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
Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
- The Council adopted a proclamation declaring September 15 to October 15, 2026, as Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Teresa Alvarez, Executive Director of the Carpinteria Children’s Project, accepted the proclamation and provided remarks.
Celebrate Community Week Proclamation
- The Council adopted a proclamation designating the week of September 7–13, 2026, as Celebrate Community Week.
- Representatives from the Rotary Club and Lions Club accepted the proclamation and discussed local service events.
Approval of Minutes
- The agenda item for the approval of minutes was postponed to the September 28 meeting.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
- The Board approved the July 13, 2026, minutes and received the September 2026 monthly report.
- The report highlighted summer reading participation, partnerships with Santa Barbara City College, and the transition to the Homework CA program.
- Council members inquired about the expansion of bilingual courses and the continuation of Mexican Consulate visits.
City Manager’s Report
- Updates were provided on recruitment status, capital improvement projects, and community services programs.
- The Franklin Creek Trail and Carpinteria High School Crosswalk projects are progressing with completion expected in late 2026.
- Emergency preparedness updates included recent workshops, upcoming drills, and staff confirmation of storm drain clearance and berm construction bids.
- A reminder was issued for the September 21 Planning Commission hearing regarding the Surfliner Inn project.
Revenue Generation Discussion
- Public comment raised concerns about the lack of visible agenda items for non-tax revenue generation.
- The City Manager stated that specific revenue plans are reserved for the January strategic planning session.
- The Council decided to include a recap of revenue generation status and State of the City actions in the upcoming agenda.
Chevron Lease Agreement Amendment
- The Council authorized a six-month extension of the pipeline lease through March 26, 2027.
- Staff recommended the short term to allow time to reevaluate lease terms and decommissioning schedules.
- The annual lease rate is approximately $48,700, plus a $5,000 processing fee.
333 Linden Avenue Appeal
- Staff recommended affirming the Planning Commission’s approval of a new single-family residence and garage.
- The appellant argued the project was too large for the neighborhood and part of a cumulative impact.
- The Council voted to deny the appeal, leaving the Planning Commission’s original decision in effect.
California Avocado Festival Permit
- The Council approved the special event permit for the 40th anniversary festival scheduled for October 2–4, 2026.
- The approval includes temporary public park designation to authorize alcohol sales during operating hours.
- City support costs of approximately $32,400 are covered by the FY27 budget.
Carpinteria Avenue Bridge Replacement Update
- The Interim Public Works Director presented a status update on the bridge replacement project.
- Construction is targeted for summer 2027, with a current funding gap of approximately $6 million.
- The city is exploring capital financing options to bridge the gap and manage cash flow.
Dewberry Agreement Amendment
- The Council authorized Amendment No. 10 to the agreement with Dewberry for supplemental right-of-way services.
- The amendment covers six independent appraisals and six review appraisals required due to reassessment.
- The cost is $47,250, funded by HBP PE phase funds with an 88% federal reimbursement.
Closed Session
- The Council received a report from the closed session regarding real property negotiations.
- No reportable action was taken.
Full summary
Closed Session Report
- The Council received a report from the closed session regarding real property negotiations. No reportable action was taken.
Item 2: Proclamation – Hispanic Heritage Month
- The Council considered a proclamation declaring September 15, 2026, to October 15, 2026, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Carpinteria. Public comment was opened and closed with no speakers. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the proclamation. The motion passed with no opposition. The proclamation was read, and Teresa Alvarez, Executive Director of the Carpinteria Children’s Project, accepted the proclamation and provided remarks in English and Spanish.
Item 3: Proclamation – Celebrate Community Week
- The Council considered a proclamation designating the week of September 7–13, 2026, as Celebrate Community Week. Public comment was opened and closed with no speakers. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the proclamation. The motion passed with no opposition. The proclamation was read, and representatives from the Rotary Club and Lions Club accepted the proclamation and provided remarks regarding local service organizations and upcoming community events.
Item 4: Approval of Minutes
- The agenda item for the approval of minutes was postponed to the September 28 meeting.
Public Information Reports and Announcements
- Sheriff’s Recap: The scheduled report was postponed to the next meeting as the Sheriff’s representative was unavailable.
- Library Board of Trustees Meeting: The Council temporarily adjourned to hold the monthly meeting of the Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees.
- Roll Call and Legal Notice: All board members were present, and legal noticing requirements were confirmed.
- Public Comment: Opened and closed with no speakers.
- Approval of Minutes (July 13, 2026): A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. The motion passed with no opposition.
- Monthly Report (September 2026): A report was presented covering summer reading program participation (635 attendees), ongoing programs, partnerships with Santa Barbara City College (including full enrollment for bilingual computer classes and a new ESL class), the transition to the free Homework CA program, and staff updates. Council asked questions regarding the expansion of bilingual courses and the continuation of Mexican Consulate visits. The presenter indicated that interest is high but limited by room availability and partner schedules. A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the report. The motion passed with no opposition.
- New Business: No items were presented.
- Adjournment: The Library Board meeting was adjourned.
City Manager’s Report
- The City Manager presented updates on various city departments and projects:
- Recruitment: Updates were provided on vacancies for Accounting Specialist, Building Official, Engineering Technician, and Management Analyst. Final selections have been made for the Accounting Specialist and Management Analyst positions, pending background checks. Interviews are pending for the Building Official and Engineering Technician positions.
- Capital Improvement Projects:
- Franklin Creek Trail: Grading and utility work are complete; retaining walls are being poured. Path surface pouring is anticipated in October 2026, with final completion expected by the end of the calendar year.
- Carpinteria High School Crosswalk: Sidewalk realignment and the new crosswalk are complete. The high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) system is awaiting final installation of power and communication lines. Completion is anticipated in November 2026.
- Parks, Recreation, and Community Services:
- Santa Barbara Creek Week: The city is coordinating eight free events from September 19–26, including Coastal Cleanup Day, a paddle event, and a bio-blitz.
- Age Well: Celebrated Dia de los Abuelos on August 28 with over 75 attendees.
- Community Garden: Hosted a workshop on bee watering stations and a volunteer day. The composting system diverted 191.2 pounds of waste from landfills in August.
- State of the City: The 2026 State of the City and Town Hall was held on August 31. A recording is available in English and Spanish on the City’s YouTube channel.
- Emergency Preparedness:
- Workshops: Two community sessions were held on September 3 and 4 to gather input for the five-year emergency preparedness work plan.
- El Niño Preparedness: A county-wide preparedness meeting is scheduled for October 1.
- Sound the Alarm: An annual smoke alarm installation event is scheduled for October 10 at Sandpiper Mobile Home Park.
- CERT Drill: A county-wide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) drill is scheduled for October 17 at Santa Barbara High School.
- Council Discussion: Council members asked about internal readiness for potential El Niño storms and evacuation routes. Staff confirmed that storm drains have been cleared, permits for the berm are valid, and bids have been solicited for berm construction. A secondary egress route through State Parks is being formalized. Staff committed to increasing communication with the Council regarding emergency planning.
- Public Works: Storm drains have been cleared, high-priority trees have been addressed, and park closure plans are being refined.
- Community Development: A reminder was issued for the Planning Commission hearing on the Surfliner Inn project and its Environmental Impact Report, scheduled for September 21 at 7:00 p.m. The staff report is expected to be published ahead of the hearing.
Public Comment on City Manager’s Report and Revenue Generation
- Public comment was received regarding the city’s financial situation, specifically noting the lack of visible agenda items regarding non-tax revenue generation. One speaker requested that Council members and the City Manager go on record regarding revenue-generating ideas and strategies.
- Following the public comment, the Council and City Manager discussed the status of revenue generation efforts. The City Manager stated that specific plans for revenue generation are for the Council and community to decide, with in-depth planning scheduled for the January strategic planning session. The City Clerk noted that the Council has previously discussed options, including a sales tax increase (Measure I), business tax restructuring, and other options identified in an HDL revenue analysis study presented in April 2026. Council members discussed the possibility of agendizing a recap of revenue generation efforts prior to the January strategic planning session. It was decided to include a recap of the State of the City and revenue generation status as part of the upcoming agenda, potentially paired with a presentation from the Chamber of Commerce, to provide the public with an overview of past actions and current options before the January strategic planning process.
Additional Public Comment
- Kim Sefeld Spinetta: Spoke regarding the proposed sales tax (Measure E), citing a structural deficit attributed to deferred street maintenance. She raised concerns regarding attorney fees incurred due to the city’s non-compliance with the state housing element between February 2023 and January 2025, which she stated led to two large-scale builder’s remedy applications and ongoing lawsuits. She also expressed opposition to city expenditures on NGOs assisting individuals in the country illegally.
- Mark Rock: Spoke regarding lifeguard services at the city beach, alleging a pattern of negligence including unstaffed towers, failure to respond to code violations, and interference with law enforcement. He cited specific incidents involving a dog in the surf zone and alleged failures by a lifeguard supervisor to observe hazards or address violations. He requested the opportunity to present evidence and cross-examine staff at a future meeting.
Consent Calendar
- No public comment was received. Council Member Clark moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held August 24, 2026, and special meetings held August 31 and September 2, 2026; to receive and file the warrant register for August 17–September 4, 2026; to receive and file the July 2026 City Treasurer’s Report; to adopt Resolution No. 6496 authorizing the City Manager to execute a grant agreement with the California Office of Traffic Safety for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program (including a $25,000 revenue increase and corresponding expenditure appropriation for FY 2026-2027); and to approve the revised FY 2026-27 authorized full-time position list (authorizing one Human Resources Risk Manager position and reducing Management Analyst 1 to Senior Management Analyst series from two to one position). The City Clerk seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 13: Sixth Amendment to Lease Agreement with Chevron USA Inc.
- The City Manager presented the item, noting the existing lease covers a 50-foot corridor for pipelines in city-controlled submerged lands. The current lease expires September 26, 2026. Chevron requested a five-year extension, but staff recommended a six-month extension through March 26, 2027, to allow time to reevaluate lease terms and decommissioning schedules. The annual lease rate is approximately $48,700, plus a $5,000 processing fee. Vice Mayor Solorzano asked if the six-month term was a stopgap to negotiate a longer term, which the City Manager confirmed. Vice Mayor Solorzano also asked about procedures if decommissioning extends beyond the state’s 66-year maximum lease term; staff indicated that if decommissioning is complete, the lease would be terminated, or a new term would be negotiated if facilities are still needed. No public comment was received. Council Member Clark moved to authorize the Mayor to approve and execute the proposed sixth amendment to the lease agreement with Chevron. The City Clerk seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 14: Appeal of Planning Commission Approval for 333 Linden Avenue
- Staff presented the appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of a development plan, lot line adjustment, and coastal development permit for a new 3,520 sq. ft. two-story single-family residence and an 840 sq. ft. detached garage at 333 Linden Avenue. The appellant, a neighbor, alleged errors of discretion by the Planning Commission regarding consistency with the General Plan, Zoning Laws, and Residential Guidelines. Staff analysis indicated the project complies with all applicable zoning requirements and General Plan policies. The project includes a lot line adjustment creating two parallel parcels, retention of a sycamore tree and palm trees, and a driveway easement off Dorrance Way. Staff compared the project’s size and scale to other recent developments in the Beach neighborhood, noting it falls within the range of newer homes. Staff recommended accepting the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission’s decision.
- Public hearing comments were received from the applicant’s architect, the appellant, and an ARB member/resident. The applicant stated the project meets all guidelines and is set back from the street. The appellant requested the appeal be granted, arguing the project is too large for the neighborhood and part of a cumulative impact. The ARB member raised procedural concerns regarding the timing of the lot line adjustment.
- Council deliberation focused on the procedural implications of the two-step appeal process outlined in the municipal code. It was clarified that the first motion determines whether the council accepts the appeal for de novo review; if denied, the Planning Commission’s original action stands. Council members expressed confusion regarding the labeling of "Sample Motion 1" and "Sample Motion 2" in staff packets, suggesting they be relabeled as "Step 1" and "Step 2" to better reflect the sequential nature of the process. Additional discussion covered the lack of opportunity for council discussion when an appeal is not accepted and the impact of state law limits on the number of hearings.
- Council Member Clark moved to accept the appeal for the Council’s consideration. Council Member Mayer seconded the motion. The motion failed. Consequently, the appeal was denied, and the Planning Commission’s action stands.
Item 15: Special Event Permit for 2026 California Avocado Festival
- Staff presented the application for the 40th anniversary of the California Avocado Festival, scheduled for October 2–4, 2026. The presentation included proposed operating hours (shortened on Sunday to allow for street reopening and reduced staff/sheriff hours), city support costs (approximately $32,400, covered by the FY27 budget), and the request for temporary public park designation to authorize alcohol sales. Festival representatives provided details on event programming, including a youth stage, guacamole contest, and volunteer initiatives. They noted that the event is no longer promoted in Los Angeles to maintain a local focus. A motion was made to approve the special event permit pursuant to Carpinteria Municipal Code Chapter 10.68, designate the event footprint as a public park during operating hours, and approve its use pursuant to Carpinteria Municipal Code Section 12.24.022. The motion passed.
Item 16: Carpinteria Avenue Bridge Replacement Project Status Update
- The Interim Public Works Director provided a comprehensive status update on the bridge replacement project. Key points included:
- Background: The 1937 bridge has structural and hydraulic deficiencies qualifying it for federal Highway Bridge Program (HBP) funding.
- Design: The replacement will be a three-span bridge, wider on the north side, with increased elevation to accommodate 100-year storm floodwaters. Construction will occur in two stages over two dry seasons (2027–2029).
- Delays: Construction was delayed due to HBP funding prioritization and utility relocation lead times. Construction is now targeted for summer 2027.
- Right-of-Way: Previous easements expired, requiring reacquisition and new appraisals. Additional federal funding was secured for these acquisition costs.
- Funding Gap: The current HBP construction allocation is $14 million, while the engineer’s estimate is approximately $20 million. Staff explained that Caltrans typically provides supplemental funding after contract award. To bridge the gap and manage cash flow (as HBP funds are reimbursable), the city is exploring capital financing options (loans) rather than bonds. Preliminary analysis suggests interest earned on city funds may exceed loan interest costs.
- Timeline: Council approval of the design package and construction management agreement is expected in November/December 2026. Bidding is targeted for February 2027, with contract award in April 2027 and construction starting May/June 2027.
- A motion was made to receive and file the comprehensive project status update. The motion passed.
Item 17: Amendment No. 10 to Agreement with Dewberry
- Staff presented Amendment No. 10 to the agreement with Dewberry for supplemental right-of-way services. Due to reassessment of property valuations, six independent appraisals and six review appraisals are now required, rather than the previously anticipated in-house valuations. The amendment covers these appraisal services and additional right-of-way management efforts by the sub-consultant. The cost is $47,250, funded by HBP PE phase funds (88% federal reimbursement, 11% city share). This amendment covers services only, not the capital cost of property acquisition. A motion was made to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 10 to the agreement with Dewberry for additional services in an amount not to exceed $47,250, for a total amended amount of $2,423,417.37. The motion passed.
Public Comment / Updates
- Mark Rock provided an update regarding the upcoming Central Coast Community Energy Annual Meeting, noting that it is scheduled for this week in Monterey as a two-day session. He stated that he and City Manager Michael Ramirez will attend. Julia Mayer provided an update regarding the Cal Cities Conference, scheduled for the 23rd through the 25th. She noted that Council Member Nomura, Council Member Mayer, and herself will attend. Julia Mayer confirmed attendance of council members for future meetings. No formal motion or vote was recorded for these updates.
Adjournment
- Julia Mayer officially adjourned the meeting at 9:02. No formal motion or vote was recorded for the adjournment.