Meeting Summary
Present: DiMera, 1-Solórzano, 5-Clark, 3-Mayer, 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
Juneteenth Proclamation
- The Council adopted a proclamation honoring Juneteenth Independence Day and its historical significance.
- The resolution recognized the city's 2023 holiday designation and encouraged attendance at a Santa Barbara celebration.
- A commemorative certificate was presented to Diane Travis Teague of the Juneteenth Celebration Committee.
Architectural Review Board Recognition
- Richard E. Johnson was honored for his 18 years of service on the Architectural Review Board.
- The Mayor highlighted Johnson's professional background and notable projects during the recognition.
- Mr. Johnson received a commemorative tile and expressed appreciation for his tenure.
Library Board Updates
- Staff clarified that the Library Board meeting separation is mandated by state law and municipal code.
- The Library Director presented a monthly report covering summer programs, teen outreach, and health initiatives.
- The Council received and filed the report following questions regarding teen engagement methods.
City Manager's Report
- Staff announced the upcoming Notice of Preparation for the Farm Project Environmental Impact Report.
- Mobilization for the Chevron offshore pipeline decommissioning is expected to begin in mid-June.
- The Fix-It Fair event achieved a 93% success rate with 98 of 105 repair attempts completed.
Parks and Recreation Updates
- The permanent Monta Vista Dog Park design is scheduled for Architectural Review Board review in July.
- Swim platforms were installed at Carpinteria Beach for the summer season through September 8.
- A new weekly summer event featuring swims and runs is launching every Tuesday evening.
Planning Commission Actions
- The Commission granted a continuance until December 7 for the Verizon Wireless facility application.
- A three-unit condominium project at Surf Cottages was approved with minor flood zone conditions.
- The Commission reviewed a development plan and lot line adjustment request for the Kohler Residence.
Encampment Resolution Funding
- The Council authorized a letter of support for the County's Encampment Resolution Fund Round 5 application.
- Resolution No. 6482 was adopted to apply for state grant funds to support approximately 25 residents.
- Staff confirmed that this action authorizes the application submission without committing city funds or approving a specific site.
Workforce Vacancy Report
- Staff presented a compliance report on workforce vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts under AB 2561.
- The city currently has one full-time vacancy and is recruiting for two part-time positions.
- The vacancy rate does not meet the 20% threshold requiring additional detailed reporting.
Mid-Cycle Budget Report
- Staff presented a report highlighting a structural deficit driven by public safety costs and benefit increases.
- The Council adopted resolutions approving budget adjustments, appropriation limits, and salary schedules.
- Departmental updates included proposed reductions in Agewell, library operations, and the junior lifeguard program.
Assembly Bill 1383 Opposition
- The Council adopted a recommendation to submit a letter opposing Assembly Bill 1383.
- Opposition is based on concerns that the bill would increase pension costs for municipalities.
- The City Manager noted potential indirect financial impacts through contracts with the fire district and sheriff.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported that no reportable actions were taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Closed Session Report
- The Carpinteria City Council meeting was called to order on June 3, 2026, following a closed session. A roll call confirmed the presence of all council members. The City Attorney reported that no reportable actions were taken during the closed session. The meeting proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Proclamation: Juneteenth Independence Day
- The Council discussed a proclamation honoring June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Independence Day, recognizing the historical significance of the date and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Public comment was opened, but no speakers were present. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the proclamation. The motion passed unanimously. The proclamation was read aloud, highlighting the history of emancipation, the legacy of slavery, and the commitment to addressing systemic racism. It noted the City's previous recognition of Juneteenth as a city holiday in 2023 and encouraged residents to attend the "Love for the People" celebration in Santa Barbara. The certificate was presented to Diane Travis Teague of the Juneteenth Celebration Committee.
Recognition: Retiring Architectural Review Board Member
- The Council recognized Richard E. Johnson for his 18 years of service on the Architectural Review Board (ARB). Public comment was opened, but no speakers were present. The Mayor highlighted Johnson's professional background and notable projects. Mr. Johnson addressed the Council, expressing appreciation for his tenure. He was presented with a commemorative tile.
Library Board of Trustees Session
- The Council convened the Library Board of Trustees. A roll call confirmed all board members were present.
- Public Comment: Speakers addressed the importance of maintaining library funding, questioned the procedural separation of the Library Board meeting from the main Council agenda, and provided statistics on library usage and staff size.
- Staff Response: Staff clarified that the separation of the Library Board meeting is a requirement of state law and the City's Municipal Code. Budget questions were deferred to a later agenda item.
- Minutes Approval: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held May 11, 2026. The motion passed unanimously.
- Library Monthly Report: Library Director Eric presented the June 2026 report, covering the first anniversary of his tenure, updates on the Teen Advisory Board, summer reading programs, health and environmental programs, and a book club event. Council members asked questions regarding teen outreach methods. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the report. The motion passed unanimously.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager provided updates on several topics:
- Town Hall: A recent town hall regarding the city's financial position was well-received.
- Recruitment: Applications are being screened for a Chief Building Inspector/Plans Examiner; applications are still being accepted for a Facilities Attendant; interviews are pending for a part-time Recreation Leader.
- The Farm Project (5885 Carpinteria Avenue): Staff announced the upcoming Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), scheduled for publication on June 11. A 30-day public comment period will run until July 10, with a public scoping meeting scheduled for June 30. The baseline project for the EIR is the proposed 191-unit development, with alternatives including a "no-project" option and reduced-scale versions to be evaluated.
- Chevron Decommissioning: Mobilization for offshore pipeline removal is expected to begin around June 15. Work will occur in nearshore waters off Tar Pits Park.
- ARB Vacancy: A vacancy exists on the ARB following Richard Johnson's retirement.
- Fix-It Fair: The event attracted 100 participants and 17 volunteers. Of 105 repair attempts, 98 were successful.
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Report
- The Director provided updates on summer activities and projects:
- Agewell: A presentation on the new WAVE microtransit service is scheduled for June 18.
- Doggy Pots: The sponsorship program has secured 18 of 31 stations.
- Monta Vista Dog Park: The development plan application for the permanent park has been submitted; the temporary permit has been renewed for one year. The design is scheduled for ARB review in July.
- Summer Programs: The adult softball league is underway. Swim platforms were installed at Carpinteria Beach on June 1 and will remain until September 8.
- Carp Beach Nights: A weekly summer event featuring swims and runs is launching every Tuesday evening.
Planning Commission Actions
- Staff reported on the Planning Commission meeting held June 1:
- Verizon Wireless Facility (912 Linden Avenue): The applicant requested a continuance to evaluate alternative locations. The Commission unanimously granted the continuance until December 7.
- Surf Cottages Condominium Project (4716 7th Street): The Commission unanimously approved the development plan and coastal development permit for a three-unit condominium project, with a minor condition regarding flood zone requirements.
- Kohler Residence (333 Linden Avenue): The Commission reviewed a request for a development plan, coastal development permit, and lot line adjustment.
Public Comment on Matters Not on the Agenda
- Annie Sly: Commented on the safety implications of driveways on Linden Avenue, referencing a previous Planning Commission decision and questioning the safety of a proposed City Parking Lot 4 entrance near railroad tracks.
- Rogelio Delgado: Spoke in support of a potential sales tax increase to fund community services such as sidewalk and street repairs, landscaping, and sheriff's contracts.
Public Comment: Carpinteria Lions Club Blood Drive Request
- David Heyman, representing the Carpinteria Lions Club, requested that the City Council donate the use of the Carpinteria Veteran Memorial Building three times annually at no cost to host blood drives. Council members discussed the request, with one member suggesting it be placed on a future agenda to determine if the city could accommodate the request. No formal motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Consent Calendar
- A motion was made to: 1. Receive and file the Warrant Register for the period of May 18, 2026, through May 29, 2026. 2. Receive and file the Monthly City Treasurer's Report on Compliance with Statement of Safekeeping and Investment of Public Funds for April 2026. 3. Direct staff to review the City of Carpinteria's Conflict of Interest Code and prepare necessary updates. 4. Authorize the Mayor to sign the cooperative agreement with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for Carpinteria Circulation Improvement Funds. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Item 13: Letter of Support for Encampment Resolution Funding Round Five
- Staff presented a request from the County of Santa Barbara for a letter of support regarding its application for Encampment Resolution Fund Round 5. Staff clarified that approving the letter does not commit the city to any financial or operational obligations. No questions were raised by the council, and no public comment was received. A motion was made to authorize the Mayor to sign the cooperative agreement with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for Carpinteria Circulation Improvement Funds. The motion was seconded. Following a vote, the motion passed.
Item 14: Resolution No. 6482 – Encampment Resolution Funding Round Five Grant Application
- Staff and representatives from Dignity Moves presented a request to adopt Resolution No. 6482, authorizing the city to apply for Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Round 5 grant funds from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Staff emphasized that this action authorizes only the submission of the application and does not approve a specific project, site, or construction, nor does it commit city funds. Dignity Moves representatives stated that the funding could support construction and two years of services for approximately 25 residents. Council members inquired about the nature of the activities, the partnership structure, and the feasibility of permanent housing versus interim solutions. A motion was made to adopt Resolution No. 6482 and direct staff to return to the City Council with a proposed grant acceptance and project implementation plan should funding be awarded. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Item 15: Public Hearing on City Workforce Vacancies and Recruitment/Retention Efforts (AB 2561 Compliance)
- Theresa Elassine, Management Analyst II, presented a report in compliance with Government Code Section 3561 (AB 2561) regarding workforce vacancies, recruitment, and retention. The report noted that the city currently has one full-time vacancy and is recruiting for two part-time positions. The city's vacancy rate does not meet the 20% threshold requiring additional reporting. Staff outlined recruitment methods and discussed challenges such as competition with neighboring agencies and the high cost of living. No questions were asked by the council, and no public comment was received. A motion was made to receive and file the presentation on city workforce vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts in compliance with Government Code Section 3502.3 (AB 2561). The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Item 16: Mid-Cycle Budget Report
- Staff presented a mid-cycle budget report covering appropriation adjustments for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, setting appropriation limits, and adopting salary schedules for fiscal year 2026-2027. The presentation included an economic and financial overview, highlighting a structural deficit driven primarily by public safety costs and salary/benefit increases, while revenues remain relatively flat.
- Revenues: General fund revenues are projected to remain stable. One-time revenues are being normalized to conservative baselines.
- Expenditures: Public safety remains the largest expenditure category, followed by salaries and benefits. The CalPERS unfunded liability continues to grow.
- Fund Balances: The unassigned fund balance is projected to decrease over the two-year period to support operating subsidies and maintain the Fiscal Stability Reserve.
- Accounting Changes: Expenditures previously budgeted in the Measure X fund have been reallocated to the General Fund and other specific funds to improve transparency.
- Departmental Updates:
- General Government: Reported an adopted budget of $11.5 million for FY 2025-26, with actuals projected at $11.6 million. Key changes included increased legal costs and reduced property insurance costs.
- Administrative Services: Major projects include planning for a Microsoft 365 migration. Budget adjustments include reclassification of utility services and funding for technology modernization.
- Community Development: Reported savings due to unspent grant funding for the General Plan update. A building permit fee study is proposed to address a deficit in the building and safety division.
- Public Works: Reported a current operating budget of $3.1 million with a proposed reduction of $0.7 million. Completed or ongoing projects include the Franklin Creek Trail Improvement Project and Linden Avenue improvements.
- Parks, Recreation, and Community Services: Reported a budget of $2.3 million with proposed reductions. Reductions were made in Agewell, library operating expenses, and the junior lifeguard program.
- Council members discussed the presentation, noting the structural deficit and suggesting breaking down large capital improvement projects into smaller, phased components. Public comment was provided by a resident expressing confidence in the staff and council team. A motion was made to adopt Resolutions 6476, 6477, 6478, 6479, and 6480, which included receiving the mid-cycle budget report, approving budget adjustments, approving the authorized full-time position list, establishing appropriation limits, and adopting salary schedules. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Update on Assembly Bill 1383
- A staff member provided an update regarding a recommendation from the League of California Cities to oppose Assembly Bill 1383. The bill proposes changes to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), including lowering the retirement age for public safety workers and increasing pension formulas. The recommendation to oppose the bill is based on concerns that these changes would substantially increase costs for municipalities. The City Manager noted indirect impacts through contracts with the fire district and sheriff.
Action on Opposition Letter
- Following the update, the Council discussed the recommendation. Public comment was closed, noting no speakers were present. The Council proceeded to adopt the recommendation to submit a letter opposing Assembly Bill 1383. The motion passed.
Committee Reports, Inquiries, and Other Matters
- The Chair called for committee reports, inquiries, and other matters presented by Council members. None were presented.
Adjournment
- The Chair confirmed attendance for future meetings and officially adjourned the meeting at 8:53 PM.