Meeting Summary
Present: Jr., dance, Hernandez
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
Hasbro Seven-Unit Density Bonus Project (855 Pioneer Street)
- Staff recommended approving a CEQA categorical exemption and design review for a seven-unit affordable housing project utilizing density bonus concessions.
- Public comment addressed concerns regarding parking congestion, flooding risks, and tree species, which staff and the applicant addressed with data on vehicle occupancy and runoff management.
- The Planning Director confirmed the project qualifies for five state-law concessions, including reduced setbacks and parking requirements.
- The council adopted Resolution No. 2026-47 to approve the exemption and design review application with added conditions regarding the Residential Developer Impact Fee.
Amendment to City Administrator’s Employment Agreement
- The City Attorney presented an amendment involving the voluntary waiver of a monthly auto allowance and the deferral of two scheduled salary increases.
- The amendment is projected to generate savings of approximately $12,850 in the second fiscal year and $4,257 in the current fiscal year.
- Discussion centered on the financial implications and a suggestion to tie future raises to the city’s financial condition, which the City Attorney noted would require further negotiation.
- The council approved Amendment No. 1 as written.
Management Reports
- The City Administrator reported on the awarding of a $1 million grant for the Pioneer Lift Station and issues with fence jumping near playgrounds.
- Public Works provided status updates on the Royal Theater facade, the Amtrak station project, and Highway 1 construction timelines.
- Public Safety and Human Resources reported on firefighter recruitment, workers' compensation injuries, and the ongoing search for a wastewater team position.
- Emergency Preparedness detailed the installation schedule for a city generator and the status of the senior employment grant program.
Future Agenda Items and Announcements
- A request was noted to place a proclamation acknowledging 60 years of SB CAG on the October 13 agenda.
- A Caltrans report highlighted potential delays for the Santa Maria River Bridge and scheduled maintenance projects for Route 1.
- Announcements included a school board candidate meet-and-greet and a call for volunteers to decorate Veterans Plaza for Christmas.
Closed Session
- The council voted to adjourn to closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Consent Calendar
- The City Clerk presented a blanket motion to approve the consent calendar without individual discussion. The items included waiving the full reading of ordinances and resolutions, ratifying warrant payments for periods ending August 28, 2026, and September 4, 2026, approving minutes from the September 8 meeting, and approving the filing of a notice of completion for the 303 site improvements (EV/bus charging facility) with the release of 5% contract retention to Quincon Incorporated. No council members requested to pull items for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Public Hearing – Hasbro Seven-Unit Density Bonus Project (855 Pioneer Street)
- Staff presented a report recommending the approval of a CEQA categorical exemption and the design review application (2026-039-DR) for a seven-unit affordable housing project. The applicant, represented by Air Studio Architects and the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara County, presented the project details, which include three one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units, an on-site manager unit, eight parking spaces, and 465 square feet of public outdoor space. The project utilizes a density bonus to reduce parking requirements and setbacks.
- Public comment was received regarding parking congestion on Pioneer Street, potential flooding risks during El Niño events, and questions regarding occupancy limits and tree species. Staff and the applicant addressed concerns about parking availability, noting that affordable housing projects historically have lower vehicle occupancy rates, and confirmed that the site plan includes pervious pavers to manage runoff. The Planning Director explained that the project qualifies for five concessions under state law, including reduced setbacks, elimination of private open space, reduced parking, increased height, and parking within the front yard setback. A condition regarding the Residential Developer Impact Fee was added to the resolution.
- A motion was made and seconded to adopt Resolution No. 2026-47, approving the CEQA categorical exemption and the design review application including findings and conditions. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Amendment to City Administrator’s Employment Agreement
- The City Attorney presented Amendment No. 1 to the employment agreement with City Administrator David Trujillo. The amendment involves the voluntary waiver of a $150 monthly auto allowance and the deferral of two 6% salary increases scheduled for April 2027 and April 2028, contingent on satisfactory performance evaluations. The City Attorney noted that this results in estimated savings of approximately $12,850 in the second fiscal year and $4,257 in the current fiscal year.
- Discussion focused on the financial implications and the voluntary nature of the amendment. One council member suggested adding language to tie future raises to the city’s financial condition, but the City Attorney noted this would constitute a substantial change requiring further negotiation and continuation of the item. The council debated whether to approve the amendment as written or seek further modifications.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve Amendment No. 1 as written. The motion passed with a vote of four in favor and one opposed.
Agenda Item: Management Reports
- City Administrator: Reported on issues with fence jumping near playground equipment, the status of the "Project Hero" bike tour, and the awarding of a $1 million grant for the Pioneer Lift Station under Assembly Bill 113, which allows the city to reallocate previously budgeted enterprise funds.
- Public Safety: Reported on the status of the fire captain recruitment, the hiring of two paid call firefighters, and two workers' compensation injuries in the Public Works department.
- Human Resources: Reported on the recruitment for a wastewater team position, noting no qualified candidates have applied yet, and the continuation of open enrollment for health plans through October 9.
- Public Works: Reported on the status of the Royal Theater project, noting that the facade completion is pending final cost estimates from the contractor. Reported on the Amtrak station project, with a projected completion date of November 9 or later. Reported on Highway 1 construction, with curb and gutter work projected for late December and street work in January.
- Finance/Utilities: A public comment was made regarding the use of the back of water bills for advertising, noting that the bills were blank on the back while separate color copies were used for cannabis and TOT tax information.
- Emergency Preparedness: Reported on the senior employment grant program, the installation of a city generator (transfer switch expected November 26, generator delivery December 10), and emergency preparedness training.
Agenda Item: Future Agenda Items and Announcements
- SB CAG Proclamation: A request was noted to place a proclamation acknowledging 60 years of SB CAG on the next agenda (October 13).
- Caltrans Updates: A council member presented a Caltrans report highlighting the Santa Maria River Bridge completion date potentially extending to 2032, the 166 Guadalupe ADA project, and Route 1 maintenance projects scheduled through 2029.
- Community Events: Announcements were made regarding a meet-and-greet for a school board candidate at Two Guys Pizza and a request for volunteers to decorate Veterans Plaza for Christmas.
Agenda Item: Adjournment to Closed Session
- A motion was made and seconded to adjourn to closed session. The motion passed.