Meeting Summary
Present: Raiz-Martin, Kerrioco, Tempore-Smith, Parodi · Absent: 4-Kasdin
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
City Manager's Report and Agenda Amendments
- Staff announced upcoming "Meet Me in Old Town" events scheduled for June 2026.
- The Council agreed to remove the street sweeping services contract from the consent calendar.
- The remaining consent calendar items were approved as a single motion.
Proclamations
- The Council adopted a proclamation designating July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month.
- A proclamation declaring June 18, 2026, as Fiesta Ranchera Day was adopted.
- Certificates of Recognition were presented to local community members during the session.
Budget Adoption, Capital Improvement Program, and Personnel Updates
- The Council adopted the fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget and capital improvement program.
- Staffing changes included two new positions and four reclassifications to address housing and public works needs.
- An amendment moved the Jenna Drive crosswalk beacon and Fire Station 10 projects into the active five-year CIP.
- Resolutions regarding personnel rules, union benefit agreements, and a temporary overhire policy were approved.
Resolution No. 2026: Policy Addressing Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service
- The Council adopted a new policy to manage disruptions in remote public participation services.
- The resolution establishes a framework for recesses and alternative voting methods during technical failures.
- This action fulfills the requirements of Senate Bill 707 for eligible legislative bodies.
Closed Session
- The City Manager reported no reportable actions from the prior closed session.
Full summary
Opening Proceedings and Public Forum
- The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call, noting the absence of Council Member Kasdan. Simultaneous interpretation in English and Spanish was announced. The City Manager reported no reportable action from the closed session. No speakers appeared during the public forum for non-agenda items.
City Manager's Report and Agenda Amendments
- The City Manager presented a report on upcoming "Meet Me in Old Town" events scheduled for June 17 and June 24, 2026, which will feature live entertainment, food, and World Cup watch parties. Regarding agenda amendments, staff recommended removing Item A8 (a three-year contract for street sweeping services) from the consent calendar for future consideration. The Council agreed to proceed with the consent calendar excluding Item A8.
Consent Calendar (Items A1–A7, A9–A12)
- The City Clerk read the consent calendar items, which included approval of meeting minutes from June 2, 2026; ratification of mayoral appointments to the Design Review Board and Public Art Review Board; acceptance of the April 2026 investment transaction report; a resolution to hold a public hearing for the street lighting benefit assessment for fiscal year 2026-27; a CPI adjustment for the Goleta Library special tax rate; various professional services agreements and amendments with finance and public works firms; the annual review and adoption of the City's Investment Policy; the award of a general services agreement for traffic striping to WGJ Enterprises, DBA PCI Inc.; and the award of fiscal year 2026-27 Goleta City grants. Public comment was received from Gareth Kelly regarding funding for the Wild & Free Film Festival. A motion was made to approve consent items A1 through A7 and A9 through A12. The motion was seconded and passed.
Proclamations
- Parks and Recreation Month (Item B1): The Council considered a proclamation recognizing July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month, highlighting the National Recreation and Park Association's 2026 theme. Mayor Pro Tem Smith presented the proclamation, and Parks and Recreation Manager Justin Wilkins discussed recent projects and upcoming activities. The proclamation was adopted.
- Fiesta Ranchera Day (Item B2): The Council considered a proclamation declaring June 18, 2026, as Fiesta Ranchera Day, recognizing the 103rd annual Old Spanish Days Fiestas. Certificates of Recognition were presented to Penny Hernandez and Jenna Ramirez, and the official 2026 Fiesta poster was unveiled. The proclamation was adopted.
Budget Adoption, Capital Improvement Program, and Personnel Updates (Item C1)
- The Council opened a public hearing regarding the adoption of the City of Goleta operating budget and capital improvement program (CIP) for fiscal year 2026-27, including mid-cycle updates, a five-year CIP, personnel rule updates, and benefit agreements with SEIU Local 620.
- Staff presented the final recommended budget, noting a projected 4.8% increase in General Fund revenues driven by transaction and use tax, and a 15.7% increase in total expenditures largely due to one-time CIP projects. The presentation detailed the contingency reserve policy, confirming the City has met the 33% target of operating expenditures for the past five years. Staff also presented the Gann Limit calculation, projecting the City to be approximately $41 million under the limit.
- Regarding personnel, staff presented a business case for two new positions (a Housing Analyst and a Public Works Inspector) and four reclassifications, with a net fiscal impact of approximately $138,000 offset by reductions in interim positions. Staff explained that the new Public Works Inspector role aims to improve quality control on projects, while the Housing Division changes address increased workload related to the Tenant Protection Ordinance and the Housing Element. Staff also summarized three resolutions: amending authorized positions and personnel rules; approving side letter agreements with SEIU Local 620 regarding health allowances and long-term disability; and establishing a temporary overhire policy for succession planning.
- During public comment, eight speakers addressed the Council. Several urged the prioritization of hiring an additional full-time housing coordinator, recommending funding through reallocation or grants. Other speakers supported the proposed staffing changes or expressed concern regarding the reclassification of the DEI position.
- Council deliberation focused on the budget's structural balance, the reserve policy, and the necessity of the staffing changes. Council Member Smith proposed an amendment to move the Jenna Drive crosswalk beacon and Fire Station 10 projects from the long-term CIP list to the active five-year CIP list. Council Member Reyes-Martin initially requested more information but subsequently supported the amendment. A motion was made to adopt Recommendations A through F, as amended to include the two new authorized positions, four reclassifications, and the movement of the two CIP projects. The motion was seconded and passed.
Resolution No. 2026: Policy Addressing Disruption of Telephonic or Internet Service
- Staff presented a report on Senate Bill 707, which requires eligible legislative bodies to adopt a policy addressing disruptions in telephonic or internet service that prevent remote public participation. Staff proposed a new policy establishing a framework for the presiding officer, City Clerk, and staff to follow during such events, including a one-hour recess to diagnose issues and options to adjourn or continue via roll-call vote. The City Manager moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026. The motion was seconded and passed.
Council Comments and Adjournment
- The City Attorney provided updates on pending state legislation regarding housing and transit-oriented development. Council members acknowledged attendance at community events. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.