Meeting Summary
Present: 3-Mayer, 4-Nomura, 1-Solórzano, 5-Clark, Ellicott
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
Community Services Support Grants Program Update
- Staff presented progress reports from three grantees on impacts in education, youth development, and food services.
- The Executive Director of the Carpinteria Arts Center provided an update on grant-funded arts workshops and a teen mural project.
- The Council received and filed the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 CSSG Progress Reports.
City Manager's Report
- Staff provided updates on recruitment efforts for the Chief Building Inspector, Facilities Tendant, and Recreation Leader positions.
- The Principal Planner reported on the Coastal Land Use Plan NOP comment period and the status of the "Farm Project" EIR.
- The Council agreed to extend the Architectural Review Board application deadline to June 30.
Administrative Matters: Letter of Support for Food Bank
- The Council discussed authorizing a letter of support for a $30 million state budget allocation for home delivery nutrition programs.
- Staff noted the City's existing partnership with the Food Bank serves over 3,200 participants without financial obligation.
- The Council authorized the Mayor to sign the letter of support after one member recused themselves.
Street Lighting District No. 1 Continuation
- Staff reported the district is funded by property tax allocations with a projected fund balance of $716,000 by June 2027.
- The district covers utility charges, maintenance, and capital improvements for street lighting.
- The Council adopted Resolution No. 6468 to continue the district for fiscal year 2026-2027.
Lighting, Landscaping, and Right-of-Way Improvement District No. 3 Continuation
- Staff reported the district requires a $462,000 subsidy from Measure X funds to cover estimated expenditures.
- Discussion addressed the fixed assessment nature due to Proposition 218 and potential inflation impacts on the subsidy.
- The Council adopted Resolution No. 6469 to continue the district for fiscal year 2026-2027.
Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessment District No. 4 Continuation
- Staff reported the Downtown T Business Advisory Board recommended increasing the annual assessment by 3.4%.
- Future priorities for the district include aesthetic lighting improvements in the downtown area.
- The Council adopted Resolution No. 6470 to continue the district for fiscal year 2026-2027.
Assessment District No. 5 Continuation
- Staff reported the Winter Protection Burn Program requires a general fund contribution of approximately $31,100 to balance the district.
- Annual revenue is fixed at $20,300 due to Proposition 218 restrictions.
- The Council adopted Resolution No. 6471 to continue the district for fiscal year 2026-2027.
Transactions and Use Tax Ballot Language
- Staff presented proposed ballot language for a 0.25% general tax estimated to generate $700,000 annually.
- Discussion focused on the flexibility of a general tax versus the higher approval threshold for special taxes.
- The Council directed staff to return with final ordinance language and a ballot package at a future meeting.
Franklin Creek Trail Improvement Project Contract
- Staff presented a low bid from Toro Enterprises, Inc., totaling $1,815,750.25 for the multi-use trail construction.
- Discussion confirmed native, drought-tolerant plants would be hand-watered with a one-year warranty on survival.
- The Council awarded the contract and approved related agreements for materials testing and archaeological monitoring.
Mid-Cycle Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvements Program Budget
- Staff recommended adjustments to the Carpinteria Avenue Bridge, Living Shoreline, and Community Pool projects.
- Four non-programmed projects were proposed for inclusion pending funding, including Bluffs 3 Park and Monta Vista Dog Park.
- The Council received and filed the mid-cycle CIP budget report.
Full summary
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Community Services Support Grants Program Update and Grantee Presentations
- Staff presented an update on the Community Services Support Grant Program, which funds local nonprofits. Three grantees—Carpinteria Children's Project, United Boys & Girls Club, and Girls Inc.—provided progress reports detailing impacts in early education, youth development, food services, and community resilience. During public comment, the Executive Director of the Linda Fairley Carpinteria Arts Center updated the Council on grant-funded arts workshops and a teen mural project. Council members acknowledged the presentations. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 CSSG Progress Reports. The motion passed.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager provided updates on recruitment for a Chief Building Inspector, Facilities Tendant, and Recreation Leader. Principal Planner Mindy Fogg reported on development applications, including the Notice of Preparation (NOP) comment period for the Coastal Land Use Plan and General Plan update (deadline June 5) and the status of the "Farm Project" at 5885 Carpinteria Avenue, noting the execution of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) contract and upcoming scoping meetings. Additional updates included a Southern California Edison power pole replacement near the Coastal Vista Trail, upcoming Planning Commission hearings for Surf Cottages and the Cooler Residence, a continuance request for the Verizon Wireless clock tower project, and an opening on the Architectural Review Board (ARB).
- Council discussion addressed the NOP process, with staff clarifying that public comments should focus on environmental impacts, mitigation, and alternatives. Regarding the ARB vacancy, Council members discussed qualifications, noting a historical preference for specific professional backgrounds not currently codified in the Municipal Code. Staff confirmed two applications were received and proposed extending the deadline to June 30; the Council agreed to the extension. The report also covered the launch of the "Host" volunteer program and the Cycle Mania event. Public comment was closed with no speakers.
Public Comment on Matters Not on the Agenda
- Members of the public addressed the Council on road maintenance on El Carol Lane, traffic safety striping on Linden Avenue, budget transparency regarding property tax and reserves, the city's future vision, and road funding constraints related to Proposition 218. Council members acknowledged the comments. The City Manager stated staff would consult Public Works regarding the traffic island striping. The Mayor assured the public that road conditions are under review and requested staff provide a detailed response on revenue strategies and paving plans at a future meeting.
Consent Calendar
- The Council considered the consent calendar, which included approving the minutes of the May 11, 2026 meeting; receiving and filing the warrant register for May 4–15, 2026; receiving and filing the report on contracts executed by the City Manager for April 7–May 4, 2026; and adopting Ordinance No. 797 (Second Reading) to amend Chapter 2.08 of the Carpinteria Municipal Code. The ordinance defines the City Manager's authority to sign contracts, updates the list of officers authorized to sign warrants, and removes the requirement for the City Clerk to present a list of all instruments signed by the City Manager. A motion was made and seconded to approve these items. The motion passed.
Administrative Matters: Letter of Support for Food Bank
- The Council discussed a request to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County and the California Food Bank Delivery Alliance regarding a $30 million state budget allocation for home delivery nutrition programs. Staff noted the City's partnership with the Food Bank since 2024, serving over 3,200 participants. The letter would demonstrate support without financial obligation. One Council member recused themselves due to board membership with the Santa Barbara County Food Bank. Public comment supported the initiative. A motion was made and seconded to authorize the Mayor to sign the letter. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Street Lighting District No. 1 (Resolution No. 6468)
- The Council held a public hearing on the continuation of Street Lighting District No. 1 for fiscal year 2026-2027. Staff reported the district, established in 1977, is funded by property tax allocations with projected revenue of $277,000 and expenditures of $220,000, resulting in a projected fund balance of $716,000 by June 30, 2027. The district covers utility charges, maintenance, and capital improvements. Council discussion clarified the distinction between this district and District No. 3. No public testimony was received. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution No. 6468. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Lighting, Landscaping, and Right-of-Way Improvement District No. 3 (Resolution No. 6469)
- The Council held a public hearing on the continuation of District No. 3 for fiscal year 2026-2027. Staff reported the district, formed in 1985, funds maintenance of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and trees via a fixed dollar assessment. Projected revenue is approximately $200,000, while estimated expenditures are $662,000, requiring a $462,000 subsidy from Measure X funds. Council discussion addressed the fixed assessment nature due to Proposition 218 and the likelihood of the subsidy increasing with inflation. Staff noted current service levels reflect reductions compared to previous proposals. No public testimony was received. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution No. 6469. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessment District No. 4 (Resolution No. 6470)
- The Council held a public hearing on the continuation of District No. 4 for fiscal year 2026-2027. Staff reported the district, formed in 1986, supports the downtown "T" area through parking improvements, advertising, promotions, and public services. Projected revenue is approximately $16,500. The Downtown T Business Advisory Board recommended increasing the annual assessment from $126.45 to $130.75, consistent with the 3.4% consumer price index. Future priorities include aesthetic lighting improvements. No public testimony was received. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution No. 6470. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Assessment District No. 5 (Resolution No. 6471)
- The Council held a public hearing on the continuation of District No. 5 for the Winter Protection Burn Program for fiscal year 2026-2027. Staff reported the district, formed in 1992, funds a sand burn facility for shoreline protection. Annual revenue is fixed at $20,300 due to Proposition 218 restrictions. Projected direct costs require a general fund contribution of approximately $31,100 to balance the district. No public testimony was received. A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution No. 6471. The motion passed.
Other Business: Transactions and Use Tax Ballot Language and Outreach Plan
- The Council discussed a proposed 0.25% transactions and use tax measure and a related community outreach plan. Staff presented ballot language estimating the measure would generate approximately $700,000 annually. The measure is structured as a general tax to allow flexibility in fund allocation without requiring a two-thirds voter approval threshold. Priorities listed include streets, public safety, emergency preparedness, parks, homelessness response, and youth and senior programs, alongside "other general governmental purposes." Staff outlined an outreach plan including stakeholder meetings, town halls, mailers, and digital communications.
- Council discussion focused on the distinction between general and special taxes, the necessity of broad language for passage, and alignment with community polling. Council members noted that a general tax allows the City to address shifting priorities and avoids the higher approval requirement for special taxes. Staff and legal counsel confirmed the listed priorities were derived from scientific polling and direct mail surveys. Public comment was received from library advocates and residents regarding Measure X history, community engagement, and revenue needs. No motion was made to adopt the ballot language or outreach plan; the Council directed staff to return with final ordinance language and a ballot package at a future meeting.
Item 13: Award Construction Contract for the Franklin Creek Trail Improvement Project
- Staff presented the Franklin Creek Trail Improvement Project, a multi-use trail from Carpinteria Avenue to 7th Street. The scope includes approximately 900 feet of pervious concrete, safety fencing, native landscaping, lighting, waste receptacles, and accessibility improvements. The project is funded through Measure A grants, Community Development Block Grants, and development impact fees. Two bids were received, with the low bid from Toro Enterprises, Inc., closely matching the engineer's estimate of $1.8 million.
- Discussion focused on landscaping maintenance, specifically the absence of an irrigation system. Staff confirmed native, drought-tolerant plants would be hand-watered and the contractor is required to provide a one-year warranty on plant survival and workmanship. Council members inquired about construction mitigation measures, including noise control and public notification. Staff outlined standard conditions, including construction hours (7 AM to 5 PM), equipment maintenance for noise reduction, and a requirement for ten calendar days' notice to adjacent residents.
- A motion was made to award the construction contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc., for $1,815,750.25; authorize agreements with Cotton Shires and Associates, Inc. for materials testing (not to exceed $34,487) and Leftwich Archaeology for archaeological and Native American monitoring services (not to exceed $43,540); and approve a budget appropriation of $528,500 from the Capital Improvements Fund. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Item 14: Mid-Cycle Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvements Program Budget
- Staff presented the mid-cycle adjustment for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget, covering recalibration of expenses and revenues. The report detailed adjustments to three "Group 1" programmed projects:
- Carpinteria Avenue Bridge Replacement: Staff recommended reducing design and project management expenditures, shifting funding from the General Fund to Highway and Bridges Development Impact Fees. The total estimated cost remains $15.345 million, with approximately 88.53% federally funded.
- Carpinteria Living Shoreline: Staff recommended an upward adjustment to design phase expenditures, targeted for completion in Summer 2028. No construction funding has been identified.
- Carpinteria Community Pool Improvements: Staff recommended adjustments for the design phase, which is 90% donation-funded. Discussion centered on the fundraising strategy, with staff noting a campaign would launch once design costs are finalized. Staff also addressed potential safety concerns and the possibility of phasing construction or utilizing reserve funds.
- The report outlined four "Group 2" non-programmed projects proposed for inclusion pending funding:
- Bluffs 3 Park Project: Conceptual plans are prepared; funding is available from the Land Trust of Santa Barbara County and the Rincon Bluffs Endowment for initial design.
- El Caro Park Playground Replacement: The existing playground requires replacement to improve accessibility. Staff recommended prioritizing grant applications. Restroom improvements were clarified as a separate item in the five-year CIP.
- Monta Vista Dog Park: The project is nearing final compliance and permitting. Funding is proposed through $150,000 in Quimby funds and anticipated private donations of $50,000 from SeaDog.
- Tmall Interpretive Play Area Repair: The project addresses deteriorated surfacing and play elements. $10,000 in community donations has been secured, with staff recommending continued fundraising.
- Discussion included the city's long-term strategy for park maintenance, the role of consultants, and the upcoming development of a five-year CIP and asset management plan. Staff confirmed 100% of funding for the discussed projects comes from restricted or semi-restricted sources. A motion was made to receive and file the mid-cycle Fiscal Year 2026-27 CIP budget report. The motion was seconded. A voice vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Committee Reports, Inquiries, and Other Matters
- A council member provided updates from external meetings. Regarding a Beacon board meeting, the member reported that Channel Islands, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Harbors received federal funding for dredging projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, noting local advocacy was required. The member also attended a Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce housing policy meeting involving regional stakeholders and a presentation by Mac Carlson. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Adjournment
- The presiding officer confirmed attendance for the upcoming meeting. The meeting was officially adjourned at 9:24 p.m.