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City Council — May 11, 2026

City Council — May 11, 2026May 11, 2026

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BodyCity Council
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 May 11, 2026

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Meeting Summary

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

AAPI Heritage Month Proclamation

  • The Council adopted a proclamation designating May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
  • Vin Bennett accepted the proclamation on behalf of local AAPI communities.
  • Public comment included remarks on an upcoming Minidoka Concentration Camp exhibition.

Carpinterian of the Year Awards

  • Resolutions were passed recognizing Dr. Jim Campos and Valeria Galilea Pulido as 2025 award recipients.
  • The resolutions highlighted the recipients' contributions to education, history, and community service.
  • Valeria Pulido accepted the award and addressed the Council.

Tim Gray Service Recognition

  • Maintenance worker Tim Gray was recognized for ten years of service and emergency response involvement.
  • Staff noted his promotion and participation in efforts during the Thomas Fire and winter storms.
  • Mr. Gray accepted the award and addressed the Council without a formal vote.

National Public Works Week Proclamation

  • The Council approved a proclamation designating May 17–23, 2026, as National Public Works Week.
  • The proclamation acknowledged public works personnel as first responders and infrastructure maintainers.
  • Public Works staff accepted the proclamation and discussed the importance of their role.

New Staff Introduction

  • Kelly Guevara Cortez was introduced as the new Accounting Technician for Administrative Services.
  • Staff outlined her duties, which include accounts payable, receivable, and payroll support.
  • Ms. Cortez addressed the Council following her introduction.

Sheriff's Department Report

  • The Sheriff's Department presented an April report covering arrests, scams, and illegal camping citations.
  • Council members requested clarification on post office safety and e-bike accident statistics.
  • The Sheriff's representative noted an increase in e-bike accidents but lacked exact numbers.

District 1 Supervisor's Report

  • Supervisor Daisy Lee updated the Council on housing projects and a new county ordinance for local marketing.
  • The report covered cannabis license revocations, parking restrictions, and road closures in unincorporated areas.
  • Council members questioned the definition of "local" for housing and the enforceability of immigration policies.

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

  • The Council temporarily adjourned to hold the monthly Library Board meeting.
  • The Board approved April minutes and received a report on programs and the "One Book One Carpinteria" initiative.
  • The Council voted to receive and file the Library Director's May 2026 monthly report.

City Manager's Report

  • Updates included new personnel introductions and job openings for a Chief Building Inspector and Facilities Attendant.
  • The Living Shoreline Project held two community events, and the General Plan update entered its Notice of Preparation period.
  • The Chevron decommissioning project's onshore activities are paused pending EPA approval of a remedial action plan.

Additional Staff Updates

  • The City Manager confirmed the Chevron project pause and announced the launch of the BeaconBid platform.
  • A new contract management software system agreement was entered into by the city.
  • Parks and Recreation reported on Cycle Mania participation and the launch of a yoga class at Veterans Hall.

Planning Commission Actions

  • The Planning Commission approved a permit revision for a remodel at 4684 7th Street.
  • A hearing for a new residence at 333 Linden Avenue was continued to June 1st.
  • The City Council received these reports without taking formal action or votes.

Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items

  • Presenters discussed youth safety partnerships, architectural review streamlining, and the Skate Foundation.
  • Advocates proposed pursuing International Dark Sky Community status and raised budget concerns.
  • Council members acknowledged the comments and noted existing dark sky policies.

General Municipal Election Resolutions

  • Resolutions were adopted to call the November 3, 2026, general municipal election for Districts 1, 3, and 5.
  • The Council requested consolidation with the statewide general election with an estimated cost of $7,500.
  • The resolutions established nomination period dates and were passed unanimously.

Code Compliance Report

  • Staff presented a third-quarter report showing an increase in total cases to 237 driven by seasonal activity.
  • The division issued 435 citations while operating with only 1.5 staff members.
  • Council members discussed staffing sustainability and strategies for targeted enforcement on e-bikes.

Donation Acceptance Policy

  • Resolution No. 6464 was adopted to establish a formal policy for accepting monetary and in-kind donations.
  • The policy includes criteria for declining donations that may create unintended financial obligations.
  • Council members discussed approval thresholds and the distinction between donations and volunteering.

Legislative Update

  • Staff provided updates on four state bills regarding housing, disaster aid, CEQA, and internal investigations.
  • The Council reached a consensus to authorize staff to submit letters supporting or opposing the bills.
  • Recommendations aligned with the League of California Cities' positions on the legislation.

Committee Reports

  • The MTD Board approved an extension of the master agreement with EZ-Lift for paratransit services.
  • Reports also covered the upcoming Channel Islands Division dinner and digital outreach reviews.
  • No motions or votes were taken on these committee updates.

Closed Session

  • No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.

Full summary

Agenda Item 1: Proclamation Designating May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

  • The City Manager moved to adopt a proclamation designating May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The motion was seconded and passed. Following the vote, the proclamation was read, highlighting community contributions and historical milestones. Vin Bennett accepted the proclamation on behalf of the AAPI communities. Public comment included remarks from visual artist Tama Takahashi regarding an upcoming exhibition on the Minidoka Concentration Camp and a statement of gratitude from a representative of the Japanese American Citizens League.

Agenda Item 2: Resolutions 6460 and 6461 (Carpinterian of the Year Awards)

  • The Council considered resolutions to recognize Dr. Jim Campos as Carpinterian of the Year for 2025 and Valeria Galilea Pulido as Junior Carpinterian of the Year for 2025. The City Manager moved to adopt the resolutions. The motion was seconded and passed. The resolutions were read, detailing the recipients' contributions to education, history, civic organizations, academic achievements, and community service. Valeria Pulido accepted the award and addressed the Council.

Agenda Item 3: 10-Year Service Award for Tim Gray

  • The Council recognized Tim Gray, a maintenance worker, for 10 years of service. Staff introduced Mr. Gray, noting his promotion and involvement in emergency response efforts including the Thomas Fire, debris flows, the pandemic, and winter storms. Mr. Gray accepted the award and addressed the Council. The Mayor read the certificate text. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this item.

Agenda Item 4: Proclamation Designating National Public Works Week

  • The Council considered a proclamation designating May 17 through May 23, 2026, as National Public Works Week. The City Manager moved to approve the proclamation. The motion was seconded and passed. The proclamation was read, acknowledging the role of public works personnel as first responders. Public Works staff accepted the proclamation and discussed the importance of infrastructure maintenance and emergency response.

Agenda Item 5: Introduction of Kelly Guevara Cortez

  • The Council introduced Kelly Guevara Cortez as the new Accounting Technician for the Administrative Services Department. Staff outlined her background and duties, including accounts payable, receivable, and payroll support. Ms. Cortez addressed the Council. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this introduction.

Agenda Item 6: Public Information Reports and Announcements

  • Sheriff's Recap: The Sheriff's Department provided an April report covering a suicide investigation, burglary arrest, fraudulent checks, a knife incident, scam reports, seven DUI arrests, two illegal e-bike tows, and illegal camping citations. Council members requested clarification on post office safety, human trafficking concerns, and e-bike accident statistics. The Sheriff's representative noted an increase in e-bike accidents but stated exact numbers were not immediately available.
  • District 1 Supervisor's Report: Supervisor Daisy Lee provided updates on housing in unincorporated Carpinteria, including the Baylord Project and a new county ordinance requiring developers to market to locals first for 12 weeks. Updates were given on cannabis license revocations, overnight parking restrictions on Via Real, speed limit reductions on Santa Claus Lane, and road closures on Via Real and Summerland. The report also covered a county ordinance banning food vendors in unincorporated areas, election security measures, and policies regarding unauthorized immigration enforcement on county property. Council members asked questions regarding the definition of "local" for housing marketing and the enforceability of the ICE ordinance.
  • Library Board of Trustees Meeting: The Council temporarily adjourned to hold the monthly meeting of the Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees. The Board approved the minutes from April 13, 2026. The Library Director presented the May 2026 monthly report, detailing programs, the "One Book One Carpinteria" initiative featuring George Takei, outreach activities, and staff changes. The City Manager moved to receive and file the monthly report. The motion was seconded and passed.

Agenda Item 7: City Manager's Report

  • The City Manager provided updates on personnel, including the introduction of Francisco Morales and job openings for a Chief Building Inspector and Facilities Attendant. Updates were given on the Living Shoreline Project, noting two community events held in April. Community Development Director Nick Bobrov reported on the General Plan Coastal Land Use Plan update, announcing the start of the 30-day Notice of Preparation period and a public scoping meeting scheduled for May 18. He also reported that the Chevron decommissioning project's onshore activities are temporarily paused pending EPA approval of a remedial action plan, while offshore work continues. The replacement of a power pole for Casitas Pier was noted as tentatively scheduled for late May. The report concluded with the announcement that Richard Johnson is stepping down from the Architecture Review Board after 18 years, and applications for his replacement are being accepted. Council members asked for clarification on the status of the Chevron pipeline work during the onshore pause.

Agenda Item 8: Additional Staff Updates

  • The City Manager provided further updates regarding the Chevron project, confirming it is on pause pending EPA process completion. The City Manager announced that the BeaconBid platform is now live for city project solicitations and that the city has entered into an agreement for a new contract management software system. The Parks and Recreation Director reported that Agewell and the Community Garden participated in the Cycle Mania event and announced the launch of a floor stretch yoga class at the Veterans Hall. No motions were made or votes taken on these updates.

Agenda Item 9: Planning Commission Actions

  • The City Clerk reported on the Planning Commission's May 4th meeting. The Commission approved a revision to a conditional use permit and coastal development permit for a remodel and addition at 4684 7th Street. The Commission granted a continuance for a new residence project at 333 Linden Avenue, moving the hearing to June 1st. No motions were made or votes taken by the City Council on these items.

Agenda Item 10: Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda

  • Several members of the public addressed the Council. Steve Dallara and Michael Hernandez presented on the South Coast Youth Safety Partnership, detailing regional violence statistics and outlining plans for a Youth Advisory Board and an upcoming youth summit. Patrick O'Connor recommended integrating Architectural Review Board and Planning Commission meetings to streamline reviews. Peter Bonning expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Carpinteria Skate Foundation regarding the PUSH Project and summer camps. Ken Reif advocated for Carpinteria to pursue International Dark Sky Community status to reduce light pollution and utility costs. Rogelio Delgado raised concerns regarding the city's budget, inflation, and the potential passage of a sales tax increase. Council members acknowledged the comments, with some noting existing dark sky policies and the feasibility of joint review meetings.

Agenda Item 11: Consent Calendar

  • A motion was made to approve the minutes of the April 27, 2026 meeting; receive and file the warrant register for April 20 through May 1, 2026; receive and file the March 2026 City Treasurer's Report; approve Ordinance No. 797 to amend Chapter 2.08 of the Municipal Code regarding contract signing authority and warrant lists; approve the first amendment to the consultant services agreement with Environmental Science Associates; and authorize the City Manager to execute the second amendment to the agreement with the Carpinteria Skate Foundation. The motion was seconded and passed.

Agenda Item 12: Resolutions Calling the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election

  • The City Clerk presented resolutions to call the November 3, 2026, general municipal election for City Council Districts 1, 3, and 5, and to request consolidation with the statewide general election. The report noted the election cost estimate of $7,500 and the nomination period dates. A motion was made to adopt Resolutions Nos. 6465 through 6467. The motion was seconded and passed.

Agenda Item 13: Third Quarter Code Compliance Report (Fiscal Year 2025-2026)

  • Staff presented the third quarter code compliance report, noting an increase in total cases to 237, driven by seasonal activity and heightened enforcement in areas such as off-leash dogs and parking. The report detailed 435 citations issued and discussed staffing challenges, noting the division operates with 1.5 staff members. Council members discussed the sustainability of current staffing levels, the potential to reinstate a previously cut position, and strategies for future enforcement, including targeted patrols for e-bikes and sidewalk usage. A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded and passed.

Agenda Item 14: Resolution Adopting City Council Policy on Acceptance of Donations

  • The City Clerk presented Resolution No. 6464 to adopt a formal policy for the acceptance of donations. The policy establishes a transparent process for evaluating monetary, in-kind, and service donations, including criteria for declining donations that may create unintended financial or operational obligations. Council members discussed the distinction between donations and volunteering, the handling of restricted giving, and the approval thresholds for large donations. A motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 6464. The motion was seconded and passed.

Agenda Item 15: Legislative Update

  • Staff provided an update on several state bills, including AB 2296 (housing element process), AB 1866 (state disaster aid), AB 2170 (CEQA translation mandates), and AB 1564 (public employer internal investigations). The Council discussed the League of California Cities' recommendations to support or oppose these bills. The Council reached a consensus to authorize staff to submit letters supporting or opposing the four bills consistent with the League's recommendations. No formal motion or vote was recorded for this item.

Agenda Item 16: Committee Reports

  • The City Manager provided reports on the MTD Board meeting, which approved an extension of the master agreement with EZ-Lift for paratransit services and reviewed the fiscal year 2026-2027 service plan. The report also noted the upcoming Channel Islands Division dinner and the Public Engagement Committee's review of digital outreach and city financial overview. No motions were made or votes taken on these reports.

Agenda Item 17: Other Reports

  • Council member Alarcon inquired if there were any other reports. No additional reports were presented.

Agenda Item 18: Attendance of Council Members at Future Meetings

  • The meeting addressed the attendance of council members at future meetings. No specific motion, second, or vote was recorded for this item.

Agenda Item 19: Adjournment

  • The meeting was officially adjourned at 8:11. No vote was recorded for the adjournment.