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
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Proclamation
- Representatives from local organizations expressed support for the city's recognition.
- Council members thanked community leaders for their involvement in local initiatives.
- The proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month was read and accepted.
Solid Waste Contract Amendment
- An amendment to the Moorburg Industries contract was pulled from the consent calendar for discussion.
- Staff explained provisions regarding waste cleanup, hazardous waste pickup, and transfer station access.
- The council voted to approve the second amendment following the detailed inquiry.
Movie in the Park Partnership
- A partnership proposal for a potential movie program was raised during member comments.
- The council considered inviting the proposer for a future presentation on funding options.
Arts and Culture Funding
- The Fall Fest application received a reduced recommendation of $6,500 for music only.
- A council member recused himself from the vote due to a family employment connection.
- Discussion concluded regarding the budget breakdown and logistics for the library application.
Winterfest Drone Show
- Staff presented a budget placeholder of $50,000 for a potential drone show during Winterfest.
- Council members raised concerns regarding resident issues and suggested the Chamber pursue sponsorship.
- No funding was approved, and staff were directed to contact the Chamber regarding the concept.
Water and Wastewater Rate Increases
- Staff reported that prior year revenues and expenditures were lower than projections.
- Council discussed the necessity of continued increases to build reserves to a healthy level.
- A motion was made to approve the second-year implementation of rate increases effective July 1, 2026.
Highway 246 Acquisition Discussion
- Council discussed the potential for Solvang to take over Highway 246.
- Members expressed caution regarding city liability and costs associated with the takeover.
- Discussion remained informational with no action taken on the highway proposal.
Closed Session
- The council adjourned to discuss the potential initiation of litigation.
- The meeting concluded at 7:21 PM following the closed session discussion.
Full summary
Agenda Item 1: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Proclamation
- A proclamation recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month was presented. Public comment was received from representatives of San Ynez Valley Pride and the House of Pride and Equality, who expressed support for the city's recognition and community inclusivity. Council members offered remarks thanking community leaders for their involvement and support of LGBTQ+ initiatives in the area. The proclamation was read and accepted.
Agenda Item 2: Consent Calendar
- The Consent Calendar was considered. A motion was made to approve items 2 through 8. Council Member Hornick requested that Item 9 be pulled from the calendar for further discussion. Item 9 concerned the Second Amendment to the Moorburg Industries contract for solid waste collection services.
- Discussion: Council Member Hornick inquired about provisions regarding waste cleanup, hazardous waste pickup, and transfer station access. Staff explained that the contract includes quarterly household hazardous waste collection and provisions allowing city approval for waste pickup. Discussion focused on the scope of hazardous waste covered and transfer station operations.
- Decision: Following discussion, a motion was made to approve Item 9. The item passed upon voting by the council. The remaining consent calendar items (2–8) were also approved.
Agenda Item 3: Council Member Comments
- Council Member Sanchez: Noted that attendance at the farmers market had slowed slightly.
- Mayor Silva: Congratulated the Chamber on the San Ynez Valley Breakfast and thanked businesses for opening in town. Raised a request regarding a partnership proposal from the Solvang Cinema Society for a potential "Movie in the Park" program. The Council considered inviting the proposer for a future presentation to discuss partnership and funding options.
Agenda Item 4: Written Communications
- No written communications were received.
Agenda Item 5: Committee Reports
- Council Member Sanchez (Visitors Bureau/Chamber): Reported on discussions regarding marketing and fiscal status. Requested a future agenda item to discuss the upkeep of the south billboard and requested the inclusion of the north billboard in that discussion. The Council agreed to bring both items back for review. Also reported on the Aquatics Foundation and promoted the pool's operating hours.
- Council Member Hornick (Library Advisory Committee): Reported on library funding challenges due to county deficits and the view of libraries as core governmental services rather than subsidized ones.
- Mayor Silva (Williamson Site, Unhoused Task Force, League of California Cities): Reported on the Williamson site ad hoc meeting. Shared contact information for the county unhoused task force regarding encampment notifications. Attended a League dinner discussing state budget tightening and budgetary impacts on cities.
- Vice Mayor Mead (SBCAG/APCD): Reported on the SBCAG regional growth forecast for Buellton through 2060. Noted Caltrans ramp closure updates and upcoming drainage work near Nahu Falls. Attended an APCD meeting regarding grant programs.
Agenda Item 6: Business Item 10 – Arts and Culture Project Applications
- Two applications were presented for funding recommendations from the Arts and Culture Committee.
- Application 1: En Fuego Events (Buellton Fall Fest)
- Request: Funding of $20,000 to $25,000 for musical guests, stage, and sound.
- Committee Recommendation: Up to $6,500 for music only, excluding stage and sound, with a requirement for a signed offer sheet from the artist prior to funding.
- Discussion: Council Member Sanchez recused himself due to a family employment connection. Council Member Hornick expressed concern regarding the allocation of funds toward headlining acts versus local musicians. Staff confirmed the committee's recommendation and the headliner preference.
- Decision: A motion was made to approve the committee's recommendation ($6,500 for music, signed offer sheet required). The motion was seconded. The measure passed. Council Member Sanchez did not vote.
- Application 2: Friends of the Buellton Library
- Request: Funding of $5,730 for a chalk festival, mural, speaker series, art and author days, and audio-visual equipment.
- Committee Recommendation: Support for the festival, mural, speaker series, and equipment; no funding recommended for signage or an iPad at this time.
- Discussion: Former Mayor Holly Sierra presented details regarding a bookmobile trike and signage issues. Council members asked questions regarding the budget breakdown and logistics.
- Decision: The discussion concluded with thanks to the presenter. (No formal vote outcome recorded in the transcript).
Agenda Item 7: Business Item 11 – Winterfest Drone Show
- Staff presented a discussion item regarding the possibility of a drone show during the annual Winterfest event. A placeholder of $50,000 was noted in the budget for this purpose.
- Discussion: Council Member Sanchez suggested coordinating with the holiday lights festival and the Chamber of Commerce. Council Member Hornick noted concerns regarding city funding for a Chamber-led event, potential resident concerns (traffic, noise, light pollution), and suggested the Chamber pursue sponsorship first. Staff noted they would reach out to the Chamber to gauge opposition to the concept.
- Decision: No funding was approved. The Council directed staff to contact the Chamber regarding their willingness to incorporate the show.
Agenda Item 8: Business Item 12 – Water and Wastewater Rate Increases
- Staff presented a review of the fiscal year 2026-27 water and wastewater rate increases, part of a five-year program adopted previously.
- Discussion: Staff reported that revenue and expenditures for the prior year were lower than projections, but funds remained in a decent standing. Council members discussed the necessity of continued increases to build reserves to a healthy level.
- Decision: A motion was made to approve the second-year implementation of the rate increases effective July 1, 2026. (No formal vote outcome recorded in the transcript).
Agenda Item 9: City Manager's Report
- The City Manager discussed the upcoming Barbecue Bonanza on July 25th and noted that some agenda items might be delayed to August.
- Discussion: Council Member Hornick raised a discussion regarding the potential for Solvang to take over Highway 246. Council Members Sanchez and Silva expressed caution regarding city liability and costs associated with taking over the highway, suggesting that current arrangements with Caltrans might be preferable.
- Decision: No action taken. Discussion remained informational.
Agenda Item 10: Closed Session
- The Council adjourned to a closed session to discuss the potential initiation of litigation. The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 PM.