Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Veggie Rescue Grant Update
- The organization reported rescuing over 111,000 pounds of food, generating approximately $189,284 in savings for the community.
- An additional 40,000 pounds of food were delivered to other valley organizations, representing about $65,000 in savings.
- A new 20-acre organic farm near Highway 246 was announced to grow food specifically for donation.
Ordinance No. 26-07 (2025 California Fire Code)
- Staff presented the ordinance to readopt Chapter 8.12 of the Municipal Code, incorporating the 2025 California Fire Code.
- Adoption by reference was deemed necessary to maintain consistent fire protection services within the city.
- The Council approved the ordinance via a passed motion.
Reclassification of Recreation Center Coordinator
- Staff recommended reclassifying the position to the existing Recreation Coordinator classification to increase departmental flexibility.
- The fiscal impact was estimated at $2,570, with a budget amendment scheduled for the fall.
- The Council authorized the reclassification and adopted the revised salary schedule effective August 24.
City Identification Billboards
- The Council authorized staff to pay up to $20,000 toward repairs for the Chamber of Commerce-owned northbound sign.
- Staff noted the southbound sign is in disrepair with disputed ownership between the property owner and the Chamber.
- An ad hoc committee was formed to negotiate with stakeholders and draft potential ordinance language for the southbound sign.
Vendor Selection for Winterfest Drone Show
- Staff presented proposals ranging from 100 to 400 drones with costs between $15,000 and over $52,000.
- The Council discussed the need for visual examples and potential sponsorship details before making a selection.
- No final decision was made, with the Council indicating a preference for further planning, potentially via an ad hoc committee.
San Ynez Valley Children's Museum Funding
- Staff presented a request for the second funding installment of $300,000 to proceed with Phase 2 construction activities.
- The project experienced delays due to organizational changes and a redesign to align with STEAM education standards.
- The Council discussed funding constraints and project status but took no vote on the disbursement during this meeting.
Resolution No. 26-23 (City Manager Employment Agreement)
- Staff presented the Sixth Amendment to the City Manager's Employment Agreement, including a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment.
- The amendment establishes a provision for automatic future COLA adjustments mirroring those given to regular staff.
- The Council approved the resolution via a passed motion.
Closed Session
- The Council discussed the potential initiation of litigation.
- The Council discussed existing litigation involving Moriarty v. City.
Full summary
Meeting Called to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
- The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on August 10. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Mead. A roll call confirmed the presence of all council members. No reordering of the agenda was requested.
Presentation: Veggie Rescue Grant Update
- A representative from Veggie Rescue presented an update on the impact of City of Buellton grant funding. The organization reported rescuing over 111,000 pounds of food for the Santa Ynez Valley Community Outreach, equating to approximately $189,284 in savings, and delivering an additional 40,000 pounds to other valley organizations, representing about $65,000 in savings. The presenter also noted the launch of a 20-acre organic farm near Highway 246 intended to grow food for donation. Following the presentation, a brief technical issue regarding the speaker's video feed was resolved. No questions were asked by the council, and the presentation concluded with thanks from the Mayor.
Public Comment
- Steve Palmer (Solvang Rotary Club): Presented a commemorative Declaration of Independence signed by the Solvang Rotary Club, American Legion, and VFW to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He thanked the City Council for their participation in the Solvang Fourth of July Parade.
- A.J. Tarman: Spoke on three issues: requesting meetings be held on Saturdays for senior accessibility; citing concerns regarding campaign spending disparities and non-partisan governance; and opposing a raise for the City Manager, citing concerns over urban blight, traffic safety, and billboard maintenance.
- Additional Commenters: Two individuals from Carpinteria spoke regarding tourism slogans, the potential donation of a piano from a vacant building, and suggestions for addressing homelessness through tiny home communities similar to those in Washington state.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar items. The motion passed.
Council Member Comments
- Council Member Sanchez: Reported on a visit to the Lompoc Theater Project, noting significant funding and potential for future collaboration with the Arts and Culture Committee.
- Council Member Lewis: Thanked the Parks and Rec and Public Works departments for recent events. Announced an upcoming accessibility beach day at Avila Park and reminded the public of the upcoming "Movie in the Park" event.
- Council Member Hornick: Discussed a meeting with Congressman Carbajal regarding federal grant opportunities for projects such as the S.Y.V. River Trail and Highway 246. Also noted a community task force meeting regarding the impact of an anticipated 800-job increase at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Item 6: Ordinance No. 26-07 (2025 California Fire Code)
- Staff presented Ordinance No. 26-07 to readopt Chapter 8.12 of the Buellton Municipal Code, incorporating the 2025 California Fire Code as adopted by the County of Santa Barbara. Staff explained that adopting the code by reference is necessary to maintain fire protection services. During the discussion, Council Member Lewis experienced a technical issue and left the room to join remotely under Brown Act provisions regarding illness. A motion was made and seconded to approve the ordinance. The motion passed.
Item 7: Reclassification of Recreation Center Coordinator
- Staff recommended reclassifying the Recreation Center Coordinator position to the existing Recreation Coordinator classification to allow for interchangeable duties and increased departmental flexibility. The fiscal impact was estimated at $2,570, with a budget amendment to be presented in the fall. A motion was made and seconded to authorize the reclassification and adopt the revised salary schedule effective August 24. The motion passed.
Item 8: Discussion of City Identification Billboards
- Staff presented a discussion regarding two city identification billboards: a southbound sign within city limits in disrepair, and a northbound sign three miles south of the city limits owned by the Chamber of Commerce.
- Northbound Sign: The Chamber of Commerce requested funding assistance for repairs estimated between $30,000 and $40,000. Staff noted the Chamber owns the structure and handles maintenance, utilities, and vinyl changes. Council discussed the value of the sign for economic development. A motion was made and seconded to authorize staff to pay up to half of the estimated repair costs, not to exceed $20,000. The motion passed.
- Southbound Sign: Staff noted the sign is in disrepair and ownership is disputed between the property owner and the Chamber of Commerce. A representative from VisitSYV presented a proposal to rehabilitate the sign for promoting valley-wide events and tourism, subject to a change in the Municipal Code to allow for non-city identification content. Council discussed the complexity of the ownership dispute and the need for a coordinated approach. The Council decided to form an ad hoc committee to negotiate with stakeholders and draft potential ordinance language, rather than taking immediate action on the sign's rehabilitation or code changes.
Item 9: Vendor Selection for Winterfest Drone Show
- Staff presented proposals for a drone show at the Winterfest event in December. Proposals ranged from 100 to 400 drones, with costs ranging from approximately $15,000 to over $52,000. Staff requested direction on whether to proceed, the desired number of drones, and vendor selection. Council discussed the need for visual examples and the potential for an ad hoc committee to determine the show's content and sponsorship details. No final decision or motion was made on the vendor selection during this meeting; the Council indicated a preference for further planning, potentially involving an ad hoc committee.
Item 10: San Ynez Valley Children's Museum Funding
- Staff presented a progress report and a request for the second installment of funding ($300,000) for the Children's Museum. The project had undergone organizational changes and a redesign to align with STEAM education and California Education Code, resulting in delays to the conditional use permit. The Museum requested the funds to proceed with Phase 2 activities (fencing, pathways, restroom manufacturing) while awaiting the permit. The Museum's Executive Director explained that Phase 1 funds were restricted to professional fees and could not be used for construction. Council discussed the funding structure, the necessity of the second installment to break ground, and the timeline for the Planning Commission hearing. No vote was taken on the disbursement during this segment; the discussion focused on clarifying the project status and funding constraints.
Item 11: Resolution No. 26-23 (City Manager Employment Agreement)
- Staff presented Resolution No. 26-23 to approve the Sixth Amendment to the City Manager's Employment Agreement. The amendment includes a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and establishes a provision for automatic COLA adjustments in the future, mirroring those given to regular staff up to the Consumer Price Index. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion passed.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager announced the August 12 deadline for filing candidacy for the District 1 City Council race. He also provided a heads-up on upcoming agenda items, including a preliminary report on alternative law enforcement options as the contract with the Sheriff's Office nears its end, and a revised contract with the City of Goleta for library services.
Closed Session
- The Council moved into closed session to discuss potential initiation of litigation and existing litigation (Moriarty v. City).