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, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Retirement Recognition
- The Council recognized David Huff for over 21 years of service as Lead Maintenance Worker.
- Remarks highlighted his contributions to public works and his role as interim supervisor.
- Huff accepted a plaque, and no formal motion was taken on this item.
Park and Recreation Month Proclamation
- The Council adopted a proclamation designating July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month.
- The proclamation cited benefits of parks for health, wellness, and community connection.
- The motion to adopt the proclamation passed unanimously.
Sheriff's Department Recap
- Staff presented a two-month report covering arrests, enforcement actions, and staffing levels.
- Discussion focused on special event security for the St. Joseph's Festival and fireworks policy.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on the departmental update.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
- The Board approved minutes from the June 8, 2026 meeting and received the July report.
- Updates included the Summer Reading Program, a new literacy grant, and the discontinuation of the Sick Book Program.
- The motion to receive and file the library report passed.
City Manager's Report
- Staff provided updates on open positions, the Farm Project scoping, and Chevron pipeline decommissioning.
- Environmental events included a hazardous waste day and a creek cleanup with specific tonnage results.
- Public comment regarding the Seal Fountain led to a discussion on potential maintenance or CIP repairs.
Lions Club Fee Waiver Request
- The Council approved a one-year fee waiver for the Lions Club to conduct blood drives.
- The waiver covers two events in the Veterans Hall and one mobile event in a city parking lot.
- Staff noted the lack of a formal framework for such waivers and the potential precedent set.
Architectural Review Board Appointment
- Three candidates presented qualifications for a vacancy on the Architectural Review Board.
- The Council appointed Jojo Fantone to the board to bring licensed architectural expertise.
- Applications from non-selected candidates will be retained for future recruitment cycles.
In-Lieu Affordable Housing Fees
- Staff recommended adjusting the 2026 in-lieu fee for single-family dwellings to $1,042,100.
- The fee for condominiums will remain unchanged as the calculated amount is below the current rate.
- The Council adopted Resolution No. 6485 to implement the single-family fee adjustment.
Adaptive Reuse Conceptual Review
- The Council reviewed a proposal to convert two vacant office buildings into 31 residential units.
- Feedback addressed concerns regarding habitat impacts, traffic safety, and the residential-to-commercial ratio.
- No formal decision was made as the item was designated for conceptual feedback only.
Closed Session
- A report was provided regarding a prior closed session concerning anticipated litigation.
- No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The Carpinteria City Council regular meeting was called to order on July 13, 2026. A roll call confirmed the presence of all council members and the Mayor.
Closed Session Report
- A report was provided regarding a prior closed session held for a conference with legal counsel concerning anticipated litigation in two cases. No reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Retirement Recognition
- The Council recognized David Huff, Lead Maintenance Worker, for his retirement following over 21 years of service. The Mayor and a Parks and Recreation representative presented remarks acknowledging Huff's contributions to maintaining streets, fleet, parks, and public facilities, as well as his role as interim Public Works Supervisor. David Huff accepted the recognition and a plaque. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Proclamation: Park and Recreation Month
- The Council considered a proclamation designating July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt the proclamation.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
- Following the vote, the proclamation was read, citing the benefits of parks for health, wellness, economic vitality, and community connection.
Sheriff's Department Recap
- The Sheriff's Department provided a two-month recap covering incidents including arrests for gun charges, battery, shoplifting, assault on peace officers, public intoxication, and traffic violations. The report highlighted enforcement actions regarding fireworks, e-bike safety, and domestic violence restraining orders. The Chief demonstrated a method used to steal mail from drive-thru mailboxes. Council members discussed staffing levels and special event security. The Chief confirmed two city deputies are assigned day and night, supported by a senior deputy and sergeant, with additional county units available as needed. Regarding the St. Joseph's Festival, the Chief noted six deputies were contracted, resulting in no major incidents. Council members discussed the effectiveness of assigning additional deputies for holiday enforcement and potential policy changes regarding fireworks fines. One member of the public commented on the festival and asked about staffing and crime trends. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
- The Council temporarily adjourned to hold the monthly meeting of the Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees.
- Minutes: A motion was made to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 8, 2026. The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
- Library Monthly Report: The City Librarian presented the July 2026 report, covering the Summer Reading Program, attendance statistics, collection improvements, outreach, and grant updates. The report noted the discontinuation of the "Sick Book Program" due to state funding changes, though the library received a $25,000 grant for literacy programs and secured free access to the New York Times for cardholders. Staffing updates regarding a departing technician were also provided. Council members asked about the utilization of the discontinued program.
- Motion: A motion was made to receive and file the Carpinteria Community Library report. The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
- The Library Board meeting was subsequently adjourned.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager presented highlights including open positions for Building Official, Engineering Technician, and Management Analyst, with applications due by August 2, 2026.
- Development Applications: The Community Development Director provided updates on two projects:
- 1. Farm Project (Teatime Property): The 30-day comment period for the Notice of Preparation concluded with over 160 letters and a public scoping meeting attended by approximately 75 people. Comments will inform the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). 2. Chevron Oil Processing Decommissioning: Offshore pipeline removal is complete. Nearshore work is paused pending EPA approvals for soil remediation, with a tentative restart later in the summer. Future phases include removing the Gale Grace Pipeline Bundle. Council members asked about the status of onshore work and EIR responses. Staff clarified that onshore work is paused for EPA approvals and that the EIR will address environmental impact comments.
- Congressional Visit: The report noted a visit from Congressman Salud Carbajal regarding FEMA reimbursements and emergency management.
- Environmental Events: The Environmental Program Specialist reported on the Household Goods and Hazardous Waste Day (June 13), which collected 22.66 tons of waste from 335 households, and the Summer Creek Cleanup (June 26), which removed approximately 200 pounds of litter.
- Public Comment: One member of the public urged the Council to repair the Seal Fountain, noting its deteriorated state. Council members and staff discussed the fountain's condition, attributing the water failure to a fracture in the basin. Staff indicated repairs would likely fall under maintenance or potentially a Capital Improvement Project (CIP), noting a group had expressed interest in donating funds.
- Public Comment on Matters Not on the Agenda: The meeting opened public comment for non-agenda items. No formal motion or vote was taken on the City Manager's Report items.
Public Comment
- During the general public comment period, speakers addressed several topics. One speaker discussed the Harbor Seal Advisory Committee's recommendations regarding signage at the Harbor Seal Sanctuary. Another speaker expressed support for a proposed sales tax increase and raised a concern regarding a timing discrepancy during a previous school board meeting. A third speaker discussed enforcement issues at the salt marsh, proposed installing physical barriers, and suggested creating a structured process for the city to explore innovative revenue-generating ideas. No public comment was received regarding the consent calendar.
Consent Calendar
- The Council considered the consent calendar, which included the approval of minutes from the June 22, 2026 meeting; the receipt and filing of the warrant register for the period of June 15 through July 3, 2026; the receipt and filing of the May 2026 City Treasurer's Report on Compliance with the Statement of Safekeeping and Investment of Public Funds; and authorization for the City Manager to execute the first amendment to the agreement with Showscapes, Inc. (DBA Treescapes) for landscape maintenance services not to exceed $111,250.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve these items.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Item 11: Request for Waiver of Rental and Associated Fees by Lions Club of Carpinteria
- Staff presented a request from the Lions Club of Carpinteria to waive rental and staffing fees for the use of the Veterans Memorial Building to conduct community blood drives. The request was revised to include two events in the Veterans Hall and a third event utilizing a blood mobile in a city parking lot. Staff noted the standard nonprofit rental rate is $62 per hour and that holding events on Saturdays could displace existing programming. Council members discussed the lack of a formal framework for fee waivers, the distinction between community service and fundraising, and the potential to set a precedent. Suggestions included a one-year pilot program and adjusting event start times.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the fee waiver for one year for the Lions Club, with a modification to include the blood mobile event in a city parking lot.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Item 12: Appointment to the Architectural Review Board
- Staff presented a vacancy on the Architectural Review Board (ARB) due to the retirement of a long-time member. Three of six invited applicants appeared to provide background information on their qualifications in architecture, urban planning, and civil engineering. Council members discussed the candidates' qualifications, emphasizing the value of having a licensed architect and landscape architect on the board.
- Motion: A motion was made to appoint Jojo Fantone to the Architectural Review Board.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
- The Council noted that applications from non-selected candidates would be kept on file for the next recruitment cycle.
Item 13: 2025 Home Sales Prices and 2026 In-Lieu Affordable Housing Fees
- Staff presented a report on 2025 home sales prices and the calculation of the 2026 in-lieu affordable housing fees. The report indicated that the calculated fee for single-family dwellings increased to $1,042,100, exceeding the 2023 adopted fee, primarily due to a rise in median home sales prices. The calculated fee for condominiums remained below the 2023 adopted fee. Staff recommended adopting the new fee for single-family dwellings while maintaining the current fee for condominiums. Council members inquired about future updates to the inclusionary housing ordinance regarding rental projects and income targeting. Staff indicated such updates are part of a future legislative wave.
- Motion: A motion was made to receive and file the report and adopt Resolution No. 6485 to adjust the 2026 in-lieu fee for single-family dwellings only.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Decision: The motion passed.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Item 14: Conceptual Review of Adaptive Reuse Project (6185 Carpinteria Avenue)
- The Council considered a conceptual review of a proposal to convert two existing vacant office buildings at 6185 Carpinteria Avenue into 31 residential units, including 20 live-work units. The project is located on the Carpinteria Bluffs within the MRP zone and the Coastal Appeals Overlay District. Staff outlined four key areas for feedback: residential use in the MRP zone, commercial component compatibility, siting on the Bluffs, and the Housing Element and RENA. Staff noted concerns regarding the 6-to-1 ratio of residential to commercial square footage and potential impacts on sensitive habitat. The applicant presented the project as a means to address the housing deficit with minimal environmental impact, citing high office vacancy rates. Public comment was received from residents expressing support for adaptive reuse and concerns regarding the lack of affordable housing, wildlife impacts, traffic safety, and precedent. Council members provided feedback on the conceptual proposal, noting the tension between maintaining the bluffs as non-residential and utilizing empty buildings for housing.
- Motion: No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon.
- Decision: The item was designated as a conceptual review for feedback purposes only. No decisions on the project were made, and no formal application has been submitted.
Committee Reports, Inquiries, and Other Matters
- A Council member announced an upcoming public meeting regarding the Carpinteria Advanced Purification Project (CAP), scheduled for the following Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the Carpinteria Sanitary District.
- Motion: No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
- Motion: No formal motion was made, seconded, or voted upon.