Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Kasdin, Kuriako, 1-Reyes-Martín, 3-Smith
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At a glance
World Cup Participation Update
- Staff concluded the report on the city's World Cup participation, noting Team Austria reached the knockout round.
- Historical mementos, including a signed jersey and soccer ball, were presented for City Hall archives.
- Council members thanked staff for the event organization and suggested future opportunities like the Women's World Cup.
Community Announcements
- Staff announced the "Dam Dinner" community event scheduled for August 15 at Lake Los Caneros.
- It was noted that no council meeting will be held on August 4, with the next session set for August 18.
Consent Calendar
- Items regarding capital improvement grants and sea level rise adaptation were pulled for brief comment on funding and timing.
- Staff confirmed the sea level rise project involves multi-year public involvement aligned with local coastal planning.
- The full consent calendar, including ten items ranging from minutes approval to grant resolutions, was adopted.
Business Recognition Award
- Ocean Nails and Spa received a Business Recognition Award for being a woman-owned business serving the community for 17 years.
- Council Member Reyes-Martin presented the certificate to the business owners during the meeting.
Street Lighting Benefit Assessment
- Staff presented an engineering report confirming that assessment proceeds do not exceed the benefits provided.
- The Council adopted the resolution establishing the FY 2026-2027 assessment charges based on land use categories.
- Authorization was granted for the City Manager to place direct charges on tax bills via the County Auditor-Controller.
Library Special Tax Rate
- Staff proposed a 3.2% tax rate adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index to project revenue increases.
- The Council adopted the resolution establishing the FY 2026-2027 tax rates for the Goleta Library Special Tax.
- The City Manager was authorized to enter an agreement with the County Auditor-Controller for direct tax bill charges.
2026 Development Impact Fee Program Update
- Staff presented a Nexus Study showing significant fee increases driven by inflation and updated construction costs.
- Discussion clarified that Vehicle Miles Traveled is not included in the fee program and fees cannot fund general pavement rehabilitation.
- Public comment opposed the increases as economically infeasible, while consultants affirmed the fees represent the maximum legally justifiable amount.
- The Council adopted the update with maximum fees for parks, transportation, and libraries, but applied a 20% reduction to other categories.
Goleta Valley Library Capital Campaign
- Staff reported the campaign has reached 66% of its $1.7 million goal for the library interior project.
- The Council approved a donor recognition wall design and authorized naming the children's section for the Muthoon Foundation.
- Budget appropriations and transfers for received donated funds in Funds 101 and 236 were approved.
Cal Cities Conference Delegates
- Council Member Reyes-Martin was appointed as the voting delegate for the 2026 Cal Cities Annual Conference.
- Council Member Kuriakou was appointed as the alternate delegate for the conference General Assembly.
Continuum of Care Board Appointment
- Staff requested to defer the appointment of a Council member to the Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care Board.
- The Council agreed to defer the item to the August 18 meeting due to the Mayor's absence.
Council and Public Reports
- Council Member Kuriakou reported on committee activities regarding Pride of Place grants and sea level rise adaptation plans.
- A public speaker provided updates on recent community events, including the July 4th drone show and interfaith gatherings.
Closed Session
- A report from a prior closed session indicated no reportable action was taken.
Full summary
Meeting Call and Opening Procedures
- The Goleta City Council meeting was called to order on July 21, 2026, by Mayor Pro Tem Smith, noting the absence of Mayor Paula Perotti. The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call, and a bilingual announcement regarding Spanish interpretation. A report from a prior closed session indicated no reportable action. The public forum was opened and closed with no speakers. No amendments to the agenda were requested.
World Cup Participation Update
- Staff provided a concluding report on the city's participation in the World Cup, noting that Team Austria reached the knockout round. Staff presented a signed team jersey and soccer ball as historical mementos for City Hall. Council members thanked staff for the organization and community engagement. Council Member Kuriakou suggested future opportunities for similar events, including the upcoming Women's World Cup.
Announcements
- Staff announced the "Dam Dinner" community event scheduled for August 15 at Lake Los Caneros. It was noted that no council meeting would be held on August 4, with the next scheduled meeting on August 18.
Consent Calendar
- The consent calendar included ten items: approval of June 16 meeting minutes; acceptance of investment transaction reports and the May check register; authorization to purchase a new restroom building for Stowe Grove Park; amendments to library management services staffing; proposed capital improvement program grant opportunities; public works and professional services amendments; rejection of bids for the Goleta Community Center Skylight Project with authorization for a new notice; and a resolution approving execution of grant funds from the California Ocean Protection Council for sea level rise adaptation.
- Council Member Reyes-Martin requested items A7 (Capital Improvement Program Grant Opportunities) and A10 (Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant) be pulled from the consent calendar for comment. Council Member Reyes-Martin commended staff on pursuing grant opportunities for crosswalks and bicycle improvements and highlighted the $550,000 award for sea level rise vulnerability analysis. Staff noted the project would involve multi-year public involvement. Council Member Iacobo noted the grant timing aligns with local coastal plan development and regional efforts. No public comment was received on the pulled items.
- The remaining items were returned to the consent calendar. A motion was made and seconded to approve the entire consent calendar. The motion passed.
Business Recognition Award
- Item B1 recognized Ocean Nails and Spa with a Business Recognition Award. Staff noted the business is woman-owned and has served the community for 17 years. Council Member Reyes-Martin presented the certificate. The business owners accepted the award.
Public Hearing: Street Lighting Benefit Assessment (FY 2026-2027)
- Item C1 was a public hearing to establish the street lighting benefit assessment for the upcoming fiscal year. Staff presented a report detailing the assessment's history, an engineering report confirming proceeds do not exceed benefits, and the calculation methodology based on land use categories. No public comment was received.
- Council Member Reyes-Martin moved to: (A) receive and file the final engineer's report; (B) adopt the resolution establishing the assessment charge; and (C) authorize the City Manager to enter an agreement with the County Auditor-Controller to place direct charges on tax bills. The motion was seconded by Council Member Iacobo. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Library Special Tax Rate (FY 2026-2027)
- Item C2 was a public hearing to establish the tax rate for the Goleta Library Special Tax. Staff presented a report noting a 3.2% adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index, resulting in a projected revenue increase. No public comment was received.
- Council Member Iacobo moved to adopt the resolution establishing the tax rates and authorize the City Manager to enter an agreement with the County Auditor-Controller to place direct charges on tax bills. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Smith. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: 2026 Development Impact Fee Program Update
- Item C3 was a continued public hearing regarding the 2026 Development Impact Fee (DIF) Program Update. Staff presented a report on the updated Nexus Study, which establishes maximum justified fees for new development to fund capital facilities. The presentation covered six fee categories, noting significant increases driven by inflation, updated construction costs, and refined facility inventories since the 2019 study.
- Discussion points included:
- Transportation Fees: Staff explained that transportation fees are based on a specific project list to maintain General Plan levels of service.
- Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT): Staff clarified that VMT is not incorporated into the fee program as it is legally distinct from the Mitigation Fee Act requirements.
- Funding Obligations: Council members discussed that reductions in fees would require funding from other sources or result in reduced service levels.
- Regional Growth: Staff confirmed that while neighboring jurisdictions contribute to growth, the City cannot collect fees from them due to lack of nexus.
- Pavement Rehabilitation: Staff clarified that DIF funds cannot be used for general pavement rehabilitation unless the project adds capacity.
- Affordable Housing: Staff confirmed that existing code allows the City Council to set beneficial projects eligible for waivers or reductions via resolution.
- Discussion continued regarding the Beneficial Projects Resolution and its interaction with the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. Staff clarified that the current resolution grants fee reductions or waivers primarily to nonprofit developers, ADUs under 750 square feet, childcare facilities, and special care homes. Council members expressed interest in revisiting the policy to potentially expand categories, such as adaptive reuse projects or smaller for-profit developments. Staff confirmed the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance operates separately and is under review. Council members concurred that both policies should be brought back for future consideration.
- Clarification was sought regarding public facilities funded by fees, including the Boys and Girls Club, Stowe House, and the Historic Train Depot. Staff confirmed city ownership of the land and building for the Boys and Girls Club. Regarding the storm drain fee, staff explained it is calculated based on the cost to increase existing facility capacity.
- Concerns were raised regarding potential unintended consequences where developers might utilize ADUs to circumvent fees. Staff responded that state law and local ordinances strictly regulate ADUs, requiring a primary unit before an accessory unit can be built. ADUs of 750 square feet or less are exempt from DIFs, while those above that threshold pay a proportionate amount capped at $5,000.
- Two speakers addressed the Council in opposition to the proposed fee increases, arguing the fees are the highest in the region and make development economically infeasible. They contended the Nexus Study improperly charges new development for existing deficiencies and requested the Council reject the draft update or conduct a housing feasibility analysis. Consultants responded that including state-owned facilities is permissible under the Mitigation Fee Act if fees are based on the fair share of new development impacts. They noted the proposed fees represent the maximum legally justifiable amount, but the Council has discretion to adopt lower rates.
- Council members deliberated on the balance between funding infrastructure and maintaining housing feasibility. Discussion included the possibility of phasing in fee increases over a three-to-five-year period or applying a flat percentage reduction for non-transportation and non-library fees.
- Council Member Kuriakou moved to continue the public hearing from May 19, 2026, and adopt Council Resolution Number 26 approving the 2026 Development Impact Fee Program Update Report. The motion specified adopting the legally justified maximum for parks and recreation, transportation, and library fees, and a 20% reduction from the maximum for storm drain, bicycle and pedestrian, and public administration facilities fees. The motion included a finding that the resolution is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act and a recommendation for staff to bring back a report on consent to receive and file the final numbers. Council Member Kasdan seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Goleta Valley Library Capital Campaign Update
- Staff presented an update on the "Writing the Next Chapter" capital campaign for the Goleta Valley Library interior project. The campaign had reached approximately 66% of its $1.7 million goal. Staff presented a design concept for a donor recognition wall featuring local motifs. Staff also recommended considering naming rights for the children's section in recognition of a $550,000 donation from the John C. Muthoon Foundation, proposing two name options. Council members expressed support for the naming recommendation and the donor wall design.
- Council Member Reyes-Martin moved to: (A) receive the capital campaign update presentation; (B) approve the proposed donor recognition design concept and authorize staff to proceed with fabrication and installation; (C) authorize staff to work with the Muthoon Foundation on naming the children's portion of the library; and (D) approve revenue and expense budget appropriations and transfers in Fund 101 and Fund 236 for donated funds received to date. Council Member Kasdan seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Designation of City Council Delegates for Cal Cities Annual Conference
- Staff recommended appointing Council Member Reyes-Martin as the voting delegate and Council Member Kuriakou as the alternate for the 2026 Cal Cities Annual Conference General Assembly.
- Council Member Kuriakou moved to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Appointment to Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care Board
- Staff clarified that the appointment of a City Council member to the Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care Board of Directors is a mayoral appointment ratified by the Council. Due to the Mayor's absence, staff requested to defer the item to the regular August 18th meeting. Council agreed to defer the item.
Council Comments and Standing Committee Reports
- Council Member Kuriakou provided reports on committee activities, including an update on the Pride of Place grants program, a meeting regarding proposed sphere of influence changes with the County of Santa Barbara, and a meeting regarding sea level rise adaptation plans.
Public Comments and Reports
- A speaker provided a report on recent community events, including the July 4th drone show, the Fiesta Ranchera event, a visit from a Brownie troop, an interfaith gathering for the Dalai Lama's 91st birthday, and the Cal Cities Channel Islands dinner.
City Attorney Report
- The City Attorney provided no report.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.