Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Reyes-Martín, Kiriakou, 4-Kasdin, 3-Smith, Parodi
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At a glance
Project Connect Roundabouts
- New roundabouts on Hollister Avenue and Highway 217 are installed with temporary traffic controls.
- The project remains on track for completion in spring 2027.
- Staff will conduct a field walk to address pedestrian infrastructure timelines at the Dearborn roundabout.
Public Works Open House
- An open house regarding transportation and safety is scheduled for April 22 with a virtual follow-up.
- A survey is currently live on the city website as part of a broader engagement process.
- Staff addressed concerns about selection bias by noting the survey is one component of multiple outreach methods.
General Plan Coastal Land Use Plan
- Staff reported progress toward Regional Housing Needs Allocation but noted shortfalls in low-income categories.
- Meeting state targets is critical for maintaining streamlined processing under SB 35.
- The item was pulled from the consent calendar for discussion and subsequently approved.
Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay
- This item was removed from the consent calendar for a separate vote.
- The council approved the overlay following a roll call vote.
Arbor Week Proclamation
- The council received a proclamation declaring March 7–14, 2026, as Arbor Week.
- Staff reported that 1,008 trees have been planted in Goleta in recent years.
- Upcoming events are scheduled for Elwood Park and Berkeley Road.
Tri-County Regional Energy Network Update
- The organization presented its 2024 annual report focusing on energy efficiency incentives.
- Incentives for projects like HVAC upgrades range from $8,000 to $25,000.
- Staff confirmed that 3CREN funding continues despite expiring federal tax credits.
Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan
- The Chamber presented a five-year plan focusing on economic leadership and reducing red tape.
- Discussions covered workforce pipelines, housing costs, and concerns regarding gentrification.
- No formal motions were taken on this presentation.
Planning Department Annual Work Program
- Staff proposed swapping priority items to update the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and Housing Impact Fees.
- The South La Patera Specific Plan was moved up, while the bike-share program was deemed not financially viable.
- The council approved the work program as amended following a roll call vote.
General Services Department Annual Work Program
- Priorities include finalizing the new Amtrak station setup and completing the library by June 30, 2027.
- Fleet management involves replacing vehicles and researching backup power for electric vehicles.
- The council adopted the work program via a roll call vote.
Regional Water Quality Control Board
- A council member reported that the board voted to accept a settlement proposal with Goleta West Sanitary.
Closed Session
- Staff reported that no reportable action was taken regarding a previously held closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order by Mayor Luz Reyes-Martín, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call confirmed the presence of all council members and the Mayor. Spanish interpretation services were announced as available. Staff reported that no reportable action was taken regarding a previously held closed session.
Public Forum
- One speaker, April Reed, addressed the council regarding the Kenwood Village and Shelby development projects. The speaker urged the council to follow the Planning Commission's recommendation to favor the Shelby project, citing wider streets for emergency vehicles, a wildlife corridor, and existing density in the El Encanto area as reasons to transfer development from Kenwood to Shelby. No further speakers were present during this segment.
City Manager Report
- The City Manager provided updates on two items:
- Project Connect Roundabouts: New roundabouts on Hollister Avenue and Highway 217 were installed. Temporary traffic control is in place, and the project is on track for completion in spring 2027. Council members discussed the positive impact on traffic flow and safety, while raising questions about the timeline for pedestrian improvements at the Dearborn roundabout. Staff indicated they are working with the contractor on pedestrian infrastructure and will conduct a field walk.
- Public Works Open House ("Street Talk"): An open house regarding transportation and safety is scheduled for April 22, with a virtual component the following day. A survey is currently live on the city website. A council member raised concerns about selection bias in voluntary surveys; staff responded that the survey is one component of a broader engagement process.
Consent Calendar
- The City Clerk read the consent calendar items, which included approval of meeting minutes, ratification of mayoral appointments, acceptance of the check register, a report on the senior mobile home park overlay, and a General Plan Coastal Land Use Plan progress report.
- Item A5 (General Plan Coastal Land Use Plan): This item was pulled from the consent calendar for separate discussion. Council Member Kiriakou reviewed housing objectives, noting progress toward the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) but highlighting that "very low" and "low" income categories remain below target. Staff explained that the state will reassess progress in mid-2027 and noted that meeting targets is critical for streamlined processing under SB 35. Council Member Kasdan inquired about expiring affordable housing units. During public comment, Angelina DiMartini addressed the Hollister Avenue street narrowing project, alleging a lack of baseline bike counts and a potential Brown Act violation. Staff clarified that a status report on the project is scheduled for April 21.
- Action: A motion was made to approve Items A1, A2, A3, and A5 as a single motion. The motion was seconded and passed.
- Item A4 (Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay): This item was pulled for a separate vote.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve Item A4. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Presentations
- Arbor Week Proclamation: The council received a proclamation declaring March 7–14, 2026, as Arbor Week. Staff reported that 1,008 trees have been planted in Goleta in recent years, with upcoming events scheduled for Elwood Park and Berkeley Road. The Public Tree Advisory Commission (PTAC) recently reviewed five trees for heritage status.
- Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3CREN) Annual Update: Garrett Wong presented the 2024 annual report, distinguishing 3CREN's focus on energy efficiency incentives from the default electricity provider. The organization completed projects in Goleta, including HVAC upgrades and single-family home improvements. Council members inquired about incentive values and applicability to condominiums. Staff confirmed incentives range from $8,000 to $25,000 and noted that 3CREN funding continues despite expiring federal tax credits.
- Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce Five-Year Strategic Plan: The Chamber presented a plan focusing on elevating business impact, supporting economic leaders, reducing red tape, building capacity through a new Economic Development Foundation, and storytelling. The plan highlights technology, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. Council members and public speakers discussed the Chamber's role in workforce pipelines, the impact of housing costs on recruitment, and concerns regarding gentrification. The Chamber noted a housing consortium is currently paused pending new construction projects. No formal motions were taken on this item.
Planning and Environmental Review Department Annual Work Program
- The department presented its Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Work Program, detailing priorities across Advanced Planning, Current Planning, Sustainability, and Affordable Housing divisions.
- Discussion: Council members and staff discussed capacity constraints regarding state-mandated work versus local discretionary projects. Significant discussion focused on the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, where developers are increasingly seeking "in-lieu" fees. Staff recommended prioritizing an update to the ordinance, which may require a Housing Element amendment and state review. The discussion also covered the Comprehensive Affordable Housing Finance Plan and the distinction between a rental registry and rent stabilization.
- Adjustments: Staff proposed swapping items on the priority lists: moving the "Update Inclusionary Housing Ordinance" to the Advanced Planning division and moving the "Housing Impact Fee and Child Care Fee Update" to the Affordable Housing division. The South La Patera Specific Plan was moved up, and the South Kellogg, Equifowler, and South La Patera items were suggested for grouping. The Old Town Visioning process was retained for future reassessment. Regarding the Coastal Development Permit for Phelps Road parking restrictions, staff noted a projected cost of $65,000 and potential requirements for alternative parking. In the Sustainability section, a bike-share program was deemed not financially viable. In the Affordable Housing section, the Rental Registry and Rent Stabilization items were separated, with a recommendation to begin with a research item.
- Action: A motion was made to approve the Planning Department Annual Work Program as amended. The motion was seconded, and a roll call vote resulted in the motion passing.
General Services Department Annual Work Program
- The department presented its Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Work Program, reporting 8.0 full-time equivalent staff with no new positions proposed.
- Discussion: The primary focus is the operation of the new Amtrak station. Priorities include finalizing the station setup, soliciting a coffee cart, issuing an RFP for roof and door maintenance, and centralizing first aid kit maintenance. Capital projects include completing the library by June 30, 2027, replacing the Community Center electrical system, and addressing drainage at the South Coast Railroad Museum. Fleet management priorities involve replacing vehicles and researching backup power for electric vehicles. IT priorities include establishing governance policies and developing a single file management system. Council members requested clarification on the timeline between library construction completion and reopening; staff confirmed the lease for the temporary location includes extension options.
- Action: A motion was made to adopt the General Services Department Annual Work Program. The motion was seconded, and a roll call vote resulted in the motion passing.
Council Comments
- A council member provided an update on a Regional Water Quality Control Board meeting, noting that the board voted to accept a settlement proposal with Goleta West Sanitary.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.