Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Solórzano, 5-Clark, 3-Mayer, 4-Nomura, Elicon
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 History Month Proclamation
- The Council adopted a proclamation designating March 2026 as Women's History Month with the national theme "Leading the Change."
- The text recognized women's contributions to the labor force, military service, and social movements.
- A representative from "Women Making Change" accepted the document following the unanimous vote.
Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition Resolution
- Resolution 6436 was adopted to support living heritage trails and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the 1776 expedition.
- The resolution acknowledged Indigenous travel routes and the expedition's encampment near the Chumash village of Mesopshno.
- The Council affirmed a commitment to inclusive storytelling and historic preservation regarding these events.
California Arbor Day Proclamation
- The Council designated March 8, 2026, as California Arbor Day to recognize the importance of trees for air quality and energy conservation.
- The proclamation noted existing city tree protection policies and the role of the Tree Advisory Board.
- Staff indicated that while no specific event is scheduled, the Board plans to organize a future planting activity.
Water District General Manager Introduction
- Kelly Dyer was introduced as the new General Manager of the Carpinteria Valley Water District.
- She outlined her background and discussed current projects including the Advanced Purification Project.
- The Council welcomed her without taking a formal motion.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- The SBA presented information on Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to businesses affected by December 2025 storms.
- Eligible applicants may receive up to $2 million with a 12-month payment deferment.
- The Council was urged to disseminate application details and documentation requirements to local businesses.
County Cannabis Regulation Update
- A hearing is scheduled for March 10 regarding odor abatement plan extensions for eight cannabis operators.
- Denial of an extension will result in the loss of the county cannabis license.
- Vapor phase odor masking agents are banned as of March 18.
County Housing Project Updates
- The Cravens Lane project requires corrections for inconsistencies, while the Baylor project faces ingress/egress and traffic concerns.
- The applicant for the Baylor project has not withdrawn their "Builder's Remedy" application.
- Continued coordination between City, County, and Fire District staff is needed regarding infrastructure impacts.
County Community Opportunities
- Representatives shared information on CycleMania mini-grants, Arts Making Impact Grants, and the VITA program.
- A County Public Works roadmap workshop was also announced for community participation.
County Cell Tower Feasibility
- Verizon and County General Services are discussing a potential cell tower location on county-owned property.
- This site is being evaluated as an alternative to a previously proposed location.
Surfliner Inn Draft EIR
- The Draft Environmental Impact Report is under public comment until March 9 with recommendations for additional data.
- An alternative involving the relocation of the community garden remains an option for public consideration.
- The Environmental Review Committee suggested further analysis on biological resources, transportation, and hydrology.
Ogun Road Housing Project
- A "Builder's Remedy" notice filed by the applicant remains open to public comment until March 9.
Surf Cottages Condominium
- The Architectural Review Board is scheduled to review this project on February 26.
Assessment District Ballots
- Ballots for the Winter Berm and Landscape Maintenance Districts are being received with a public hearing set for March 9.
- A "Yes" vote would update rates to current costs and eliminate General Fund subsidies.
- A "No" vote would maintain 1996 rates and require continued subsidies from the General Fund.
Janitorial Services Agreement
- The Council authorized a two-year agreement with Big Green Cleaning Company for janitorial services not to exceed $500,592.36.
- The contract includes regular cleaning and on-call services such as biohazard cleanup and window washing.
- Discussion highlighted the challenge of obtaining multiple bids and the decision to prioritize vendor qualification over lowest price.
Measure A Five-Year Program
- Resolution 6435 was adopted to approve the five-year local program of projects for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
- The $5.6 million allocation is primarily designated for roadway and bridge maintenance and construction.
- The program mandates spending at least 10% of funds on alternative transportation projects like bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
2025 Volunteer of the Year
- Reinaldo Cardenas was selected as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for organizing the annual summer softball league.
- The Council commended the nominees and directed staff to prepare a formal resolution for future adoption.
- His name will be submitted to the Carpinteria Community Association for recognition.
Emergency Operations Plan Update
- The Council approved a professional services agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions to update the Emergency Operations Plan.
- The $105,200 contract includes bilingual community workshops, staff training, and a tabletop exercise.
- The update aims to comply with current federal and state standards and address emerging hazards.
Legislative Support for AB 1708
- The Council directed the City Clerk to draft a letter of support for Assembly Bill 1708 (Pathways for Cities Act).
- The bill would allow smaller cities to directly access Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention funds.
- Discussion noted potential state funding reductions despite the expanded access for cities under 300,000 residents.
MTD Board and Transit Updates
- The Terminal 2 recommissioning project is moving into phase two following the second quarter review.
- The "Wave" on-demand transit pilot is showing positive results and is expected to launch in Carpinteria in late summer.
Homeless Committee Updates
- The committee discussed state funding cuts for HHAP and regional housing initiatives.
- An inclusionary housing ordinance currently being explored by the City of Goleta was noted.
Transportation and Rail Service
- A new train service partnership aims to provide rail service from San Diego to San Luis Obispo with a stop in Carpinteria.
- The report noted a $2 billion state funding shortfall that could impact long-term sustainability.
Chamber of Commerce Update
- Council members noted attendance at the South Coast Chamber Meeting.
- Potential topics for the Economic Vitality Committee were identified for future discussion.
Special Meeting Announcement
- A special joint meeting involving the City Council, Planning Commission, and ARB is scheduled for March 16.
- The meeting will present an update on state housing laws and recent legislation.
Full summary
Agenda Item 1: Proclamation Designating March 2026 as Women's History Month
- The Council considered a proclamation designating March 2026 as Women's History Month in the City of Carpinteria, adopting the national theme "Leading the Change, Women Shaping a Sustainable Future." The text recognized women's contributions to the nation and community in areas including the labor force, volunteerism, military service, and social movements. No public comment was received. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the proclamation. The motion passed unanimously. Following the vote, the proclamation was read, and a representative from "Women Making Change" accepted the document and addressed the Council.
Agenda Item 2: Resolution 6436 – Support for Long-Distance Living Heritage Trails and the 250th Anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition
- The Council considered Resolution 6436 to support long-distance living heritage trails and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition's encampment near Carpinteria on February 24, 1776. The resolution acknowledged the area's history as a travel route for Indigenous peoples prior to European arrival and recognized the expedition's camp at La Rinclonada near the Chumash village of Mesopshno. It affirmed the City's commitment to public education, historic preservation, and inclusive storytelling regarding Indigenous histories. No public comment was received. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution was read, and a representative accepted the document on behalf of the initiative, noting a recent commemorative walk.
Agenda Item 3: Proclamation Designating March 8, 2026, as California Arbor Day
- The Council considered a proclamation designating Sunday, March 8, 2026, as California Arbor Day. The text recognized the importance of trees for community beauty, air quality, and energy conservation, and noted existing city policies regarding tree protection and the Tree Advisory Board. No public comment was received. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the proclamation. The motion passed unanimously. The proclamation was read and presented to the Public Works Program Manager, who noted that while no special planting event was scheduled, the Tree Advisory Board would be working to organize a future event.
Agenda Item 4: Introduction of Kelly Dyer, Carpinteria Valley Water District General Manager
- Kelly Dyer, the newly appointed General Manager of the Carpinteria Valley Water District, was introduced. Ms. Dyer provided background on her previous roles with the Casitas Municipal Water District and the City of Santa Barbara. She discussed current projects, including the Advanced Purification Project and the interconnection project linking the Casitas and Carpinteria water systems. No formal motion was taken, and the Council welcomed her.
Agenda Item 5: Presentation by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
- Maurice Fisher of the SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience presented information regarding the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program available to businesses and nonprofits affected by the December 2025 storms. He outlined eligibility criteria, loan amounts up to $2 million, a 12-month deferment on payments, and the application process, including required documentation such as tax returns and insurance information. He emphasized the need for the City to disseminate this information to local businesses. No formal motion was taken.
Agenda Item 6: Public Information Reports and Announcements (County Updates)
- Representatives from the County Supervisor's office provided updates on several topics:
- Cannabis Regulation: An update was given regarding the upcoming March 10 hearing on extensions for odor abatement plans requiring carbon scrubbers. Eight operators are seeking extensions; denial of an extension results in the loss of the county cannabis license. Vapor phase odor masking agents are banned as of March 18.
- Housing Projects: Updates were provided on the Cravens Lane project, which has inconsistencies requiring correction, and the Baylor project. A recent meeting addressed ingress/egress issues, emergency access, and traffic impacts. The applicant has not withdrawn their "Builder's Remedy" application. Discussions focused on the need for continued coordination between City, County, and Fire District staff regarding infrastructure impacts.
- Community Opportunities: Information was shared regarding CycleMania mini-grants, Arts Making Impact Grants, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and a County Public Works roadmap workshop.
- Cell Tower: A feasibility discussion is underway between Verizon and County General Services regarding a potential cell tower location on county-owned property as an alternative to a previously proposed site.
Agenda Item 7: City Manager's Report
- Personnel and Training: Assistant City Manager Ryan Kintz reported on the recruitment for a Lifeguard Program Coordinator and recent staff training on workplace violence prevention and homeless encampment cleanup safety.
- Community Development: Principal Planner Mindy Fogg provided updates on three projects:
- 1. Surfliner Inn: The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is under public comment until March 9. The Environmental Review Committee recommended acceptance of the draft with suggestions for additional information on biological resources, transportation, and hydrology. An alternative involving the relocation of the community garden was analyzed but remains an option for public comment. 2. Ogun Road Housing Project: A "Builder's Remedy" notice filed by the applicant remains open to public comment until March 9. 3. Surf Cottages Condominium: The Architectural Review Board is scheduled to review this project on February 26.
- Parks, Recreation, and Community Services: Program Manager Tory Cutworth reported on the Age Well program coordinator's upcoming national presentation, recent community events, and upcoming workshops on fruit tree pruning and a homeschool field trip at the community garden.
- Assessment Districts: The City Manager reminded the Council that ballots for the Winter Berm District and Landscape Maintenance District are being received, with a public hearing scheduled for March 9. A "Yes" vote would update rates to reflect current costs, removing the need for General Fund subsidies, while a "No" vote would maintain the 1996 rates and require continued subsidies.
Agenda Item 8: Public Comment on Matters Not on the Agenda
- Rogelio Delgado: Spoke in support of the assessment district ballot measures, citing the need to update rates from 1996 to maintain services without draining the General Fund.
- Alan Koch: Commented on the Surfliner Inn Draft EIR, specifically questioning the transportation analysis. He noted a discrepancy between the 2019 Walker study used as a baseline and a more recent August 2025 study commissioned by Public Works, requesting clarification on why the newer study was not utilized as the basis for the EIR.
- Mike [Last Name Unspecified]: Was introduced to speak but the transcript ended before his comments were recorded.
Public Comment (General)
- Several members of the public addressed the Council regarding various topics. One speaker expressed opposition to participating in a pilot program related to California SB 1221, which involves shutting off gas service to neighborhoods in favor of all-electric systems, citing previous local opposition to similar measures and urging the Council to avoid the program. Another speaker discussed petitions for new or expanded Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), specifically Petition 29, which could impact fishing access near Carpinteria. The speaker urged the Council to write a letter to the Fish and Game Commission to reject the petition, noting a lack of community outreach by the petitioners and the importance of the area for recreational and commercial fishing. A third speaker commented on the Pledge of Allegiance, expressing support for standing during the pledge as an exercise of free speech and unity, and also encouraged residents to vote on the city's assessment measure. A final public commenter, speaking via Zoom, raised concerns regarding the low utilization rates of EV charging stations and their impact on parking availability. Council members discussed the MPA issue, noting that staff had already provided comments and agreeing to potentially invite the speaker to provide further explanation in the future.
Consent Calendar
- The Council considered the Consent Calendar, which included the approval of minutes from the February 9, 2026 meeting; the receipt and filing of the warrant register for the period of February 2 through February 13, 2026; the receipt and filing of the report of contracts executed by the City Manager for January 6 through February 2, 2026; the receipt and filing of the monthly Treasurer's Report on Compliance with Statement of Safekeeping and Investment of Public Funds for January 2026; and the approval and authorization for the Mayor to execute the Library Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Carpinteria. A motion was made and seconded to approve these items. The motion passed unanimously.
Agreement with Big Green Cleaning Company (Item 13)
- Staff presented an agreement with Big Green Cleaning Company for janitorial services. Following a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued in December 2025, staff evaluated submittals and determined Big Green was the highest-rated firm. The proposed agreement includes a two-year term starting March 1, 2026, with options for three one-year extensions, and a total value not to exceed $500,592.36. The agreement covers regular cleaning services and on-call services such as window cleaning, biohazard cleanup, and carpet cleaning. Staff noted that the agreement would expand nightly restroom locking services to all city facilities.
- Council members discussed the procurement process, noting that while the city solicited proposals from 12 companies, only two responsive bids were received. One bid was deemed unresponsive. Discussion focused on the challenges of obtaining multiple bids for maintenance services, the importance of qualification-based selection over lowest price, and the reliability of the incumbent vendor. Council members expressed a desire to explore methods to increase future bid competition while acknowledging the current vendor's performance. A representative from Big Green Cleaning Company addressed the Council, emphasizing their long-term service to the city, the importance of quality over low price, and their ability to work within budget constraints.
- A motion was made and seconded to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with Big Green Cleaning Company for janitorial services in an amount not to exceed $500,592.36. The motion passed unanimously.
Measure A Five-Year Local Program of Projects (Item 14)
- The Council held a public hearing to adopt Resolution 6435, approving the Measure A five-year local program of projects for fiscal years 2026-2027 through 2030-2031. Staff explained that Measure A, a half-cent sales tax approved in 2008, funds transportation improvements. The five-year allocation for Carpinteria is projected at $5.6 million, with the majority designated for roadway and bridge maintenance and construction. The program includes a maintenance of effort requirement and a mandate to spend at least 10% of funds on alternative transportation projects, such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Staff noted the city is projected to exceed the 10% alternative transportation requirement.
- During the discussion, one Council member recused themselves from the item due to their position on the HELP board. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution 6435 and authorize the Public Works Director to submit the program to the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments. The motion passed unanimously.
2025 Volunteer of the Year (Item 15)
- Staff presented the selection of the 2025 City of Carpinteria Volunteer of the Year. A staff committee reviewed nominations and unanimously recommended Reinaldo Cardenas for his organization and oversight of the city's annual summer co-ed adult softball league. The Council discussed the updated selection process, which incorporated direct input from staff overseeing volunteer programs. A motion was made and seconded to commend the nominees, select Reinaldo Cardenas as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year, submit his name to the Carpinteria Community Association, and direct staff to prepare a resolution for adoption at a future meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Professional Services Agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions (Item 16)
- Staff presented a professional services agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions to update the City's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and develop a five-year emergency preparedness work plan. The current EOP, last updated in 2014, is overdue for revision to comply with current federal and state standards and address emerging hazards. The agreement, valued at not to exceed $105,200, includes updating the EOP, conducting bilingual community workshops, providing staff training, and facilitating a tabletop exercise. A representative from Atlas Planning Solutions discussed their approach to community engagement, including two in-person events in English and Spanish.
- Council members asked questions regarding public communication of the plan, regional partnerships, and the integration of the EOP with the county's emergency alert system. A motion was made and seconded to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions in an amount not to exceed $105,200. The motion passed unanimously.
Legislative Update: Assembly Bill 1708
- The City Attorney provided an update on Assembly Bill 1708 (Pathways for Cities Act), which would allow cities with populations under 300,000 to directly access Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funds if they meet specific accountability requirements. Discussion noted that while the bill would expand access to smaller cities, state funding for HHAP is facing potential reductions. The Council discussed the potential benefits of the bill for Carpinteria. A motion was made and seconded to direct the City Clerk to draft a letter of support for AB 1708. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Reports and Other Matters
- Council members provided updates on various committees and projects:
- MTD Board: Reported on the second quarter review and the Terminal 2 recommissioning project, which is moving into phase two. Updates were also given on the "Wave" on-demand transit pilot, which is showing positive results in Goleta and is expected to launch in Carpinteria in late summer or fall.
- Homeless Committee: Discussed state funding cuts for HHAP and regional housing initiatives, including an inclusionary housing ordinance being explored by the City of Goleta.
- Transportation: Reported on a new train service partnership between SBCAG and VTCT, funded by Measure A, which aims to provide rail service from San Diego to San Luis Obispo with a stop in Carpinteria. The report noted a $2 billion state funding shortfall that could impact long-term sustainability.
- Chamber of Commerce: Noted attendance at the South Coast Chamber Meeting and potential topics for the Economic Vitality Committee.
- Supervisor's Report: Mentioned a "Cycle Mania" grant opportunity.
- The Council confirmed attendance for future meetings and adjourned.
Announcement of Upcoming Special Meeting
- Speaker 15 reminded the Mayor and Council members of a special joint meeting scheduled for March 16th, involving the City Council, Planning Commission, and ARB. The purpose of this meeting will be to present an update on state housing laws and recent legislation. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Adjournment
- Speaker 19 concluded the City Council meeting. No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.