Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Reyes-Martín, Curiaco, 4-Kasdin, 3-Smith, Parodi
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
Agenda Adjustment
- Staff proposed reversing the order of two public hearing items to improve meeting flow.
- The Council voted to approve the proposed agenda adjustment.
Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay Ordinance Extension
- Staff requested an urgency ordinance to extend a moratorium on converting senior mobile home parks to all-ages units.
- Public testimony highlighted concerns regarding rent increases and the displacement of senior residents on fixed incomes.
- The Council adopted the urgency ordinance to extend the moratorium.
Shelby Single-Family Residential Project
- Staff presented a 56-unit project including 11 deed-restricted affordable units as a "builder's remedy" under state law.
- Discussion addressed fire safety measures, traffic impacts, and an encroachment into a streamside protection area buffer.
- The Council unanimously adopted resolutions approving the project, environmental findings, and the vesting tentative map.
Measure A Five-Year Program of Projects
- Staff outlined an $11 million allocation for roadway maintenance, urban forestry, and specific infrastructure projects through 2031.
- Council members confirmed timelines for the San Jose Creek path and verified compliance with alternative transportation funding goals.
- The Council unanimously adopted the resolution approving the five-year local program of projects.
San Jose Creek Fish Passage Project
- Staff recommended continuing the item to allow for further review.
- The Council voted unanimously to continue the item to April 7.
Goleta Sphere of Influence
- Staff proposed updating the Sphere of Influence map by removing Ocean Meadows and North Fairview areas while expanding others.
- Deliberation included a declined amendment to retain the North Fairview area on the service area map.
- The Council voted to provide feedback on the draft revisions and authorize the submission of the SOI application to LAFCO.
Southern California Edison Meetings
- A representative reported that meetings with Southern California Edison have resumed following a pause related to LA fire aftermath.
Energy Green Issues Standing Committee
- The committee reviewed updates on solar and EV charger performance, a sea level rise grant, and a climate alliance proposal.
Homelessness Committee
- The committee discussed grant opportunities and selected three grants for future presentation to the full Council.
APCD Air Purifier Giveaway
- A Council member reported attending an event where over 400 air purifiers were distributed to the community.
Microtransit (Wave) Program
- Staff reported that the city's microtransit pilot program has been extended for an additional year.
Mayor's Leadership Workshop
- Attendees reported on federal and state matters and a school tour from a leadership workshop in Bealton.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported no reportable action from the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The Goleta City Council meeting for March 17, 2026, was called to order following the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. The City Attorney reported no reportable action from the closed session. During the public forum, a speaker thanked staff for recent paving and striping work on Pacific Oaks and requested attention to speed limit enforcement in that area.
Agenda Adjustment
- Staff proposed reversing the order of two public hearing items (B1 and B2) to improve meeting flow. The Council considered the proposal and voted to approve the agenda adjustment. The motion passed.
City Manager Updates
- Staff provided updates on two regional summits:
- REACH Ideas and Action Summit: The update focused on energy resilience, workforce development, affordable housing, and permitting innovations, highlighting the Central Coast's potential in five economic sectors and the need for regional collaboration.
- Quantum California Convening: The update addressed bridging academic research and economic strategy in the quantum sector, noting the region's role as an epicenter for quantum technology and the strategic importance of the Oasis innovation hub.
Consent Calendar
- The Council considered the consent calendar, which included approval of the March 3, 2026, meeting minutes; acceptance of the January 2026 check register; an annual claim for Transportation Development Act funds; an agreement with DUDEC for a storm drain master plan; and deed modifications and easement relocation for Strogo Park. No items were pulled, and no public comment was received. The Council voted to approve the entire consent calendar. The motion passed.
Item B2: Senior Mobile Home Park Overlay Ordinance Extension
- The Council held a public hearing regarding the adoption of an interim urgency ordinance to extend a moratorium on converting senior mobile home parks to all-ages parks. Staff explained that the existing ordinance would expire on April 3 unless extended by a four-fifths vote. Public testimony was received from residents and advocates for the University Mobile Home Park, expressing concerns regarding rent increases, the vulnerability of senior residents on fixed incomes, and potential displacement. Speakers noted the park's history as a senior-only community and the lack of facilities suitable for families.
- Council deliberation focused on balancing the preservation of senior housing with avoiding age-based discrimination. One member noted the ordinance does not address rent control, while others emphasized the state's interest in preserving senior housing and the unique needs of the aging population. A motion was made to adopt the urgency ordinance extending the moratorium. The motion was seconded. The Council voted on the measure. The motion passed.
Item B1: Shelby Single-Family Residential Project
- The Council held a public hearing on the Shelby Single-Family Residential Project, proposing 56 single-family units on a 14.38-acre site at 7400 Cathedral Oaks Road. Staff presented the project as a "builder's remedy" under the Housing Accountability Act and State Density Bonus Law, including 11 deed-restricted affordable units. The project requests waivers for lot width, setbacks, and floor area ratio, as well as a concession to encroach into a streamside protection area buffer.
- Staff and consultants presented the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which identified one significant and unavoidable impact regarding Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) exceeding the city's threshold, while all other impacts were determined to be less than significant with mitigation. Council members inquired about General Plan level of service requirements, fire safety measures in a high fire severity zone, traffic circulation, bus service status, and pedestrian/bike path connections. Staff clarified that County Fire had approved the fire safety plan and that traffic control devices would be evaluated based on future volumes.
- Discussion continued regarding the affordable housing component, confirming 11 deed-restricted units with "evergreen" restrictions resetting upon sale. Questions were raised regarding transportation safety, water wheeling arrangements, and the authority of the State Fire Marshal. Staff and legal counsel clarified that the Fire Marshal cannot reduce density under the Housing Accountability Act but will review plans for code compliance. The applicant presented fire hardening measures, including hardened siding and ember-resistant vents, and addressed the Streamside Protection Area (SPA) buffer encroachment.
- Public comment was received from supporters, including representatives from the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Housing Coalition, who cited the need for housing and workforce support. Opponents raised concerns regarding the SPA buffer violation, flash flood risks, loss of historic farmland, fire risks, traffic congestion, and soil instability.
- Council deliberation acknowledged the project's status as a "builder's remedy" resulting from litigation, which limits city discretion. Members discussed the value of affordable housing, fire resilience, and bike infrastructure, while noting concerns regarding the wildfire buffer exception and future traffic. A motion was made to adopt three resolutions: (1) adopting environmental findings, certifying the Final EIR, adopting the mitigation monitoring program, adopting a statement of overriding considerations, and approving the project; (2) approving the vesting tentative map for 56 residential lots and three open space lots; and (3) approving the development plan. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously.
Measure A Five-Year Program of Projects (Fiscal Years 2026–2031)
- Staff presented the Measure A Five-Year Program of Projects, outlining the allocation of approximately $11 million over the next five years for roadway maintenance, urban forestry, and specific projects including the San Jose Creek Multi-Purpose Path and Project Connect. Council members inquired about the Highway 101 Overpass Project study timeline and the San Jose Creek project completion date, which staff confirmed as early 2027. Discussion also addressed the alternative transportation funding requirement, with staff confirming the city is exceeding the 10% goal. A motion was made to adopt the resolution approving the Measure A Five-Year Local Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2026 through 2031. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously.
San Jose Creek Fish Passage Project (Addendum 1 to Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration)
- Staff recommended continuing this item to April 7. A motion was made to continue the item to that date. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously.
Goleta Sphere of Influence
- Staff presented a proposal to update the City's Sphere of Influence (SOI) and General Plan Figure 2-4 (Service Area Map). The proposal detailed removing the Ocean Meadows Golf Course and North Fairview areas from the SOI application, while retaining and expanding the Glen Annie Golf Course and South Patterson areas to align with recent county rezoning. Council members discussed the implications of the SOI as a preliminary step toward annexation. Concerns were raised regarding the removal of the North Fairview area from the service area map. A public comment letter requested direct outreach before action.
- A motion was made to: (1) provide feedback on draft revisions to General Plan Figure 2-4 by removing the Ocean Meadows and North Fairview areas and retaining the Glen Annie and expanded South Patterson areas; (2) authorize staff to submit an SOI application to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) based on these revisions; and (3) direct staff to return with a request to initiate related General Plan amendments. The motion was seconded. During deliberation, a request was made to amend the motion to retain the North Fairview area on the service area map; however, the mover declined to accept the friendly amendment. A roll call vote was conducted on the original motion. The motion passed with one member voting against it.
Southern California Edison Meetings
- A council representative reported that meetings with Southern California Edison have resumed after a pause attributed to staff attention on the aftermath of the LA fires. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Energy Green Issues Standing Committee
- The committee held a meeting covering updates on solar panel and EV charger performance, a sea level rise planning grant, and a presentation on the Local Government Climate Alliance proposal. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Homelessness Committee
- The committee discussed grant opportunities and selected three grants, which are scheduled to be presented to the full council for approval. No formal motion was made or vote taken during this segment.
APCD Air Purifier Giveaway
- A council member reported attending an APCD event featuring an air purifier giveaway, electric cars, and a food truck, noting that over 400 air purifiers were distributed. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Microtransit (Wave) Program
- It was reported that the city's microtransit pilot program, "Wave," set to expire, has been extended for an additional year. The report noted that the neighboring city of Carpinteria will also receive two vans for a similar program. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Mayor's Leadership Workshop
- The City Manager and a council member attended a leadership workshop in Bealton, which included reports on federal and state matters and a tour of Waldorf Elementary School. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.