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
Proclamations
- The Council recognized Teacher Appreciation Week, National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and National Military Appreciation Month.
- Guests from local schools and law enforcement were invited to the dais for recognition and photographs.
- No formal motions or votes were recorded for these ceremonial acknowledgments.
Floodplain Management Ordinance
- The Council adopted Ordinance No. 26-04 to update local code for compliance with new FEMA flood studies effective June 1, 2026.
- An amendment was incorporated to allow the City's floodplain administrator discretion in referring projects to the County.
- Staff clarified that the ordinance addresses development within floodplains rather than stormwater runoff or flood control maintenance.
Short-Term Rental Ban
- A public speaker requested a code revision to allow short-term rentals for small detached units with specific guardrails.
- Council members discussed the impact on housing availability and potential lost tax revenue but expressed resistance to reopening the issue.
- No formal action was taken on the request to modify the existing ban.
Highway 246 Traffic and Narrowing Project
- Staff confirmed that signal timing complaints at the McMurray intersection have been reported to Caltrans via SBCAG.
- The Council approved proceeding with Option A to narrow Highway 246 to one lane in each direction to reduce speeds.
- Staff will submit an encroachment permit application and present the design at the 85% stage before final submission.
City Branding and Event Proposals
- Staff agreed to conduct a high-level review of consultant services and costs for potential city branding and seal updates.
- The Council directed staff to investigate vendor availability and costs for a drone show at the upcoming Winterfest event.
Community and Staff Updates
- Staff reported that regional active transportation funding has been reduced and split between North and South County allocations.
- The Mayor noted that a wildfire preparedness application was not funded by the state due to budget constraints.
- Concerns were raised regarding the need for clearer signage on smoking and drinking restrictions in Village Park.
Claim for Damages: Santa Ana's Valley Horseback Rides
- The business owner presented a $50,000 claim for damages caused by construction on the former Williamson property.
- Council members questioned the construction planning process and lack of access routes provided to the stable.
- The item was continued for a future meeting to allow time for reviewing CEQA documents and consulting with the City Attorney.
CalPERS Pension Funding Update
- The Council directed staff to discontinue direct discretionary payments to CalPERS and instead establish a pension volatility reserve.
- Staff was instructed to return with options for an in-house reserve or a Section 115 trust, including projected returns and risk profiles.
- The previously contemplated $175,000 payment amount will be set aside for this future reserve.
Consumer Price Index Resolution
- The Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 26-10 to tie annual Cost of Living Adjustments to the CPI-W for the Los Angeles region.
- The policy establishes a COLA range of 0% to 5% with a provision for Council discretion based on financial conditions.
- The estimated fiscal impact for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is $103,816 assuming a 3.2% adjustment.
City Manager's Report
- The State of the City event is scheduled for May 20, with public access to the Mayor's address beginning at 11:00 a.m.
- Trees planted prematurely at the 100 Hill School site will be removed if the Planning Commission recommends it.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported potential initiation of litigation and a conference regarding anticipated litigation.
- The Council adjourned the open session at 8:40 p.m. to proceed immediately into closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
- The meeting was called to order on May 14, 2026. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Mead. Roll call confirmed the presence of all council members. No requests were made to reorder the agenda.
Proclamations
- Teacher Appreciation Week: The Council recognized Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8, 2026). A proclamation was read highlighting the importance of teacher quality and the "Teachers Can" movement. Guests from Oak Valley Elementary and Honoda Middle School, including Principal Lisa Melby, were invited to speak. Principal Melby noted that Oak Valley Elementary received the inaugural 2026 National Gold Star School award. A photo was taken with the educators. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
- National Peace Officers Memorial Day: The Council recognized National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, 2026) and National Police Week. A proclamation acknowledged the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and the service of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and local CHP officers. Law enforcement representatives were invited to the dais for a photo. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
- National Military Appreciation Month: The Council recognized May 2026 as National Military Appreciation Month. A proclamation honored current and former U.S. Armed Forces members and their families. Three high school seniors from Santa Ynez Valley High School were recognized for their commitment to join the U.S. Army. A photo was taken with the guests. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Public Comment: Short-Term Rental Ban
- A member of the public addressed the Council regarding the ban on short-term rentals (Code Section 19.02.150). The speaker argued that a total ban was excessive given the isolated nature of the original issue ten years prior and requested a code revision to allow short-term rentals for small detached units with appropriate guardrails, citing the ability to screen guests via online platforms.
Consent Calendar (Items 4–10)
- The Council reviewed items 4 through 10 on the consent calendar. A motion was made to approve the items and was seconded. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Ordinance No. 26-04 (Floodplain Management)
- The Council held a public hearing on Ordinance No. 26-04, which revises Chapter 17.06 of the Municipal Code regarding floodplain management.
- Discussion: Public Works Director Rose Hess presented the ordinance, explaining that it updates local code to comply with new FEMA flood studies and maps effective June 1, 2026. Changes include updating map dates and requiring technical data submission within six months of project completion if FEMA changes flood elevations. Staff proposed an amendment to Section E on page 231, changing language from "shall be referred to the county" to "may at the discretion of the city's floodplain administrator be referred to the county," reflecting the City's capacity to perform its own reviews while retaining the option to request County assistance.
- Public Comment: A member of the public expressed concern regarding the City's readiness for a potential El Niño event and the lack of integrated flood control easements along Zaca Creek. The speaker argued the City lacks the expertise and resources for flood control compared to the County and urged a review of the stormwater ordinance (Title 15) and the Joint Powers Agreement with the County.
- Council Discussion: Council members sought clarification on the distinction between floodplain management (Title 17), stormwater management (Title 15), and flood control functions. Staff confirmed the ordinance addresses development within the floodplain and FEMA compliance, not stormwater runoff or flood control maintenance. Staff clarified that the City does not hold flood control easements as those functions are handled by the County Flood Control District. Council members acknowledged the public's concerns but noted those issues fall under different codes and agreements.
- Decision: A motion was made to adopt Ordinance No. 26-04, incorporating the amendment to Section E. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Council Comments and Items
- Short-Term Rentals: Council members discussed the public comment regarding short-term rentals. One member expressed concern about the impact on local housing availability and noted a lack of citizen interest in reinstating short-term rentals. Another member noted the potential for lost Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue from unpermitted rentals but expressed personal resistance to opening the issue. No action was taken.
- Traffic on Highway 246: Council members discussed traffic backups at the McMurray Highway 246 intersection. It was noted that signal timing issues have been reported to Caltrans via the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). Staff confirmed that multiple complaints have been filed and a Caltrans representative will attend the upcoming SBCAG meeting.
- Highway 246 Narrowing Project: Staff provided an update on the project to narrow Highway 246 to reduce speeds. Caltrans has deemed both proposed options feasible. Staff is proceeding with Option A (reducing to one lane in each direction while maintaining the right-of-way) and will submit an encroachment permit application. The design will be presented to the Council at the 85% design stage before final submission.
- City Branding: A council member proposed exploring city branding and identity updates, including a potential review of the city seal. Staff agreed to conduct a high-level review of available consultant services and costs to present to the Council in the future.
- Winterfest Drone Show: A council member proposed investigating the feasibility of hosting a drone show for the upcoming Winterfest event. Staff agreed to look into vendor availability and costs.
- Community Updates: The Mayor reported on a recent benefits workshop attended by 15 nonprofit organizations and announced an upcoming e-bike workshop. The Mayor also noted that a wildfire preparedness application was not funded by the state due to budget constraints, and local agencies are collaborating to bridge the gap.
- Park Signage: Concerns were raised regarding smoking and drinking in parks, specifically Village Park. The Council discussed the need for clearer signage to indicate non-smoking zones and ensure compliance with existing rules.
- Early Childhood Education: A council member reported on the Early Childhood Education Coalition, highlighting the shortage of preschools and daycare centers, the struggle to pay educators competitive wages, and the need for funding for the "missing middle" families. The member suggested exploring partnerships with United Way and potential policy changes, such as payroll tax adjustments. No formal action was requested.
Staff Updates
- Staff provided updates regarding upcoming meetings for aquatics and sustainable water initiatives. A discussion ensued regarding regional active transportation funding, noting that the available budget has been reduced due to prior borrowing. The funding structure has been modified to split allocations between North County and South County, with a call for projects currently open. Staff noted that only one project will be selected from the pool, and Buellton is eligible to apply. Additionally, staff reported on state legislative activity concerning energy bills, highlighting ongoing discussions regarding ratepayer affordability and transparency.
Claim for Damages: Santa Ana's Valley Horseback Rides
- The City Council received a presentation from Bob Sweeney, owner of Santa Ana's Valley Horseback Rides, regarding a claim for damages following the denial of a claim by the JPIA claims adjuster. Mr. Sweeney detailed business interruptions caused by the construction of a parking lot and restroom facility on the former Williamson property. He cited a lack of prior notice regarding construction timing during peak business season, resulting in significant revenue loss, vehicle damage, and the death of a pony. Mr. Sweeney requested $50,000 in relief. Council members questioned the construction planning process, the lack of access routes provided to the stable, and the placement of the restroom facility. Mr. Sweeney stated his intention was not to pursue litigation but to continue business operations and renew his conditional use permit. Council Member Lewis suggested the matter might require closed session discussion if litigation were to occur. Council Member Lewis requested time to review CEQA documents and consult with the City Attorney. The Council directed staff to continue the item for further review and discussion. No vote was taken on the claim; the item was continued for a future meeting.
CalPERS Pension Funding Update
- A consultant presented an update on the City's CalPERS retirement plan status, noting favorable investment returns over the last three years, with a year-to-date return of 12.1% as of April 30. The City's funded status is projected to exceed 95% by 2026 if current trends hold. The consultant recommended discontinuing direct discretionary payments (ADPs) to CalPERS and instead establishing a pension volatility reserve to buffer against future market corrections. Options included an in-house reserve within the General Fund or a Section 115 trust. The Council discussed the trade-offs between an unrestricted in-house reserve and a restricted Section 115 trust. The Council directed staff to: 1. Discontinue further discretionary payments (ADPs) to CalPERS at this time. 2. Set aside the previously contemplated $175,000 ADP amount for a future pension volatility reserve rather than paying it directly to CalPERS. 3. Return to the Council with options and investment strategies for both an in-house reserve and a Section 115 trust, including projected returns and risk profiles.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) Resolution
- Staff presented Resolution No. 26-10 to establish a consistent policy for annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for regular full-time employees and the City Manager. The proposal ties the COLA to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region, with a range of 0% to 5%. The policy includes a provision for Council discretion to override the automatic adjustment based on financial conditions. The fiscal impact for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, assuming a 3.2% COLA, was estimated at $103,816. Council Member Hornick moved to approve Resolution No. 26-10. The motion was seconded. The Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution. The motion passed.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager announced the upcoming State of the City event scheduled for May 20 at the San Ysidro Valley Marriott. The event is ticketed for the morning breakfast and Chamber of Commerce meeting, but the doors will be opened to the public at 11:00 a.m. for the Mayor's address in compliance with the Brown Act. Regarding the 100 Hill School site, the City Manager reported that trees were planted prematurely due to a miscommunication with the landscape consultant. The Planning Commission, acting as the Tree Advisory Board, is scheduled to discuss the planting at their next meeting. The City Manager stated that if the Commission recommends removal, the trees will be removed.
City Attorney's Report
- The City Attorney reported two items for closed session: potential initiation of litigation and a conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation.
Adjournment and Transition to Closed Session
- The meeting concluded with a discussion regarding the transition from open session. It was confirmed that the body would not reconvene in open session following the current proceedings but would instead report out after the closed session. A motion was made to adjourn the open session at 8:40 p.m. and move immediately into closed session. The motion was seconded and decided upon. The motion passed.