UnGovr Words

City Council — February 9, 2026

City Council — February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Switch meeting
BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 February 9, 2026

Click any transcript line to jump the video there.

Meeting Summary

  1. PendingQueued for transcription.
  2. AIYou are hereAuto-transcribed and summarized; not yet human-verified.
  3. VerifiedReviewed and corrected by a person.

Present: 4-Nomura, 1-Solórzano, 5-Clark, 3-Mayer, 2-Alarcon

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

Carpinteria Sanitary District Presentation

  • A district representative outlined current challenges, including staff retention and rising construction costs, alongside opportunities in energy management.
  • The Carpinteria Advanced Purification Project was described as a partnership to purify 100% of average dry weather flow, reducing ocean discharge by 85%.
  • The Water District awarded a $61 million construction contract to Walsh Construction with a projected three-year duration.
  • The council voted to receive and file the presentation.

Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees Meeting

  • The Library Director presented the February 2026 monthly report, highlighting January activities such as the Teen Advisory Board and a Bilingual Basic Computer Class.
  • Questions addressed the Teen Advisory Board application process and the computer loan policy for the college class.
  • The board voted to approve the January 12, 2026 minutes and receive and file the monthly report.

Public Information Reports and Announcements

  • The Sheriff’s Office provided updates on recent incidents and advised against citizen arrests for misdemeanors not committed in an officer's presence.
  • The City Manager reported on recruitment for aquatics positions and noted that the Community Garden composting system diverted 128.5 pounds of waste in January.
  • Community Development updates included the Via Real townhomes project being called incomplete and the 5885 Carpinteria Avenue project triggering an Environmental Impact Report requirement.
  • Staff explained the Proposition 218 process for updating Landscape Maintenance and Beach Berm assessment districts, noting that rates have not been adjusted since the 1990s.
  • A beta version of an interactive web page for Strategic Plan reporting was presented, allowing users to view department goals and performance measures.

Planning Commission Actions

  • The Planning Commission voted to continue the 333 Linden Avenue single-family residence item, directing the applicant to relocate the garage to the rear of the lot.
  • The Planning Commission voted to continue the 912 Linden Avenue Verizon Wireless facility project to allow the applicant to explore an alternative location at 941 Walnut Avenue.
  • The City Council reported these actions without taking a motion, as the items were already decided by the Planning Commission.

2025 Annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Report

  • Staff presented the annual IPM report, identifying five "pest management free zones" where no chemicals are used.
  • Council requested the implementation of 24-hour advance posting for chemical applications in public areas, which staff agreed to implement.
  • Staff committed to working with contractors to inspect sites for entry points and tighten exclusion measures to address rodent concerns.
  • The council voted to receive and file the 2025 Annual Integrated Pest Management Report.

Resolution No. 6434 (Renter Relocation Assistance)

  • Staff proposed increasing the minimum relocation assistance payment for no-fault just cause evictions from $6,500 to $6,750 to align with regional trends.
  • Staff noted that smaller, more frequent adjustments are less burdensome on property owners than large infrequent ones.
  • The council voted to approve and adopt Resolution No. 6434, establishing payments at two months' rent or $6,750, whichever is greater.

Measure A Five-Year Local Program of Projects (FY 2026-2031)

  • Staff requested to continue the public hearing because the program of projects was not ready for final action.
  • The council voted to continue the public hearing for the Measure A five-year local program of projects to the February 23, 2026 meeting.

Second Quarter Code Compliance Report (FY 2025-26)

  • Staff reported 132 cases opened in the quarter, resulting in 92 violations and 288 action items, with abandoned vehicles and noise being the most frequent issues.
  • Staff noted that while case numbers decreased slightly, the cases were more complex, involving short-term rental and zoning issues.
  • A new service provider via the GoGov app was implemented to streamline fee collection.
  • The council voted to receive and file the second-quarter code compliance report.

City Council Advisory Group (CAG) Handbook Update

  • Staff presented a consolidated handbook update that clarifies eligibility requirements, defines "relative," and establishes termination rules for missing two consecutive meetings.
  • The update prohibits members from using personal social media to conduct City business and requires written resignation letters for specific departures.
  • The council voted to approve the updated handbook, including edits to update the Library Advisory Commission’s membership description and replace "citizen" with "resident of Carpinteria."

Closed Session

  • The council moved to closed session to discuss a matter involving significant exposure to litigation.
  • The Mayor requested a report from the closed session, and a council member stated there was no reportable action to present.

Full summary

Agenda Item 1: Carpinteria Sanitary District Presentation

  • A representative from the Carpinteria Sanitary District presented an overview of the district’s facilities, history, staffing, and service area. The presentation addressed current challenges, including staff retention and rising construction costs, and opportunities such as energy management and climate adaptation. The Carpinteria Advanced Purification (CAP) Project was described as a partnership with the Water District to purify 100% of average dry weather flow, reducing ocean discharge by 85%. The Water District awarded a $61 million construction contract to Walsh Construction, with a projected three-year duration. Questions addressed discharge quality compliance, pharmaceutical removal efficacy, and public information resources. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the presentation. The motion passed.

Agenda Item 2: Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees Meeting

  • The meeting temporarily adjourned to hold the monthly meeting of the Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees. Public comment was opened and closed with no speakers.
  • Approval of Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held January 12, 2026. The motion passed.
  • Monthly Report: The Library Director presented the monthly report for February 2026, highlighting January activities including the Teen Advisory Board, a Bilingual Basic Computer Class at Santa Barbara City College, and a California Condor presentation. Questions addressed the Teen Advisory Board application process and the computer loan policy for the college class. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the monthly library report. The motion passed.
  • Adjournment: The Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees meeting was adjourned.

Agenda Item 3: Public Information Reports and Announcements

  • Sheriff’s Office Report: The Sheriff’s Office provided updates on recent incidents, including arrests for indecent exposure, violation of a court order, trespassing and assault, and a citation for a juvenile operating an illegal electric motorcycle. The report promoted the deputy ride-along program. Clarifications were provided regarding public intoxication laws, restraining order violations, and the "MATH" clause (Molest, Annoy, Threaten, Harass). A resident asked about citizen's arrest procedures; the Sheriff’s Office advised against citizen arrests for misdemeanors not committed in the officer's presence, recommending that citizens call the police instead.
  • City Manager’s Report: The City Manager provided updates on recruitment for Lifeguard Program Coordinator and Aqua Instructor positions, staff training, and upcoming events. The report noted that the Community Garden composting system diverted 128.5 pounds of waste in January.
  • Community Development Update: The Community Development Director provided updates on pending housing projects. The Via Real townhomes project was called incomplete for the third time. The 5885 Carpinteria Avenue Residences project was deemed complete, triggering the requirement for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR); the city is soliciting proposals for an environmental consultant. The Architecture Review Board meeting is scheduled for February 12 for the Vier Real Hotel project. The EIR for the Surfliner Inn project is available for public comment until March 9, with a public meeting scheduled for February 18.
  • Strategic Plan Reporting: The City Manager and a Management Analyst presented a beta version of an interactive web page for Strategic Plan reporting, allowing users to view department goals, objectives, and performance measures for Period 1 (July–December). The site is expected to be fully uploaded before the next council meeting.
  • Assessment Districts Discussion: Following public comment, the City Manager and staff explained the Proposition 218 process for updating Landscape Maintenance and Beach Berm assessment districts to reflect current costs, as rates have not been adjusted since the 1990s. Staff clarified that the proposed assessments are annual charges tied to property ownership, not one-time fees. If voters reject the increase, the general fund will continue to subsidize the services, and property owners will continue to pay the 1996 rates. Staff noted that without the assessment district, the City would need to use General Fund money to maintain over 3,000 street trees, 184 acres of open space, and multiple trails, potentially limiting resources for other programs. If the assessment passes, the existing tax amount would be replaced by the new assessment amount. If the assessment fails, the City would either continue services using General Fund money or reduce services. A resident expressed support for the assessment and suggested increased outreach efforts, including door-to-door and social media campaigns in English and Spanish. No motion was taken in this segment.

Agenda Item 4: Planning Commission Actions

  • The City Clerk reported on two items from the Planning Commission’s February 2 meeting. 1. 333 Linden Avenue (Single-Family Residence): The Commission voted 3-2 to continue the item to a future meeting. The applicant was directed to work with staff to relocate the garage to the rear of the lot and move vehicular access off Dorrance Way via an easement or lot line adjustment. The Commission indicated a preference that other site plan elements not materially change. 2. 912 Linden Avenue (Verizon Wireless Facility): The Commission voted 5-0 to continue the project until the April 6 meeting to allow the applicant to explore an alternative location at 941 Walnut Avenue (Carpinteria Veterans Hall). Staff noted that the Commission did not reject the current proposal but granted time to explore a potentially less controversial alternative. No motion was taken by the City Council; the items were reported as actions already taken by the Planning Commission.

Agenda Item 5: Public Comment on Matters Not on the Agenda

  • A resident commented on the "Baylor project," stating it was a "done deal" due to school board approvals and Coastal Commission actions. The resident also expressed support for the city’s assessment districts, urging officials to increase outreach efforts to ensure voter participation. No action was taken.

Agenda Item 6: Consent Calendar

  • The following items were presented for approval: 1. Minutes of the regular meeting held January 26, 2026. 2. Warrant register for the period of January 19 through January 30, 2026. 3. Ordinance No. 795, repealing and replacing Chapter 10.60 (Bicycles and Electric Mobility Devices) of the Carpinteria Municipal Code. 4. Letter of public convenience or necessity to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a Type 48 on-sale general public premises license for CHT LLC and Bainbridge Rising LLC (DBA Arnie’s Rooftop Bar) at 778 Linden Avenue, Unit 8. A motion was made to approve all consent calendar items. The motion passed.

Agenda Item 7: 2025 Annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Report

  • Staff presented the annual IPM report, noting that the City uses herbicides and pesticides for weed, insect, and rodent control in rights-of-way, parks, and open spaces. Staff identified five "pest management free zones" where no chemicals are used. Staff explained that contractors provide monthly records of chemical usage and locations. Council Member Nomura requested that the City implement posting of chemical application notices 24 hours in advance in public areas, particularly parks. Staff agreed to implement this. Council Member Nomura also raised concerns about rodenticide baits posing risks to non-target animals and suggested the City pursue "non-invasive" rodent control methods, such as sealing entry points with wire mesh. Staff indicated they would work with contractors to inspect sites for entry points and tighten exclusion measures. Council Member Clark supported the signage requirement. The Mayor asked about the frequency of IPM Advisory Committee meetings and current challenges; staff noted the committee meets as needed and identified gopher and rodent issues in Vets Hall Courtyard and Viola Field as ongoing challenges. A motion was made to receive and file the 2025 Annual Integrated Pest Management Report. The motion passed.

Agenda Item 8: Resolution No. 6434 (Renter Relocation Assistance)

  • Staff presented a proposed increase to the minimum relocation assistance payment for no-fault just cause evictions from $6,500 to $6,750. Staff cited inflation, the potential for rental rates to rise faster than inflation, and the need to align with nearby jurisdictions as reasons for the increase. Staff noted that smaller, more frequent adjustments are less burdensome on property owners than large infrequent ones. Council Member Solorzano asked about landlord feedback; staff reported no significant negative feedback. Council Member Nomura asked about data sources for regional comparisons; staff explained the data was grouped by metropolitan area for historical consistency. A public commenter asked for examples of "no-fault" evictions; staff confirmed the payment applies to qualified tenants in no-fault scenarios. A motion was made to approve and adopt Resolution No. 6434, establishing renter relocation assistance payments at two months' rent or $6,750, whichever is greater. The motion passed.

Agenda Item 9: Measure A Five-Year Local Program of Projects (FY 2026-2031)

  • Staff requested to continue the public hearing to February 23, 2026, as the program of projects was not ready for final action at the current meeting. The public hearing notice had been published on January 29. A motion was made to continue the public hearing for the Measure A five-year local program of projects to the February 23, 2026, council meeting. The motion passed.

Agenda Item 10: Second Quarter Code Compliance Report (FY 2025-26)

  • Staff presented the second-quarter code compliance report. Key statistics included 132 cases opened (a decrease from 171 in the previous quarter), resulting in 92 violations and 288 action items. Abandoned vehicles and noise complaints were the most frequent request types. Staff noted that while the total number of cases decreased slightly compared to 2024, the cases were more complex, including short-term rental and zoning issues. Zoning violations were primarily related to new businesses and sign placement. Staff also noted an increase in parking citations and animal control services (including intakes and welfare checks) while animal violations decreased. A new service provider via the GoGov app was implemented to streamline fee collection. A motion was made to receive and file the second-quarter code compliance report for fiscal year 2025-26. The motion passed.

Agenda Item 11: City Council Advisory Group (CAG) Handbook Update

  • Staff presented an updated CAG Handbook, which was consolidated for conciseness. Updates included clarifying that Legal Services and Advisory Boards branch from the City Council, adding residency and eligibility requirements, and specifying that former council members must wait one year before appointment. The update also defined "relative" to include parents/step-parents, required written resignation letters for members leaving due to health/business/personal reasons or relocation, and established that missing two consecutive regular meetings without notice results in termination of the term. Members are prohibited from using personal social media to conduct City business. Council Member Solorzano asked how attendance issues would be reported to Council; staff indicated this would be done via the City Manager’s report or email. Council Member Solorzano suggested including handbook review in the biennial AB 1234 ethics training. Council Member Clark asked about remote attendance; staff confirmed that remote attendance counts toward the two-meeting absence rule if the member can vote, subject to Brown Act limits. Council Member Moore asked about term limits for chairs; staff clarified that chairs are elected every two years but can be re-elected. The Mayor noted a need to update the Library Advisory Commission membership description to include the youth position. Staff proposed changing "citizens of Carpinteria" to "residents of Carpinteria" on page 7. A motion was made to approve the updated City Council Advisory Group Handbook, including edits to update the Library Advisory Commission’s membership number and replace "citizen" with "resident of Carpinteria." The motion passed.

Agenda Item 12: Conference with Legal Counsel / Anticipated Litigation

  • The Council moved to closed session to discuss a matter involving significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). The Council temporarily adjourned to closed session at 8:32 PM.

Closed Session Report

  • The Mayor requested a report from the closed session. A council member stated there was no reportable action to present.

Adjournment

  • The Mayor officially adjourned the meeting.