Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Hornick, 2-Lewis, 3-Sanchez, 4-Mead, Solis
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
Recognition of Anne McCarty
- The Council honored Anne McCarty's retirement after 32 years of service.
- Ms. McCarty introduced her successors and acknowledged mentors during her address.
- A gift was presented and a group photograph was taken without a formal vote.
Proclamation for Americans with Disabilities Act Day
- The Council recognized July 26, 2026, as ADA Day with a proclamation on equality.
- Representatives from local organizations discussed accessibility and therapeutic programs.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this recognition item.
Honda Middle School Grant Presentation
- Principal Casey McKean reported on replacing aging Chromebooks with new devices.
- The school received a second grant to continue purchasing technology for sixth graders.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this informational presentation.
NatureTrek Program Presentation
- Sue Isageri presented data on field trips and accessibility programs for students.
- Statistics showed funding supported 194 students and 124 accessibility program uses.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this informational presentation.
CalPERS Contract Amendment
- A public hearing was held to amend the CalPERS contract for PEPRA compliance.
- The Council approved Ordinance No. 26-06 by title only with a waived second reading.
- Resolution No. 26-16 regarding the contract amendment was also approved.
Council Directives and Comments
- Staff was directed to explore cost estimates for planting trees in the library parking lot.
- The Council agreed to obtain contact information regarding work contracts for individuals with disabilities.
- No consensus was reached on directing staff to inquire about abandoning SR 246.
Arts & Culture Project Applications
- Full funding of $10,000 was approved for the St. Helena Valley Botanic Garden Foundation.
- Funding of $1,950 was approved for Martha's Farm Animal Sanctuary's Healing Arts Program.
- Both projects received committee recommendations and were approved by the Council.
Movie in the Park Event Funding
- The Council approved $5,870 for a new nonprofit to host a summer movie screening.
- Questions were raised regarding resident outreach and the lack of a permanent location.
- Staff clarified the event is exclusive to Buellton residents with no labor support requested.
Demolition and Historical Landmark Designation
- The Council approved a resolution to remove landmark designation from most of the 376 Avenue of Flags site.
- Mitigation measures were included to preserve specific historical elements before demolition.
- The state-listing eligible portion of the site will be preserved while the rest is demolished.
Highway 246 Driveway Alignments and Bike Lane Feasibility
- Staff presented options for future driveway alignments and potential protected bike lanes.
- A straw poll indicated majority support for a consolidated shared driveway option.
- Staff will proceed with a specific plan amendment based on the policy guidance provided.
City Council Meeting Guidelines Amendment
- The Council approved a resolution to move regular meetings from Thursday to Monday.
- The change aims to avoid conflicts with conferences and align with other local agencies.
- The new schedule takes effect immediately with the next scheduled meeting.
Fourth Quarter Budget Amendment
- Resolution 26-21 was approved to address operational changes and salary adjustments.
- The amendments include facility needs offset by vacancy savings across multiple funds.
- The net fiscal impact of the amendments is zero across all funds.
City Manager's Report
- The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 10.
- The filing period for the City Council election runs from July 17 through August 7.
- The upcoming Buellton Barbecue Bonanza on July 25 was noted with mailing plans confirmed.
Closed Session
- The Council entered a closed session to address the City Manager's performance evaluation.
- Discussions regarding the initiation and status of existing litigation were held.
- No motions were made or voted upon during this segment of the meeting.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call confirmed the presence of all council members and the Mayor. No requests were made to reorder the agenda.
Agenda Item 1: Recognition of Anne McCarty
- The Council recognized Anne McCarty's retirement as Executive Director of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center following 32 years of service. Ms. McCarty addressed the Council, acknowledging mentors and introducing her successors: Dr. Nidia Delgadillo, Jennifer Nova, Laura Navarrete, and Sabrina Ross. Council members offered remarks, a gift was presented, and a group photograph was taken. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 2: Proclamation for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Day
- The Council recognized July 26, 2026, as Americans with Disabilities Act Day. The Mayor read a proclamation affirming the city's commitment to equality and inclusion. Representatives from the San Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, San Ynez Valley Children's Museum, and the Triumph Foundation addressed the Council regarding accessibility, adaptive sports, and therapeutic programs. A group photograph was taken. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 3: Presentation by Honda Middle School
- Casey McKean, Principal of Honda Middle School, presented on the impact of a previous City of Buellton Community Organization Support Grant. The presentation detailed the replacement of aging Chromebooks with new devices for sixth-grade students and the establishment of a phased technology implementation plan. The school received a second grant to continue purchasing devices for incoming sixth graders. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 4: Presentation by NatureTrek
- Sue Isageri of NatureTrek presented on field trip programs for Oak Valley Elementary students and an accessibility program utilizing Freedom Tracks. The presentation noted that funding supported 194 students on field trips and that the accessibility program was utilized 124 times. Statistics regarding total students served countywide and the number of wheelchair users and seniors assisted were shared. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Public Comment
- Public comments were received on items not on the agenda. One speaker thanked the Council for the ADA Day proclamation and suggested exploring work contracts with individuals and groups with disabilities, partnering with Tri-County Regional Center and the Department of Rehabilitation. Another speaker cautioned the Council to conduct town hall meetings and maintain transparency regarding potential discussions with the City of Lompoc or the Sheriff's Department concerning law enforcement coverage. The Council noted the suggestions for future consideration.
Consent Calendar (Items 3–7)
- The Council considered the consent calendar containing items three through seven. A motion was made to approve the consent calendar and was seconded. The Council voted to approve the motion. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 8: Public Hearing on CalPERS Contract Amendment
- A public hearing was held regarding Ordinance No. 26-06 and Resolution No. 26-16 to amend the contract with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to reflect compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). Staff explained that while PEPRA requirements apply by state law, CalPERS now requests formal contract updates. No questions were asked of staff, and no public comment was received.
- Motion 1: A motion was made to approve Ordinance No. 26-06 by title only, including introduction and first reading, and to waive the second reading. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the motion. The motion passed.
- Motion 2: A motion was made to approve Resolution No. 26-16 regarding the resolution of intention for the contract amendment. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the motion. The motion passed.
Council Comments and Directives
- Tree Planting: A council member requested staff to inquire about the cost estimate for planting trees in the new parking lot below the library. The Council agreed to direct staff to explore cost estimates and report back.
- SR 246 Abandonment: A council member requested staff to inquire with the City of Solvang regarding the feasibility of abandoning a portion of SR 246. Another council member expressed no need for this inquiry. The Council did not reach a consensus to direct staff on this item.
- 4th of July Event: Council members thanked the Rotary, the City of Solvang, and the Sheriff's Department for their work on the 4th of July event.
- Senior Expo: A council member announced an upcoming Senior Expo at Allen Hancock featuring the Triumph Foundation and other partners.
- Work Contracts for Disabilities: Following public comment, the Council agreed to obtain contact information from the speaker regarding work contracts for individuals with disabilities to explore potential partnerships.
Agenda Item 9: Arts & Culture Project Applications
- Two applications were presented for funding from the Arts & Culture budget.
- St. Helena Valley Botanic Garden Foundation: The applicant requested $10,000 to install an artistic metal privacy screen for their community deck. The Arts & Culture Committee recommended full funding. A motion was made to approve the funding request and was seconded. The Council voted to approve the motion. The motion passed.
- Martha's Farm Animal Sanctuary: The applicant requested $1,950 for a pilot Healing Arts Program targeting senior citizens and students. The Arts & Culture Committee recommended full funding with a provision that the pilot prioritize Buellton seniors and students. A motion was made to approve the funding request for $1,950 and was seconded. The Council voted to approve the motion. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 10: Movie in the Park Event Funding
- A presentation was given regarding a request for $5,870 to fund a "Movie in the Park" event scheduled for August 28. The applicant, a new nonprofit, presented data on community demand and outlined plans for a pop-up screening of E.T. at Riverview Park, featuring concessions and a partnership with Space Force. The applicant noted they were outside the standard application cycle but requested consideration due to the summer timing. Council members asked questions regarding community outreach to Riverview Park residents, the timeline for establishing a permanent location, and survey methodology. The applicant indicated that outreach to residents had not yet occurred and that they are currently searching for a permanent location. Staff clarified that the event would be exclusive to Buellton residents and that no labor support was requested from the Recreation Department, though inclusion in city marketing materials was requested. A motion was made to approve the funding request in the amount of $5,870. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the motion. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 11: Resolution 26-22 – Demolition and Historical Landmark Designation at 376 Avenue of Flags
- Staff presented a resolution regarding the former P. Sup Anderson's site at 376 Avenue of Flags. The report detailed the building's history, its current state of disrepair, and safety risks. Staff recommended removing the local historical landmark designation from the majority of the site to allow for demolition, while preserving the state-listing eligible portion (formerly the Buelltmore Hotel). Mitigation measures were proposed to preserve specific historical elements, such as signs and stained glass windows, prior to demolition. Council members asked clarifying questions regarding the scope of demolition, the status of historical artifacts, and the project timeline. A motion was made to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the motion. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 12: Conceptual Review of Highway 246 Driveway Alignments and Bike Lane Feasibility
- Staff presented a conceptual review seeking policy direction on two issues regarding the southern section of Highway 246 between the Avenue of Flags and US 101. The first issue concerned future driveway alignments, presenting two options: Option 1 (maintaining current proposed driveway locations) and Option 2 (a long-range alternative involving a consolidated shared driveway). The second issue was a request for direction on whether to explore setting building setback policies to accommodate potential future protected bike lanes. Staff emphasized the discussion was for policy guidance only. Council members discussed safety implications, impacts on developers, and feasibility in coordination with Caltrans. A straw poll indicated a majority preference for Option 2 and support for exploring protected bike lanes. No formal motion or vote was taken; staff will proceed with developing a staff-initiated specific plan amendment based on the direction provided.
Agenda Item 13: Resolution 26-20 – Amendment to City Council Meeting Guidelines
- Staff presented a resolution to amend guidelines for City Council meetings, proposing to move regular meetings from Thursday to Monday to avoid conflicts with council members attending conferences. Staff noted that moving to Monday would align the city with other local agencies and allow for more efficient staff workflow. Council members discussed pros and cons, including public engagement concerns and potential loss of meetings due to holidays. A motion was made to approve the resolution to move meetings to Monday, effective immediately with the next scheduled meeting. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the motion. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 14: Resolution 26-21 – Fourth Quarter Budget Amendment
- Staff presented Resolution 26-21, approving fourth quarter budget amendments for fiscal year 2025-2026. The amendments addressed operational changes, including salary adjustments, increased hours, and facility needs, offset by vacancy savings and reduced expenditures. The report detailed changes across the General Fund, Wastewater Fund, and Water Fund, noting a net fiscal impact of zero across all funds. A motion was made to approve Resolution 26-21. The motion was seconded. The Council voted to approve the motion. The motion passed.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager provided updates on upcoming events and administrative matters. It was confirmed that the next City Council meeting would be held on Monday, August 10, with no second meeting in July. The filing period for the City Council election was announced as running from July 17 through August 7. The upcoming Buellton Barbecue Bonanza on July 25 was noted, with meal ticket postcards scheduled for mailing. No motions were made or votes taken on this report.
Closed Session Agenda Items
- The Council moved into a closed session to address three specific items: a performance evaluation of the City Manager, consideration of the initiation of litigation, and discussion of existing litigation. Following the announcement of these items, the meeting was adjourned to the closed session. No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.