Meeting Summary
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 — 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.
- Speakers acknowledged the history and contributions of AAPI residents in the region.
- The motion to adopt the proclamation passed via a roll call vote.
Carpinterian of the Year Resolutions
- Resolutions were approved to award Dr. Jim Campos and Valeria Galilea Pulido for the 2025 term.
- Recipients were recognized for their long-term contributions to the community.
- The motion to approve the resolutions passed following a roll call vote.
Maintenance Worker Staff Recognition
- A proclamation was adopted to recognize Tim Gray for ten years of service.
- Tim Gray addressed the Council to express gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
- The motion to recognize the staff member passed.
National Public Works Week Proclamation
- The Council approved a proclamation designating May 17-23, 2026, as National Public Works Week.
- The Public Works team presented a report regarding infrastructure scope and importance.
- The motion to approve the proclamation passed following a roll call vote.
Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees
- The Council received a report regarding the One Book One Carpinteria program and outreach efforts.
- Updates were provided on staff changes and a visit from author George Takei.
- The motion to receive and file the Board report passed.
Planning Commission Actions
- The Council reviewed a site plan for 4684 7th Street that was approved by the Planning Commission.
- The Council approved the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting.
- A new residence application at 333 Linden Avenue was continued to a June 1 meeting.
November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
- Resolutions were adopted calling for the November election for City Council Districts 1, 3, and 5.
- Staff outlined nomination periods and estimated costs totaling $7,500.
- The Council requested consolidation of the election with the statewide general election.
Code Compliance Report
- Staff presented the Third Quarter FY 2025-2026 report highlighting an increase in cases due to seasonal activity.
- Discussion covered enforcement areas such as off-leash dogs and parking.
- Staffing limitations and the potential impact of adding a third position were discussed.
- The motion to receive and file the report passed.
Donation Policy Resolution
- Resolution 6464 was reviewed to adopt a policy regarding the acceptance of donations.
- The policy creates a transparent process to evaluate monetary and in-kind donations.
- Discussion focused on criteria for declining donations and restricted giving.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
Legislative Update
- Consensus was reached to authorize letters supporting AB 2296 and AB 1866.
- Letters opposing AB 2170 and AB 1564 were also authorized consistent with League of California Cities recommendations.
- Staff presented a summary of positions on several bills impacting the city.
Full summary
Carpinteria City Council Meeting Summary
- Date: May 11, 2026 Location: City Hall
- The City Council of Carpinteria convened to address proclamations, staff recognition, departmental reports, and various administrative and legislative items. The meeting opened with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Item 1: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Proclamation
- The Council discussed a motion to adopt a proclamation designating May 2026 as AAPI Heritage Month. A motion was made and seconded, followed by a roll call vote. The motion passed. A reading of the proclamation was conducted, acknowledging the history and contributions of AAPI residents. Council Member Mayer and Community members Vin Bennett and Tama Takahashi spoke regarding the significance of the proclamation and the history of Asian Americans in the region.
Item 2: Carpinterian of the Year Resolutions
- Resolutions were presented to award Dr. Jim Campos and Valeria Galilea Pulido as Carpinterians of the Year for 2025. The Council moved to approve the resolutions. A motion was made and seconded, followed by a roll call vote. The motion passed. Dr. Campos and Ms. Pulido were recognized for their long-term contributions to the community. Valeria Galilea Pulido spoke briefly following the presentation.
Item 3: Staff Recognition
- A proclamation was adopted to recognize Tim Gray, a Maintenance Worker, for ten years of service. The motion was made and seconded, followed by a vote. The motion passed. Tim Gray addressed the Council, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
Item 4: National Public Works Week Proclamation
- The Council discussed a proclamation designating May 17-23, 2026, as National Public Works Week. A motion was made to approve the proclamation and was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed. The Public Works team presented a brief report regarding the scope of their work and the importance of infrastructure.
Item 5: Staff Introduction
- Kelly Guevara Cortez was introduced as the new Accounting Technician.
Public Information Reports
- Several departmental reports were presented for information purposes:
- Sheriff's Report: Captain D. D. provided a summary of April activities, including reports on a suicide, burglary, fraud, DUIs, and incidents involving e-bikes and illegal camping. Discussions also covered the safety of the Post Office drop box and human trafficking awareness.
- District 1 Supervisor Report: Supervisor Daisy Lee reported on the Redtail housing project, marketing efforts for "locals first," cannabis license appeals, road conditions and speed limits, ICE policies regarding county property usage, and food vendor regulations in unincorporated areas.
- City Manager’s Report: Michael R. provided updates on staffing (including new hires and vacancies in Building Inspection and Facilities), capital projects (Living Shoreline and Chevron decommissioning), and contract management software.
- Parks and Recreation Report: Staff reported on the Cycle Mania event and the Agewell yoga class.
Item 8: Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees
- The Council temporarily adjourned to allow the Library Board to make a report. The Board presented updates on the "One Book One Carpinteria" program, the visit from George Takei, outreach efforts, and staff changes. A motion was made to receive and file the report. Following a vote, the motion passed.
Item 9: Planning Commission Actions
- The Council reviewed actions taken by the Planning Commission. A site plan for 4684 7th Street was reviewed and approved by the Commission 4-0. A new residence application at 333 Linden Avenue was continued to a June 1 meeting. The Council approved the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting.
Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
- Members of the public addressed the Council on various topics:
- Youth safety and engagement programs were supported.
- Recommendations were made regarding the integration of the Architectural Review Board and Planning Commission meetings.
- Updates were provided on the Carpinteria Skate Foundation program and the Carpinteria Escape Foundation.
- A presentation was made regarding light pollution and the potential for Carpinteria to become a Dark Sky Community.
- Community members expressed concerns regarding a potential sales tax increase and the city’s budget balancing methods.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to approve the Consent Calendar items, which included:
- Approval of the minutes from the April 27, 2026, meeting.
- Receipt and filing of the warrant register and City Treasurer's Report.
- Ordinance No. 797: Amending the Municipal Code regarding the City Manager's authority to sign contracts and warrant signing authorization.
- Consultant services agreement amendment with Environmental Science Associates.
- Amendment to the agreement with the Carpinteria Skate Foundation.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Calendar. All items were approved.
Item 17: November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
- The Council considered Resolutions 6465 through 6467, calling for the November 3, 2026, election for City Council Districts 1, 3, and 5, and requesting consolidation with the statewide general election. Staff outlined nomination periods and estimated costs ($7,500). A motion was made to adopt the resolutions. A motion was made and seconded. Following a vote, the motion passed.
Item 18: Code Compliance Report (Third Quarter FY 2025-2026)
- Staff presented the Code Compliance Report for the third quarter. Highlights included an increase in cases compared to the previous quarter, attributed to seasonal activity and heightened enforcement in areas such as off-leash dogs and parking. Staff discussed staffing limitations and the potential impact of adding a third position to the division. A motion was made to receive and file the report. Following a vote, the motion passed.
Item 19: Donation Policy
- The Council reviewed Resolution 6464 to adopt a policy regarding the acceptance of donations. Staff explained the policy creates a transparent process to evaluate monetary and in-kind donations, ensuring they align with city priorities and operational capacity while avoiding unintended obligations. Discussion focused on criteria for declining donations, restricted giving, and the distinction between volunteering and in-kind services. A motion was made to adopt the resolution. A motion was made and seconded. Following a vote, the motion passed.
Item 20: Legislative Update
- Staff presented a legislative update summarizing positions on several bills. The Council discussed AB 2296 (housing element process) and AB 1866 (disaster assistance), both recommended for support. AB 2170 (CEQA translation requirements) and AB 1564 (internal investigations) were recommended for opposition. Consensus was reached to authorize the submission of letters supporting or opposing these bills consistent with the League of California Cities' recommendations.
Committee Reports
- Reports were provided on:
- MTD Board: Extension of the Master Agreement with EZ-Lift for paratransit services and a financial update.
- Channel Islands Division: Information on an upcoming dinner event.
- Public Engagement Committee: Reports on digital outreach and the state of city planning.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 PM.