Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Hornick, 2-Lewis, 3-Sanchez, 4-Mead, Silva
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At a glance
National Vietnam War Veterans Day Proclamation
- The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing March 29, 2026, as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
- Veterans and organizers addressed the council regarding their service and the upcoming ceremony.
- A group photo was taken with the guests and council members to conclude the segment.
Arts and Culture Program
- Staff presented an update regarding the city-funded production of Annie.
- Information was provided on audition numbers and performance dates at the Solvang Theater Fest.
Ordinance Number 2603
- Item 10 regarding amendments to hotel operator registration and short-term rental use ordinances was discussed.
- Public comment was received concerning legal sufficiency and tenant protections.
- Council approved Ordinance Number 2603 on second reading.
Community Trash Pickup
- A council member initiated a discussion regarding the feasibility of a city-coordinated trash pickup program.
- Staff indicated they could explore the feasibility in coordination with local organizations.
- Direction from the council would be required to proceed with the initiative.
Assembly Bill 1708
- Staff presented details on legislation allowing smaller jurisdictions to directly access homeless housing funds.
- Discussion focused on eligibility requirements and county versus city jurisdiction regarding fund allocation.
- Council directed staff to draft a letter of support for Assembly Bill 1708.
Mid-Year Budget Amendments
- Staff presented a mid-year budget review covering General, Water, Wastewater, and Capital Improvement funds.
- Questions were raised regarding reserve policies, fund balances, and revenue projections.
- Council approved Resolution Number 2607 adopting the mid-year budget amendments.
Kevin Merck Associates Contract
- Staff presented a proposal to contract with KMA for permitting assistance on the Willamson parking lot.
- Discussion covered permit requirements for wetland impacts and estimated costs.
- Council approved the contract not to exceed $21,940 and authorized the necessary budget adjustment.
P. Soup Anderson's Building Relocation
- Staff presented a concept for relocating a portion of the historic building to Median 3.
- Council members expressed concerns regarding the appropriateness of the location and feasibility.
- Staff was directed to continue exploring other mitigation strategies without a formal vote on relocation.
Closed Session
- Council noted that Item 15 regarding a closed session would be postponed to a future date.
Full summary
Meeting Summary – City Council of Buellton
- Date: March 26, 2026
Call to Order and Announcements
- The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call was conducted, and a quorum was established. It was noted that Item 15, a closed session item, would be postponed to a future date.
Proclamation: National Vietnam War Veterans Day
- A proclamation recognizing March 29, 2026, as National Vietnam War Veterans Day was read by the Mayor. Veterans and organizers addressed the council regarding their service, the upcoming ceremony, and the impact of the conflict on veterans and their families. A group photo was taken with the guests and council members.
Arts and Culture Program (Item 3)
- Staff presented an update regarding the city-funded production of Annie. Information was provided on audition numbers, ticket sales, and performance dates at the Solvang Theater Fest.
Consent Calendar (Items 4–9)
- A motion was made and seconded to approve agenda items 4 through 9 as listed in the consent calendar. The motion passed.
Ordinance Number 2603 (Item 10)
- Item 10, regarding amendments to hotel operator registration requirements and short-term rental use ordinances, was pulled from the consent calendar for discussion. Public comment was received concerning the legal sufficiency of the ordinance and tenant protections. A motion was made and seconded to approve Ordinance Number 2603 on second reading. The motion passed.
Community Trash Pickup Discussion
- A council member initiated a discussion regarding the feasibility of the city coordinating a community trash pickup program similar to existing county initiatives. Staff indicated they could explore the feasibility of such a program, potentially in coordination with local organizations, and noted that direction from the council would be required to proceed.
Assembly Bill 1708 (Homeless Housing Funds)
- Staff presented details on Assembly Bill 1708, legislation that would allow smaller jurisdictions to directly access homeless housing funds. Discussion focused on eligibility requirements, potential obligations associated with funding acceptance, and the county versus city jurisdiction regarding fund allocation. A motion was made and seconded to direct staff to draft a letter of support for Assembly Bill 1708. The motion passed.
Mid-Year Budget Amendments (Resolution Number 2607)
- Staff presented a mid-year budget review covering the General Fund, Water Fund, Wastewater Fund, and Capital Improvement Budget. Questions were raised regarding reserve policies, fund balances, and revenue projections. A motion was made and seconded to approve Resolution Number 2607, adopting the mid-year budget amendments. The motion passed.
Contract with Kevin Merck Associates (KMA)
- Staff presented a proposal to contract with KMA for permitting assistance regarding a road crossing to the new Willamson parking lot. The discussion covered permit requirements for wetland and stream impacts, estimated costs, and mitigation measures. A motion was made and seconded to approve the contract not to exceed $21,940 and to authorize the necessary budget adjustment. The motion passed.
P. Soup Anderson's Building Relocation (Item 14)
- Staff presented a concept for relocating a portion of the historic P. Soup Anderson's building to Median 3 as potential mitigation for the structure's demolition. Discussion focused on structural feasibility, design consistency with the approved Art Deco plan for Median 3, and alternative preservation methods. Council members expressed concerns regarding the appropriateness of the Median 3 location and the feasibility of moving the structure. No formal vote on relocation was taken; staff was directed to continue exploring other mitigation strategies.
Committee Reports and Communications
- Council members provided updates on regional meetings, advocacy efforts, and the city's aquatics committee. The Mayor’s recent appointment to the California Air Resources Board was acknowledged. Additional information was provided regarding the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt event.