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
E-Bike Safety Roundtable
- Council Member Smith shared photos from a recent roundtable hosted by the Mayor and state officials.
- The discussion focused on infrastructure, education, enforcement, and legislative changes for e-bike safety.
- The Mayor described the event as a first step in collaborative efforts for safe transportation.
Traffic Signal Upgrade Project
- Staff reported the citywide signal upgrade project is 99% complete, funded by a $33.2 million state grant.
- Improvements include ADA-compliant buttons, leading pedestrian intervals, and new traffic cameras for timing optimization.
- Staff clarified that the cameras do not store video, issue citations, or read license plates.
CDBG 2025-2026 CAPER
- Staff presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for the $320,000 annual allocation.
- Sub-recipients exceeded service goals, serving over 950 persons with more than 99% being low-to-moderate income.
- The Council unanimously accepted the report and authorized its submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Interim Urgency Ordinance for Firearms Retailers
- The Council considered an ordinance temporarily prohibiting new firearms and ammunition retailers for 45 days.
- The measure allows for a regulatory review of relevant codes and can be extended up to 10 months and 15 days.
- Public comment included support for child safety and opposition from a gun store owner and residents.
- The Council unanimously approved the urgency ordinance, finding it exempt from CEQA.
Local Preference for Below Market Rate Housing
- Staff proposed a three-tier lottery system for BMR units based on living or working in the city.
- Council members discussed the impact on small projects and the fairness of the allocation structure.
- The Council adopted a modified one-third, one-third, one-third allocation split among the three priority levels.
- A friendly amendment moved the homebuyer education requirement to occur after unit selection rather than prior to application.
Train Station Operations and Maintenance Plan
- Staff presented the operational plan for the new 9,000-square-foot station, including a $426,000 first-year budget.
- The plan includes a day porter service, video surveillance, and proposed hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Council members discussed paid parking options, food service potential, and staffing for community room rentals.
- The presentation was received as informational input with no motion taken for immediate decision.
Committee Reports
- The Finance and Auditing Committee noted the absence of UCSB staff and scheduled a follow-up meeting for March.
- Council members reported on LAFCO activities, 9/11 remembrance ceremonies, and the Raytheon memorial.
- The City Attorney reported no additional items for the Council's consideration.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Public Forum
- The meeting was called to order on September 15, 2026. Roll call confirmed the presence of all Council members, and an interpreter was introduced for simultaneous English-Spanish interpretation. During the public forum, two residents spoke in opposition to the proposed Anthem Chapel project. One speaker cited conflicts with the Goleta General Plan, scenic corridor preservation, traffic safety concerns regarding driveways on Los Caneros Road, and noise impacts. The second speaker urged the Council to uphold the Planning Commission’s denial of the conditional use permit, citing the project’s scale, parking inadequacy, and traffic hazards, including the proximity of driveways to a bike lane.
City Manager’s Update
- E-Bike Roundtable: Council Member Smith presented photos from a recent e-bike safety roundtable hosted by the Mayor, Supervisor Laura Capps, and MOVES SBC. The discussion focused on infrastructure, education, enforcement, and legislative changes regarding e-bike safety. The Mayor noted the event was a first step in collaborative efforts to ensure safe transportation for all modes.
- Traffic Signal Upgrade Project: Michael Winoiser, Project Manager for Public Works, reported that the citywide traffic signal upgrade project is 99% complete. Funded entirely by a $33.2 million state Highway Safety Improvement Program grant, the project modernized infrastructure at 32 intersections. Improvements include ADA-compliant pedestrian push buttons with audio feedback, leading pedestrian intervals, retroreflective barriers on signal heads for improved visibility, and new traffic cameras. Staff clarified that the cameras are not license plate readers, do not store video, do not issue citations, and are used solely to detect vehicle presence to optimize signal timing. Council members asked about data tracking for safety impacts, the location of new ADA posts, and the resolution of previous signal timing delays. Staff confirmed that annual data reviews are possible, the posts are installed citywide, and previous timing issues have been resolved as the project nears completion.
Consent Calendar
- The following items were presented for approval:
- A1: Approval of the City Council meeting minutes of September 1, 2026.
- A2: Fiscal year 2025-26 fourth quarter financial review.
- A3: Approval of plans and specifications and award of the construction contract for the Cathedral Oaks Cribble repair project phase one, and a professional design services agreement amendment with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for phase two.
- A4: Amendment number one to agreement number 2025-097 with Beyond Heating and Air Inc. for HVAC maintenance services.
- Council Member Smith pulled Item A3 for comment, asking for clarification on the scope of Phase 1 (paving along Calle Real and Winchester as a detour route) and Phase 2 (wall reconstruction). Staff confirmed Phase 1 paving is expected to start early next month and that the Coastal Commission has approved the necessary waiver. Council Member Smith requested that outreach efforts include local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, and schools. Council Member Kasdan asked about mitigation for endangered plants in the area; staff stated they would have consultants investigate potential mitigation needs. Council Member Curiaco pulled Item A2 to thank staff for the financial performance.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The vote was unanimous, and the items passed.
Public Hearing: Item B1
- Topic: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
- Presentation: Staff presented the CAPER for program year 2025-2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). The city received a $320,000 annual allocation. Sub-recipients Leap Family Resource Center and People Self-Help Housing exceeded their service goals, serving 551 and 402 persons respectively, with over 99% of persons served being low-to-moderate income. Three public facilities (Matilda Park, Goleta Community Center ADA upgrades, and Skylight Air Placement) are currently in construction or design/bidding phases.
- Discussion: Council Member Curiaco asked about the strategy behind unexpended funds. Staff explained that unexpended balances are typically associated with multi-year capital projects and are carried over to provide additional funding for those projects. Council Member Smith commended the grant recipients and the city for their work in housing stability.
- Public Comment: No public speakers were recorded for this item.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded to review and accept the CDBG 2025-2026 CAPER and authorize staff to submit it to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, incorporating any public comments. The vote was unanimous, and the motion passed.
Item C1: Interim Urgency Ordinance
- Topic: Consideration of an interim urgency ordinance temporarily prohibiting the establishment of new firearms and ammunition retailers within the city.
- Discussion: Council Member Smith explained that this ordinance was requested during a September 1 study session to pause new gun store locations while staff reviews and updates relevant codes (Chapter 17 and Chapter 5). The ordinance applies only to new establishments, not existing ones. It requires a four-fifths vote, is effective immediately for 45 days, and can be extended up to 10 months and 15 days total if necessary to complete the regulatory review process. Staff confirmed that the extension process involves a public hearing and report within the 45-day window.
- Public Comment:
- Two speakers expressed support for the ordinance, citing concerns for child safety and the need for a thoughtful regulatory process.
- One speaker, a gun store owner, opposed the ordinance, arguing it acts as a de facto ban by restricting available commercial real estate and that California already has sufficient regulations.
- One speaker characterized the ordinance as performative legislation intended to curry voter support prior to an election and suggested tabling it until after the election.
- One speaker, a resident and gun owner, questioned why the location of gun stores is now a pressing issue, noting that previous locations near schools and community centers had not been problematic.
- Council Deliberation: Council Member Kasdan responded to public comments, clarifying that the ordinance is not an election stunt, does not ban guns, and is intended to allow for a thorough spatial analysis and regulatory review to determine appropriate locations for such retailers.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded to approve the urgency ordinance temporarily prohibiting the establishment of new firearms and ammunition retailers, finding it exempt from CEQA and declaring the urgency thereof. The vote was unanimous, and the ordinance passed.
Item C2: Resolution to Revise Local Preference for Below Market Rate Housing
- Topic: Revision of the local preference policy for Below Market Rate (BMR) housing units.
- Discussion: Council Member Smith recommended that the Council focus only on the "live or work" local preference criteria (Criteria 1 and 2) and defer discussion on criteria related to homelessness prevention (Criteria 3, 4, and 5) until the next year’s work plan. Staff agreed to present only the live/work criteria. The current policy provides preference to households living on the South Coast or working in the city. The proposed revision creates three preference categories: (1) live on South Coast AND work in city; (2) live on South Coast OR work in city; (3) all other households. The application of these categories depends on the number of BMR units in a project.
- Lottery Process and Education Requirements: Staff presented a proposed three-tier lottery system. Under the initial proposal, the first BMR unit is allocated to Level 1 applicants (who live and work in Goleta). Remaining Level 1 applicants move to the Level 2 pool (live or work in Goleta), which is ranked via lottery. If the project has three or more BMR units, remaining Level 2 applicants move to the Level 3 pool (income-qualified only) for a final drawing. Staff also recommended a requirement for an eight-hour HUD-certified or Fannie Mae homebuyer education course, with a certificate of completion submitted with the application.
- Council Deliberation: Council members raised questions regarding the allocation of units, noting that most local projects are small (typically 2–5 BMR units) rather than large developments, which limits the impact of a single-unit Level 1 allocation. Concerns were raised about how the criteria affect seniors, disabled individuals, and those with fixed incomes who may not meet the "work" requirement. Staff clarified that Level 3 exists to ensure the process remains open to all eligible households and to comply with fair housing laws, noting that some applicants (e.g., those displaced from the area or homeless) may not fit into Levels 1 or 2. Council members discussed the implications of state laws (SB 330 and AB 130) allowing developers to pay fees in lieu of constructing the full 20% of BMR units, which could reduce the number of units subject to this local lottery. Staff indicated that while some projects are paying fees, the city intends to pursue revisions to the inclusionary housing ordinance later in the year. Regarding the education course, Council members expressed concern that requiring it prior to selection could create a financial or logistical barrier for low-income applicants. Staff noted that courses are available online, some at low or no cost, and that the requirement could be shifted to occur after selection.
- Motion and Amendments: Council Member Kasdan moved to adopt a modified lottery structure where BMR units are allocated in a one-third, one-third, one-third split among the three priority levels (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3), rather than allocating a single unit to Level 1. The motion was seconded. During discussion, Council Member Smith requested that the item be trailed to allow staff time to "pressure test" the one-third allocation model, particularly regarding how units would be distributed if the total number of BMR units is not evenly divisible by three. Staff agreed to review the mechanics and provide examples. A friendly amendment was proposed and accepted to move the homebuyer education requirement to occur after the applicant is selected for a unit, rather than prior to application.
- Decision and Vote: The Council voted on the motion to adopt the one-third, one-third, one-third allocation structure with staff discretion to implement details, and to amend the education requirement to occur post-selection. The motion passed.
Train Station Operations and Maintenance Plan (Year One)
- Presentation: Matt Floor, General Services Director, and Fred Kim, Facilities and Fleet Coordinator, presented the operational plan for the new 9,000-square-foot train station, which is expected to open by the end of the calendar year. Key points included:
- Staffing and Oversight: The city will not maintain a permanent staff presence at the station. Instead, a multi-layered approach will be used, including a drop-in office for city staff and sheriff personnel, a third-party day porter service (for spot cleaning, restocking, and acting as "eyes and ears"), video surveillance, access controls, and burglar alarms. Fred Kim will be permanently assigned to the station for the first week to monitor operations.
- Hours of Operation: Proposed hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, with closures on city-recognized holidays. Staff noted that entry into the station is not required to board or disembark trains.
- Parking and EV Charging: The facility includes ample parking with 13 EV charging stations. The city is standardizing EV charging rates across facilities (45 cents/kWh peak, 35 cents/kWh non-peak), a proposal recently sent to the Green Committee. A consultant has been hired to analyze options for a paid parking system, including potential enforcement and revenue remittance, which will be presented to Council for decision.
- Revenue Generation: The city has contracted for self-serve vending machines and issued an RFP for on-site coffee service. Advertising space is being considered. The unimproved cafe space is intended to remain as-is for 1–3 years to assess market demand before soliciting proposals for a long-term lease with tenant improvements.
- Budget: The estimated first-year operating budget is $426,000. Major line items include janitorial services (daily overnight cleaning and closing) and the day porter service.
- Overtime Control: To manage costs associated with the city’s overtime rules, the city plans to contract with an answering service to triage non-urgent after-hours calls and utilize an existing after-hours response team for urgent issues.
- Discussion:
- Staffing and Security: Council Member Barsh asked about staffing during community room rentals and the potential for on-site staff presence. Staff explained that Neighborhood Services would manage the room, potentially sharing staff with the Goleta Community Center, but noted that creating a permanent position before opening was premature. Regarding security, staff clarified that while the Sheriff’s Office could use the drop-in office for report writing, they could not commit to a regular patrol presence due to resource constraints.
- Parking: Council members expressed mixed views on paid parking. Council Member Barsh urged caution, noting Goleta’s culture of free parking and the risk of discouraging ridership. Council Member Kastan suggested paid parking to prevent long-term vehicle storage but emphasized flexibility for day-trippers. Council Member Reyes-Martín supported the consultant’s analysis to find a balance that offsets costs without being prohibitive. Mayor Pro Tem Smith requested data on current parking issues at the existing Amtrak-controlled spaces to inform the decision. Staff clarified that the new parking lot is separate from the Amtrak-controlled spaces and will be located on the opposite side of the building to separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
- Food and Amenities: Council Member Barsh inquired about the possibility of food trucks to test demand for food service. Staff confirmed the facility was designed to accommodate such uses and suggested using the ribbon-cutting or featured events to test the concept. Council Member Reyes-Martín supported promoting the community room to local nonprofits and businesses.
- Wi-Fi and Lighting: Mayor Pro Tem Smith raised concerns about safety and Wi-Fi availability for late-arriving passengers. Staff confirmed that Wi-Fi hours could be adjusted remotely and that outdoor lighting and seating areas are available for those waiting outside operating hours.
- Contracting: Mayor Pro Tem Smith asked about potential efficiencies in bundling janitorial and HVAC contracts with other city facilities. Staff explained that the train station’s unique needs (high activity, emergency response, day porter role) require a specialized vendor, and they are soliciting bids to find a provider with the necessary flexibility and expertise.
- Ribbon-Cutting and Outreach: Staff presented information regarding the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony for the train station, noting a distinction between paid advertising and promotional events. Staff indicated that the Los Angeles Amtrak board is interested in attending, with many members residing in Orange County. Staff also noted collaboration with SB CAG for outreach and scheduling, aiming for a mid-December timeframe to accommodate state representatives. The Mayor commented on the potential for public engagement, including children watching trains. A Council Member noted that transit-related development is already occurring, citing a general plan amendment for live/work units and recent commercial property changes on La Patera.
- Decision: No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon. The presentation and discussion served as informational input for future Council decisions regarding the operational details, parking policies, and service contracts. The Mayor stated that this was a received presentation requiring no motion. Staff acknowledged the input received and stated they would take it under consideration.
Committee Reports
- Finance and Auditing Committee:
- Town & Gown Committee: The committee held a regular meeting. Staff representatives from UC Santa Barbara did not attend, despite notification. The committee received a preliminary presentation on the train station and updates on housing, Halloween planning, and other items. Staff is scheduling another meeting for March. The committee chair expressed disappointment regarding the absence of UCSB staff, suspecting it may be related to pending litigation.
- Finance Committee: The committee reviewed the financial report included in the consent agenda. Staff is expected to return with further discussion on bond proceeds and large projects. The committee will continue to monitor the financial impact of changes to the short-term vacation rental ordinance.
- Council Member Reports:
- LAFCO: A Council Member reported attending the LAFCO commission meeting on September 3, noting the city’s upcoming application for a sphere of influence and a presentation on a state grant for balancing agriculture and housing.
- Other Activities: The same Council Member reported attending Senator Monique Limon’s non-profit celebration for the Botanic Garden, a Communify board meeting, a meeting with the Goleta Valley Community Center Board regarding their wind-down plans, the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the courthouse, and a Communify board retreat. Upcoming activities include the Cal Cities Conference (September 23–25), where the City Manager and the Council Member will present on old towns, and the finalization of Cottage Rehab’s move to the Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital site.
- 9/11 Remembrance: Another Council Member reported attending the 9/11 ceremony at the courthouse hosted by county firefighters and first responders, noting the reflections from Sheriff Brown and fire chiefs.
- Raytheon Memorial: A Council Member reported attending Raytheon’s 9/11 parade and memorial on September 10, noting the participation of the public and local businesses.
- City Attorney: The City Attorney reported nothing to report.
Adjournment
- The Mayor noted the upcoming Lemon Festival and Lemon Run. The meeting was adjourned.