Meeting Summary
Present: 5-Clark, 3-Mayer
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
Introduction of New Fire Chief
- Dan Stefano was introduced as the new Fire Chief for the Carpinteria-Summerlin Fire Protection District.
- Chief Stefano outlined his 30-year career history and personal ties to the region.
- Council members offered welcome remarks without taking a formal vote.
Mayoral Recognitions
- The Council recognized the Morning Rotary and Lions Club for a $10,000 donation to replace play mats.
- Representatives discussed funding sources and announced a new committee dedicated to the play area.
- Council members expressed gratitude for the community support.
Sheriff's Recap
- The report covered recent incidents including a cannabis farm burglary, gang graffiti, and community outreach.
- Staff explained that an upcoming e-bike safety campaign will prioritize education before enforcement.
- Council members inquired about enforcement consequences and security measures for cannabis properties.
Carpinteria Community Library Monthly Report
- The Library Board presented February program highlights and survey results indicating high satisfaction.
- Discussion focused on survey feedback regarding noise levels, quiet spaces, and the need for a mobile library.
- The Council voted to receive and file the report noting the open literacy coordinator position.
City Manager's Report
- Personnel updates included recruitment efforts for an accounting specialist, library technician, and lifeguard coordinator.
- Community Development staff reported on public comment periods for the Surfliner Inn and Ogun Road projects.
- The Chevron Decommissioning project progressed with Tank 861 removal and a resolved harbor seal complaint.
- Council members confirmed that attendance at a developer-hosted open house is not city-sanctioned.
Capital Improvement Updates
- The Capital Improvement Plan study session is being restructured as an educational workshop with site tours.
- Staff is soliciting bids for the Franklin Creek Trail Improvement Project with contract approval pending.
- Construction for the Linden Avenue Improvement Project is tentatively scheduled for completion by month's end.
2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
- Staff presented data showing 18 building permits and 12 certificates of occupancy issued in 2025.
- The report confirmed the city's housing element certification and updates on ADU and density bonus ordinances.
- Council members questioned ADU reliance and low-income housing strategies while staff clarified Builder's Remedy status.
- The Council voted to receive the report and direct its submission to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Amendment No. 9 to Agreement with Dewberry
- Staff presented an amendment to manage delays in the Carpinteria Avenue Bridge Replacement right-of-way phase.
- The scope includes renewing temporary easements, environmental permits, and updating designs within the existing budget.
- The Council authorized the City Manager to execute the amendment with a not-to-exceed amount of $205,232.
Mid-Year Budget Report and Appropriation Adjustments
- The report noted a $1.2 million revenue increase and a $739,000 expenditure increase through January 2026.
- Staff recommended using available fund balance to replenish Special Projects and Asset Replacement reserves to $1 million.
- The Council approved budget amendments, the authorized full-time position list, and the reserve replenishment recommendation.
Public Hearing: Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District Number 2025-1
- Staff presented an engineer's report proposing a new district structure to replace an outdated one.
- Assessments would be based on equivalent benefit units with annual increases tied to the Consumer Price Index.
- The Council adopted a resolution to close the public testimony period and continue the hearing to March 23, 2026.
Public Hearing: Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District
- Staff detailed a proposal to modernize District Number 5 for seasonal winter berm construction and removal.
- Assessments are allocated using an equivalent benefit unit methodology to protect beachfront properties.
- The Council adopted a resolution to close the public testimony period and continue the hearing to March 23, 2026.
Legislative Update: Senate Bill 922
- Staff explained that the bill clarifies prohibitions on local governments imposing fees for street use based on vehicle weight.
- The legislation could potentially allow cities to impose fees based on other factors to recover street maintenance costs.
- Council members requested further information on potential city utilization of these provisions.
Discussion on Street Use Fees and Legal Precedents
- Staff provided an update on the legal framework for charging fees for heavy vehicle use referencing the Zollie case.
- The discussion covered legislation allowing fees to offset damage from heavy commercial vehicles.
- Council members inquired about potential retaliatory charges and judicial pushback without taking a vote.
Committee Reports
- Council members reported on the MTD board meeting where the first draft of the FY 2026-27 budget was received.
- A tour of the Santa Barbara County Carpinteria Clinic was reported with a presentation scheduled for April 13th.
- Staff agreed to include a list of committee and subcommittee positions as an attachment to future agendas.
Full summary
Agenda Item 1: Introduction of New Fire Chief
- The Carpinteria City Council introduced Dan Stefano as the new Fire Chief for the Carpinteria-Summerlin Fire Protection District. Chief Stefano provided an overview of his professional background, including over 30 years of service, previous roles in Costa Mesa and Laguna Beach, and leadership positions with the California Fire Chief's Association and the League of California Cities. He noted his personal connection to the area. Council members offered welcome remarks. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 2: Mayoral Recognitions
- The Council recognized the Morning Rotary of Carpinteria Charitable Foundation, Inc. and the Lions Club of Carpinteria for a combined donation of $10,000 to support the replacement of play mats at the Tomal Interpretive Play Area. Representatives presented a ceremonial check and discussed funding sources, including the Lions Club's 2025 Festival of Trees. The Rotary representative announced the formation of a new committee dedicated to the play area. Council members expressed gratitude. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 3: Sheriff's Recap
- The Sheriff's Office presented a report on February activities, including incidents involving a transient entering a residence, a burglary in progress at a cannabis farm resulting in three arrests, and gang-related graffiti. The report also covered community outreach, including a tour for the Abuelas group, and an upcoming e-bike and bicycle safety campaign emphasizing education followed by enforcement. Council members asked clarifying questions regarding enforcement consequences, cannabis farm burglaries, and graffiti trends. The Sheriff's representative explained that enforcement would begin with warnings and education, and that cannabis burglaries require enhanced security by property owners. Public comment was received from a resident thanking deputies for assistance. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 4: Approval of Minutes
- The Council considered the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting held on February 9, 2026. A motion was made to approve the minutes and was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 5: Carpinteria Community Library Monthly Report
- The Library Board presented the March 2026 monthly report, detailing programs held in February, including a Valentine's craft workshop, book club, and Black History Month movie night. The report highlighted partnerships with homeschooling parents and Rory's Creamery, the receipt of a California State Library Rural Health Connection Grant, and survey results indicating high satisfaction but a desire for more programs and a mobile library. The literacy coordinator position was noted as open. Council members discussed survey results, noise levels, quiet spaces, and volunteer programs. A motion was made to receive and file the report and was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 6: New Business and Discussion
- No new business or discussion items were presented by the Council.
Agenda Item 7: City Manager's Report
- The City Manager's Report covered personnel updates regarding recruitment for an accounting specialist, library technician, lifeguard program coordinator, and maintenance worker. Community Development updates included the conclusion of public comment periods for the Surfliner Inn Project (approximately 80 commenters) and the 5-115 Ogun Road Project (approximately 60 commenters). Progress was reported on the Chevron Decommissioning project, including the removal of Tank 861 and resolution of a harbor seal disturbance complaint. A consistency review letter was issued for the 5885 Carpinteria Avenue Project, with a developer-hosted community open house scheduled for April 9th. Parks and Recreation updates included a First Aid workshop, an environmental code presentation, a fruit tree pruning workshop, and composting statistics. Council members inquired about Council attendance policies regarding the developer-hosted open house; the City Manager confirmed the event is not city-sanctioned and attendance would be reviewed against policy. No formal motions or votes were taken on these items.
Agenda Item 8: Capital Improvement Updates
- The City Manager provided updates on capital improvement projects. The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) study session is being restructured as an educational workshop with site tours tentatively scheduled for March 30. Staff is soliciting bids for the Franklin Creek Trail Improvement Project, with contract approval expected at a future meeting. The Linden Avenue Improvement Project construction phase is tentatively scheduled for completion by the end of the month. No questions were raised by the Council.
Agenda Item 9: Public Comment
- Public comment was opened for matters not on the agenda. Speakers addressed the state housing mandate and "Builder's Remedy," cannabis industry deadlines and city budget health, a request for permit fee and insurance waivers for a "No Kings" march on March 28, downtown lighting improvements, and concerns regarding the Surfliner Inn Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Staff responded by confirming a review of Municipal Code tools for the march, explaining infrastructure issues regarding downtown lighting, clarifying that EIR comments will be addressed in the final report, and noting the city is no longer vulnerable to new Builder's Remedy applications due to housing element certification.
Agenda Item 10: Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve the minutes of the February 23, 2026 meeting, receive and file the warrant register for the period of February 16 through February 27, 2026, and adopt Resolution No. 6437 authorizing the filing of the Transportation Development Act claim for fiscal year 2026-27. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 11: 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
- Staff presented the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The report noted 18 building permits for 20 new units and 12 certificates of occupancy issued in 2025, and confirmed the city's housing element was certified on January 30, 2025. Updates were provided on the Residential Mixed-Use zone, ADU and density bonus ordinances, Section 8 vouchers, and the Safe Parking Program. Council members asked questions regarding ADU reliance, mediation program outcomes, project timelines, and low-income housing strategies. Staff explained that ADU production exceeded projections, mediation outcomes are confidential, and future progress depends on entitlement processes. Staff clarified that the city has no local control over the Builder's Remedy law and that the window for applications has closed, though Senate Bill 423 remains a potential risk for streamlined permitting. A motion was made to receive the report and direct the Community Development Director to submit it to HCD. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 12: Amendment No. 9 to Agreement with Dewberry (Carpinteria Avenue Bridge Replacement)
- Staff presented Amendment No. 9 to the consulting agreement with Dewberry to manage delays in the right-of-way phase caused by utility relocation work. The scope includes renewing temporary construction easements, renewing environmental permits, and updating designs. Staff confirmed the project remains within the existing budget, with costs reimbursable through the Highway Bridge Program grant. Council members inquired about delays, utility work status, and easement compensation. A council member requested tracking of city staff time for transparency. A motion was made to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 9 with a not-to-exceed amount of $205,232, bringing the total amended amount to $2,376,168. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.
Agenda Item 13: Mid-Year Budget Report and Appropriation Adjustments
- Staff presented the Mid-Year Budget Report covering activity through January 2026, noting an overall revenue increase of $1.2 million and an expenditure increase of $739,000, resulting in a fund balance increase of $497,000. Adjustments were attributed to updated revenue projections, unanticipated expenditures, accounting corrections, and one-time items. Key adjustments included increases in taxes, charges for services, and miscellaneous revenue, as well as increases in professional services, contract services, and utilities. Specific fund adjustments were detailed for the General Fund, Measure X Fund, Park Maintenance Fund, and Measure A Fund. Staff recommended using available fund balance to replenish Special Projects and Asset Replacement reserves to the $1 million target. Discussion focused on legal costs, transient occupancy tax drivers, and reserve replenishment policy. Staff clarified that recent hires were filling vacancies and requested approval for a temporary overlap of two positions in the Administrative Services Department. A motion was made to receive the report, approve budget amendments and the authorized full-time position list, and adopt the recommendation to increase restricted fund balances to $1 million. The motion was seconded. The Council voted, and the motion passed.
Agenda Item 14: Public Hearing: Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District Number 2025-1
- A public hearing was held regarding the proposed formation of the Carpinteria Landscape Maintenance District Number 2025-1 and the levy of assessments for fiscal years 2026-2027. Staff presented an engineer's report defining district boundaries, services, and an assessment methodology based on equivalent benefit units. The proposal aims to replace an outdated district structure. Assessments could increase annually based on a formula tied to the Consumer Price Index or 3%, up to a 6% cap. No written objections were received. The public testimony portion was opened and closed with no speakers appearing. A motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 6438, closing the public testimony and ballot submission period, directing the tabulation of protest ballots, and continuing the public hearing to the March 23, 2026 meeting. The motion was seconded. The Council voted, and the resolution passed.
Agenda Item 15: Public Hearing: Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District
- A public hearing was held regarding the proposed formation of the Carpinteria Coastal Berm Assessment District and the levy of assessments for fiscal years 2026-2027. Staff presented an engineer's report detailing the seasonal construction and removal of a winter berm to protect beachfront properties. The proposal seeks to modernize District Number 5. Assessments are allocated using an equivalent benefit unit methodology. No written objections were received. The public testimony portion was opened and closed with no speakers appearing. A motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 6439, closing the public testimony and ballot submission period, directing the tabulation of protest ballots, and continuing the public hearing to the March 23, 2026 meeting. The motion was seconded. The Council voted, and the resolution passed.
Agenda Item 16: Legislative Update: Senate Bill 922
- Staff provided an update on Senate Bill 922, which proposes to revise Section 9400.8 of the California Vehicle Code to clarify that prohibitions on local governments imposing fees for the "privilege of using city streets" apply only to fees based on vehicle weight. This would potentially allow cities to impose fees based on other factors to recover street maintenance costs. Council members requested further information on potential city utilization. No motion was taken.
Agenda Item 17: Discussion on Street Use Fees and Legal Precedents
- Staff provided an update on the legal framework for charging fees for heavy vehicle use, referencing the Zollie v. City of Oakland case. The discussion covered legislation allowing fees based on the "privilege of using city streets" to offset damage from heavy commercial vehicles. Council members inquired about potential retaliatory charges and judicial pushback. No motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Agenda Item 18: Committee Reports
- Council members reported on the Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) board meeting, where the first draft of the fiscal year 2026-27 budget was received and Measure A program projects were adopted. A tour of the Santa Barbara County Carpinteria Clinic was reported, with a presentation tentatively scheduled for April 13th. The Central Coast Community Energy Annual Report was distributed for informational purposes. A request was made to include a list of committee and subcommittee positions and members as an attachment to future agendas; staff agreed to provide the list.
Agenda Item 19: Future Meeting Attendance
- The Mayor confirmed that all council members are scheduled to attend upcoming meetings. A reminder was issued regarding a special joint meeting of the City Council, Planning Commission, and ARB scheduled for the 16th.
Agenda Item 20: Adjournment
- The meeting was officially adjourned at 9:41. No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.