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
Women's Equality Day Proclamation
- A proclamation recognizing August 26, 2026, as Women's Equality Day was read to honor the 19th Amendment anniversary.
- Speakers highlighted historical voting rights struggles and the ongoing need for gender equality progress.
- This informational item required no formal motion or vote from the Council.
Buellton Community Garden Update
- Staff presented an update on new infrastructure including a covered compost area, mulch machine, and plot reorganization.
- Future priorities identified include improved irrigation, perimeter fencing, maintenance, and signage enhancements.
- Plans for master classes in 2027 were outlined during this informational presentation.
2025 California Fire Code Ordinance
- The Council approved Ordinance No. 26-07 to readopt Chapter 8.12 of the Municipal Code aligning with the 2025 state fire code.
- The ordinance includes technical revisions and a new fee schedule reflecting current costs for fire protection services.
- Public hearing was held with no testimony received prior to unanimous approval.
Law Enforcement Service Alternatives
- Staff presented cost comparisons between the current Sheriff's Office contract and a potential alternative with the Lompoc Police Department.
- Council members discussed financial implications, governance structures, and the value of existing services versus new options.
- The Council directed staff to pursue a one-year contract extension while facilitating public outreach on service alternatives.
Mixed-Use Project Conceptual Review
- Staff reviewed a proposal for an Art Deco mixed-use project at 560 Avenue of Flags featuring 26 residential units and commercial space.
- Discussions focused on parking adequacy, density bonus waivers, and specific design elements like lighting and bike racks.
- The Council provided preliminary feedback to the applicant without taking formal action on the conceptual review.
Winterfest Drone Show Vendor Selection
- The Council evaluated vendor options for a drone show as an eco-friendly alternative to fireworks for the Winterfest event.
- A motion was passed to authorize an agreement with "Electric Sky" for a 300-drone show at a cost of $29,500.
- Staff confirmed the expense falls within the existing Winterfest budget allocation and will explore sponsorship opportunities.
Library Operations and Staffing
- Library hours are scheduled to expand to include Sundays starting in September pending successful recruitment efforts.
- Recruitment is currently underway for a librarian position and additional staff roles required to cover extended hours.
Recreation Department Personnel
- Paul Smith's retirement from the Recreation Department was announced during the meeting.
- Allison Fiery was appointed as the new recreation supervisor effective immediately following her previous role as coordinator.
Closed Session
- The Council entered a closed session to discuss existing litigation in the case of Moriarty v. City of Buellton.
- Councilmember Hornick recused himself from this matter and did not attend the closed session discussion.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Agenda Reordering
- The meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, the Council agreed to reorder the agenda due to speaker availability. Item 11 (closed session) was struck from the agenda as it was not needed. Item 8 (drone show) was moved to the end of business items, with Items 9 and 10 to be addressed first. An unscheduled informational presentation regarding the Buellton Community Garden was added immediately following Item 1.
Item 1: Proclamation Recognizing Women's Equality Day
- A proclamation recognizing August 26, 2026, as Women's Equality Day was read. The text acknowledged the 106th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and highlighted women's contributions to the workforce and society while noting that work remains regarding equal pay. Speakers addressed the Council regarding the historical struggle for voting rights, the importance of mentorship, and the need for continued progress on gender equality. This was an informational item; no formal motion or vote was taken.
Unscheduled Presentation: Buellton Community Garden Update
- A representative from the Buellton Community Garden provided an update on recent improvements, including a new covered compost area, a mulch machine, and structural enhancements. The presentation detailed the reorganization of garden plots into community beds (1–25) and reserved member beds (26–46), as well as plans for future master classes in 2027. Priorities identified included better irrigation, perimeter fencing, maintenance, and signage. This was an informational item; no formal motion or vote was taken.
Public Comment (Non-Agendized)
- A representative from the League of Women Voters announced a candidate forum scheduled for October 15 at the Santianez Resource Center. No action was required on this comment.
Consent Calendar (Items 2–6)
- The Council considered Items 2 through 6 under the consent calendar. A motion was made to approve these items and was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 7: Ordinance No. 26-07 (2025 California Fire Code)
- Staff presented Ordinance No. 26-07 for its second reading and public hearing. The ordinance readopts Chapter 8.12 of the Buellton Municipal Code to align with the 2025 California Fire Code as adopted by Santa Barbara County, including technical revisions and a new fee schedule to reflect current costs for fire protection services. Public comment was opened and subsequently closed with no testimony received. A motion was made to approve Ordinance No. 26-07 and was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Written Communications
- The Mayor provided updates on two written communications: the Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District's release of an air toxics hot spot program report (noting Vandenberg Air Force Base as a designated area) and a review of emergency call boxes along Highway 101, which utilize outdated 3G technology. No formal action was taken on these items.
Item 9: Law Enforcement Service Alternatives
- Staff presented a report regarding the City's law enforcement contract with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, noting that costs have risen from approximately $1.8 million in 2019 to $3.5 million currently. The current contract expires in June 2027 but includes three one-year extension options. Staff outlined a potential alternative: contracting with the City of Lompoc Police Department. Estimates for Lompoc service included an annual cost of approximately $4.1 million plus a one-time startup cost between $2.1 million and $2.3 million for recruitment, training, and equipment. The proposal would involve two full-time officers in Buellton (and Solvang), shared supervision, and reliance on Lompoc's technology upgrades. Staff noted that Lompoc indicated this arrangement might require participation from both Buellton and Solvang.
- Representatives from the Lompoc Police Department and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office addressed the Council. The Lompoc Chief discussed benefits including officer rotation for mental health decompression and shared costs. The Sheriff's Lieutenant emphasized the comprehensive support network available through the Sheriff's Office, including forensics, SWAT, and crisis intervention. Public comment was provided regarding school safety, traffic concerns near schools, and the desire for increased law enforcement presence during drop-off and pick-up times.
- Council members discussed financial implications, the value of services received, and the importance of public outreach. Several members expressed support for requesting a one-year contract extension with the Sheriff's Department to allow time for further evaluation and public engagement. Concerns were raised regarding the governance structure of a potential Lompoc contract versus elected oversight available with the County Sheriff. The Council indicated a preference against forming an ad hoc committee at this time but supported staff conducting town hall meetings or forums to gather public input.
- The City Manager discussed the long-term outlook, noting that creating a standalone police department would likely take longer than a one-to-three-year extension of the current contract. The possibility of forming a joint powers agreement with other agencies was raised as a potentially more cost-effective alternative. Discussions regarding this arrangement are ongoing but would not replace the current contract immediately. Council members were encouraged to engage in informal discussions with the Solvang City Council to gauge interest in regional cooperation.
- No formal motion was made or voted upon during this segment. The discussion concluded with the Council providing general direction for staff to pursue a contract extension and to facilitate public outreach regarding law enforcement service options.
Item 10: Conceptual Review of Mixed-Use Project at 560 Avenue of Flags
- Staff presented a conceptual review of a proposed mixed-use project consisting of ground-floor commercial space and 26 residential units in an Art Deco style. The proposal involves the primary site at 560 Avenue of Flags and utilizes adjacent property owned by the same developer for additional parking. The applicant requested to utilize the State Density Bonus Law to achieve a 100% density increase, allowing for 26 units instead of the base 13, with four affordable units included. Requests were made for waivers regarding upper-floor setbacks, building height (up to 47 feet), and commercial parking requirements.
- Council members and staff discussed several technical aspects:
- Parking: The proposal includes 49 spaces utilizing tandem parking and shared access with the adjacent apartment complex. Concerns were raised regarding adequacy for residents and commercial tenants, as well as loading/unloading zones. Staff noted that a dedicated loading space is not required under the municipal code for commercial spaces under 3,000 square feet but could be conditioned on delivery hours.
- Density Bonus: Questions were raised regarding specific sections of the State Density Bonus Law being applied and whether the Council retains discretion to deny waivers if the project qualifies. Staff clarified that if the project meets state law criteria, the Council's ability to deny concessions is limited, though legal review will occur upon formal application submission.
- Design and Infrastructure: The Art Deco design was generally well-received. Council members requested a nighttime rendering to better visualize commercial lighting and pedestrian experience. Discussions also covered bike rack placement, pet-friendly policies, and the project's all-electric systems with battery backup for power outages.
- Specific Plan Cap: Staff confirmed that the current specific plan has a cap of 360 housing units, which was analyzed under CEQA. Increasing this cap would require a specific plan amendment and further environmental review.
- No formal motion was made to approve or deny the project at this stage. The Council provided preliminary comments and feedback for staff and the applicant to consider during the formal application process.
Item 8: Selection of Vendor for Drone Show During Winterfest
- Staff presented options for a drone show as part of the Winterfest event, providing a matrix of three vendors with varying costs based on the number of drones (ranging from approximately 100 to 400). The discussion focused on whether to proceed with a drone show and determining the appropriate scale and budget. Council members debated financial implications, noting that the cost for a short-duration event was significant compared to other seasonal expenditures. Concerns were raised about visual differentiation between drone counts in provided materials and the potential for this to become an annual budgetary line item. Proponents argued that a drone show would enhance Buellton's identity, attract visitors, provide a safe and eco-friendly alternative to fireworks, and bolster local businesses.
- Regarding funding, the Chamber of Commerce representative indicated limited bandwidth for aggressive fundraising. Staff clarified that the City would fund the event if approved, though sponsorship efforts could potentially offset costs or allow for a larger show. A motion was made to authorize an agreement with "Electric Sky" for a 300-drone show at a cost of $29,500. The motion was seconded. The Council voted on the motion, which passed. The City Manager noted that this amount falls within the existing $50,000 budget allocation for Winterfest, requiring no budget adjustment. Staff will proceed with contacting the selected vendor and exploring sponsorship opportunities.
Library Operations and Staffing
- The report indicated that library hours have been authorized for expansion to include Sundays, with implementation scheduled for September. Recruitment is currently underway to fill a librarian position and one or two additional roles required to cover the extended hours. An update on this recruitment will be provided if available. No formal motion was taken.
Recreation Department Personnel
- It was announced that Paul Smith has retired from the Recreation Department. Allison Fiery, previously serving as recreation coordinator, has been appointed as the new recreation supervisor effective immediately. No formal motion was taken.
Legal Matters (Closed Session)
- The agenda included a discussion regarding existing litigation in the case of Moriarty v. City of Buellton. It was noted that Item 11 was removed from the evening's agenda. Councilmember Hornick recused himself from this matter and did not attend the closed session. The meeting then proceeded into closed session. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon in this portion of the transcript.