with the Development Opportunity Reserve program.

Staff presented updated rules including compliance with new laws, a deferred compensation program, and new paid family leave policy.
Proposed changes included adding Juneteenth and Cesar Chavez Day as paid holidays and doubling on-call pay for Public Works.
Council discussion focused on holiday designation versus floating holidays and the specifics of the on-call pay increase.
The Council approved the resolution with an exclusion of the two new paid holidays for future reconsideration.

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and roll call was taken, with all members present. The Mayor inquired regarding agenda reordering. Staff notified the Council that Agenda Item 10, concerning closed session items, was canceled due to incomplete information and would be rescheduled for a future meeting. There were no presentations. During public comments for items not on the agenda, a resident provided comment regarding the need for a movie theater in Buellton, citing the closure of the Parks Plaza Theater in 2020.

The Consent Calendar items one through six were considered. A motion was made to approve the items, and a second was given. The motion passed, and the meeting proceeded to the next item.

Staff presented Ordinance No. 26-03, which amends Municipal Code Chapter 3.28.060 regarding hotel operator registration and Chapter 3.28.290 regarding short-term rental operations. The ordinance aims to remove obstacles to the redevelopment of the Avenue of Flags by requiring the conversion of existing hotels with long-term residents back to short-term tenancy. Provisions include extensions for residents on affordable housing waitlists, changing discretionary language to ministerial acts for extensions. Staff noted the ordinance was revised based on feedback from the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
During public comment, three individuals addressed the Council. Concerns were raised regarding the displacement of 22 low-income residents from the Farmhouse Apartments/Motel, the lack of guaranteed relocation assistance, and the exemption of other properties such as Red Rose Court. Commenters questioned the efficacy of the measure in encouraging redevelopment and the potential for legal challenges.
Council members asked staff to clarify timelines and property classification. Staff explained the ordinance would take effect 30 days after adoption, with a six-month reversion period, extendable by 18 months for waitlist-qualified residents. Council members noted previous relocation efforts, including door-knocking and information sharing. A motion was made to approve the ordinance for first reading, and it was seconded. The motion passed.

Council members provided updates on upcoming community events, including the Wine and Chili Festival and the Farmer’s Market. Support was expressed for the Friends of the Library reception. One member requested the Council consider agendizing a letter of support for AB 1708, a bill regarding regional continuum of care funding for cities under a population of 300,000. Additional comments included appreciation for new park signage with Spanish translations, details regarding an April 8th benefits fair, and a request for a proclamation acknowledging International Dark Sky Week.

Staff presented an item to enter into a contract with Cosmont Companies for the preparation of the Economic Development Element of the General Plan and as-needed economic development advisory services. The proposal included increasing the annual budget from $20,000 to $25,000 and authorizing a total contract amount not to exceed $50,000 for specific tasks. Staff and the consultant responded to Council questions regarding hourly rates, budget impacts, and the company's previous work on the Development Opportunity Reserve (DOR) program. The meeting then proceeded to the next item.

Staff presented Resolution No. 26-03 to adopt updated personnel rules and policies, last amended in 2018. Updates included compliance with new state and federal laws, the addition of two paid holidays (Juneteenth and Cesar Chavez Day), a deferred compensation program, increased clothing and safety allowances for Public Works, doubled on-call pay, a longevity incentive, vehicle allowances for department heads, and a new paid family leave policy.
Council members questioned the details of the on-call pay increase and the inclusion of the two new holidays. Discussion ensued regarding whether the holidays should be designated specifically or offered as floating holidays. Legal counsel noted the discretion the City holds in observing federal and state holidays. A motion was made to approve Resolution No. 26-03 with the exclusion of the two new paid holidays for the current adoption, with a suggestion to reconsider the holidays in future discussions. The motion passed.

The City Manager provided a brief report reiterating details on upcoming festivals and markets. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.