Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Kasdin, Kuriako, 1-Reyes-Martín, 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
Permit Parking Program Extension
- Staff proposed extending the permit parking program for a potential unsanctioned event following a successful trial during Soltopia.
- The extension covers the same neighborhood and timeframe at minimal additional cost.
- Council confirmed that existing permits and signage already list the proposed dates.
International Dark Sky Week Proclamation
- The Council adopted a resolution recognizing April 13–20, 2026, as International Dark Sky Week.
- The proclamation highlights the negative impacts of light pollution on ecology, health, and energy security.
- Residents are urged to adopt night-sky-friendly lighting practices to mitigate these effects.
National Library Week Proclamation
- The Council adopted a resolution recognizing April 19–25, 2026, as National Library Week.
- The resolution acknowledges libraries as essential community hubs for learning and civic engagement.
- The proclamation emphasizes the role of libraries in fostering economic success.
San Jose Creek Fish Passage Modification Project
- Staff presented an addendum to the ISMND for Phase 3, which involves removing failed weirs and installing new vortex concrete weirs.
- Council members inquired about steelhead migration functionality and the necessity of all phases for FEMA map revisions.
- The Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 26, making CEQA findings and approving the project addendum.
Finance Department Annual Work Program
- Staff presented priorities including an RFP for cost allocation, a new grants management policy, and budget software updates.
- Discussion clarified that the centralized grants policy establishes accounting standards without shifting primary workload from program departments.
- The Council unanimously adopted the annual work program for fiscal year 2026-2027.
Neighborhood Services Department Annual Work Program
- Staff outlined priorities including a new CRM system, emergency plan updates, and a revised Homelessness Strategic Plan with measurable goals.
- Discussion focused on data reliability for homelessness metrics and potential service adjustments for the library due to funding changes.
- The Council unanimously adopted the annual work program for fiscal year 2026-2027.
Old Town Program and World Cup Viewing
- Staff reported that the "Meet Me in Old Town" program is proceeding with a revised schedule and adjusted site selection.
- Discussion covered potential tie-ins with World Cup match viewing, including public projections of the games.
- No formal motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
Closed Session
- The City Manager reported that no reportable action occurred during the closed session held earlier that day.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The City Council meeting for April 7, 2026, was called to order following the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, with all members present. Simultaneous interpretation services in Spanish and English were announced. The City Manager reported that no reportable action occurred during the closed session held earlier that day.
Public Forum
- Three members of the public addressed the Council on matters not on the agenda:
- Johanna Chase criticized the City's mission statement and strategic plan for lacking a focus on municipal service delivery, citing high management salaries in Public Works and negative language in job descriptions. She requested cross-training for permit office staff, direct follow-up protocols for customer satisfaction, a citywide annual customer satisfaction survey, and revisions to the mission statement and strategic plan.
- Charles Hughes discussed senior services at the Community Center, noting that current exercise programs limit the senior lounge's capacity for socialization due to space constraints. He requested that exercise programs be moved to other rooms to allow the lounge to remain available for social interaction.
- Kyle Richards, representing the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees, provided an update on the college's $100 million new physical education building funded by Measure P and state funds. He highlighted seismic safety improvements, LEED certification goals, a 98% material recycling rate, and potential community use as a disaster response hub. He also noted the establishment of an independent citizens oversight committee for Measure P.
Staff Reports and Announcements
- Permit Parking Program: Staff reported that the permit parking program implemented during the "Soltopia" event in Isla Vista resulted in no tickets or tows. Based on intelligence regarding a potential unsanctioned event the following weekend, staff proposed extending the permit parking program for the same neighborhood and timeframe (Friday noon to Sunday) at minimal additional cost. Council Member Raes-Martin confirmed that permits and signage already listed both dates.
- State of the City: Staff announced the upcoming "State of the City" event scheduled for April 15, 2026, at the Community Center, featuring staff tabling, networking, and a presentation by the Mayor and Council.
Consent Calendar
- The Council considered the Consent Calendar, which included:
- Item A1: Acceptance of the January 2026 investment transaction report.
- Item A2: Acceptance of the February 2026 check register.
- Item A3: Amendment with KMP Strategies LLC for public outreach services.
- No items were pulled from the calendar, and no public comment was received. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Consent Calendar items. The motion passed unanimously.
Presentations and Proclamations
- International Dark Sky Week (Item B1): The Council adopted a proclamation recognizing the week of April 13–20, 2026, as International Dark Sky Week. The resolution highlighted the impacts of light pollution on ecology, human health, and energy security, and urged residents to adopt night-sky-friendly lighting practices.
- National Library Week (Item B2): The Council adopted a proclamation recognizing the week of April 19–25, 2026, as National Library Week. The resolution acknowledged libraries as community hubs for learning, civic engagement, and economic success.
Public Hearing: San Jose Creek Channel Fish Passage Modification Project (Item C1)
- The Council held a public hearing regarding an addendum to the Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND) for the San Jose Creek Channel Fish Passage Modification Project.
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented the history of the San Jose Creek Capacity Improvement Project (Phase 1, completed 2014) and the Hollister Avenue Bridge Project (Phase 2). They explained that original fish passage elements failed due to sediment trapping and maintenance issues. The current proposal (Phase 3) involves removing 14 wooden weirs and 28 timber wedges, modifying 12 concrete weirs, and installing new permanent vortex concrete weirs. Staff stated the addendum concludes that the modified project would not generate new or more severe impacts than the original project and that existing mitigation measures remain applicable.
- Council Questions: Council members inquired about the functionality of the new weir system for steelhead migration, the timeline for species return, and the necessity of completing all project phases to achieve the 100-year floodplain map revision for Old Town. Staff confirmed that the new design improves maintenance and fish passage capabilities, though habitat restoration in the upstream natural channel is also required. Staff clarified that all phases (1, 2, and 3) are necessary to achieve the full flood capacity required for FEMA map revisions.
- Public Comment: No members of the public spoke during the hearing.
- Deliberation and Vote: Council Member Kuriako moved to adopt Council Resolution No. 26, making findings pursuant to CEQA guidelines and adopting the addendum to the ISMND for the project. The motion was seconded. The public hearing was closed. The resolution passed unanimously.
Finance Department Annual Work Program (Fiscal Year 2026-2027)
- The Accounting Manager presented the Finance Department's Annual Work Program in the absence of the Finance Director. The presentation covered current staffing levels (12 FTEs), contract services, and key accomplishments, including the implementation of AP automation software and portfolio diversification. Proposed priorities included the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, an RFP for a full cost allocation plan, updates to budget software, a new grants management policy, position control and budgeting, and a cash handling policy.
- Discussion: Council members asked for clarification on "position control" to ensure accurate budgeting and recruitment tracking. Discussion focused on the proposed centralized grants management policy; staff clarified that this would establish accounting standards and oversight rather than shifting the primary workload of grant management away from program departments. Additional questions addressed the banking RFP, the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) audit policy regarding hotels and short-term rentals, and the application of the Development Impact Fee (DIF) for childcare. Further discussion addressed the evolution of business license applications, transitioning from paper to an online portal (Magnet), and the continued utility of paper applications for accessibility. The conversation also addressed the need to capture information from nonprofit businesses even when no fees are required.
- Outcome: A motion was made and seconded to adopt the annual work program for the Finance Department for fiscal year 2026-2027. The motion passed unanimously.
Neighborhood Services Department Annual Work Program (Fiscal Year 2026-2027)
- Staff presented the department's organizational structure, noting it is the largest department by employee count with 56 staff members and 33.125 full-time equivalents. Key accomplishments highlighted included the establishment of temporary library services, the graduation of two Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes, the development of a summer camp and contract class program, modification of the safe parking ordinance, and securing over $1 million in disaster reimbursement funding.
- Proposed Priorities:
- Administration: Procurement and implementation of a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to replace CityAssist, standardizing electronic filing, and negotiating property expansion on Matilda Drive.
- Emergency Services: Updating the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), expanding CERT offerings, restoring the CERT Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program, and long-range projects including a radio communication system and converting trailers to battery recharging stations.
- Grants Program: Adopting CDBG federal grant policies, updating NEPA environmental review processes, and managing 75 to 100 grant applications annually.
- Homelessness Services: Updating the Homelessness Strategic Plan to include specific, measurable goals; expanding the safe parking program; and establishing a service provider presence at the Train Depot. Long-range goals include achieving functional zero and exploring sites for 24-hour vehicle parking.
- Library Services: Reaching the capital campaign goal for the Goleta Valley Library interior renovation (currently at 52%), finalizing furniture selection, transitioning services from the temporary location to the renovated facility, and addressing vendor changes for print materials. Long-range projects include upgrading the book van to a bookmobile and implementing a library strategic plan.
- Parks and Recreation: Replacing skylights at the Community Center, implementing a new pickleball schedule based on public listening sessions, completing Phase One of Stowe Grove Park, and pursuing state grant funding for the Evergreen Park Master Plan. Long-range projects include designing a dog park and bike pump park, and expanding senior and youth program offerings.
- Discussion: Council discussion addressed the necessity of updating the Homelessness Strategic Plan to establish measurable performance metrics rather than just vision statements. Concerns were raised regarding the reliability of data for these measures. The safe parking program was discussed, with staff noting that a provider is applying for a new lot. Questions regarding the library's book van and potential funding reductions from the county were raised; staff indicated they are reviewing the budget to determine if service cuts or modifications are necessary if per capita funding is reduced. The contract model for after-school and summer camps was clarified as a profit-share arrangement where the city provides facilities and marketing while contractors provide staffing and expertise.
- Outcome: No public comments were received. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the annual work program for the Neighborhood Services Department for fiscal year 2026-2027. The motion passed unanimously.
Standing Committee Reports
- The Human Services Committee and the Economic Development and Revitalization Committee reported that they had met to review city grant applications, which will be presented at a future council meeting.
Old Town Program and World Cup Viewing
- Discussion occurred regarding the "Meet Me in Old Town" program. It was noted that the program is proceeding with a revised schedule, a different approach to site selection, and adjustments to street-related elements. The discussion also covered a potential tie-in with World Cup match viewing, including the possibility of public projections of the games. No formal motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Adjournment
- The City Manager and Council Member Rosen were asked if they had any additional items; neither provided comments. The meeting was subsequently adjourned.