Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Ball, 3-Starbuck, 1-Bridge, 2-Vega, Mosby
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
Human Trafficking Awareness Proclamation
- The Council adopted a proclamation designating January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
- Speakers from local task forces highlighted prevention efforts and resources for vulnerable populations.
- The resolution cited global and county statistics regarding trafficking vulnerabilities.
City Manager Updates
- Staff announced winners of the Holiday Lights Contest and extended Aquatic Center hours.
- A $375,000 Homeland Security grant was reported for a Dewey Center backup generator.
- The Lompoc Community Academy is scheduled to begin operations on January 29.
- Staff confirmed Ford F-150 Lightning vehicles are unavailable and are exploring lease alternatives with CARB.
Community Needs Survey and Tax Measure
- Survey results indicated 62% support for a tax increase to fund road and right-of-way maintenance.
- Council members debated the procedural thresholds for special versus general tax measures.
- The Council voted to proceed with a special tax measure for streets and sidewalks on the June 2026 ballot.
- Staff will draft the specific tax language for final adoption at the next meeting.
2050 General Plan Update Agreement
- The Council approved a $731,706 professional services agreement with Minter Harnish for Phase 2.
- Amendments were adopted to consolidate optional elements into the Land Use element.
- The Public Facilities and Parks and Recreation elements were eliminated to simplify the plan.
- Payment will be structured through the General Fund with reimbursement from maintenance fees.
Curb Ramp Upgrade Project
- The Council awarded the FY 25 S2 2025 Curb Ramp Upgrade Project contract.
- Staff confirmed a specific sidewalk repair omission would be addressed using contingency funds.
- The project award was approved with the understanding that the missing repair would be completed.
Ad Hoc Committee Appointment
- Council Member Starbuck was appointed to the Ad Hoc Committee on Building Planning Permit Process.
- The appointment motion passed with one abstention.
Closed Session
- The Council discussed existing litigation and the City Manager's performance evaluation with legal counsel.
- Direction was provided to staff on these items, but no reportable action was taken.
- The labor negotiation item was not discussed and was continued to a future meeting.
Full summary
Closed Session
- The Council met in closed session to discuss three items: a conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation, a public employee performance evaluation for the City Manager, and a conference with labor negotiators. The City Attorney reported that the Council provided direction to staff on the first two items but took no reportable action. The third item was not discussed and was continued to a future meeting.
Proclamation for Human Trafficking Awareness Month
- Mayor Mosby presented a proclamation recognizing January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the City of Lompoc. The proclamation cited statistics regarding human trafficking globally and within Santa Barbara County, noting the vulnerability of homeless individuals and the work of the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force. Representatives from the Task Force and Kingdom Causes spoke in support of the proclamation, highlighting local prevention efforts and resources. The Council adopted the proclamation.
City Manager Report
- The City Manager provided updates on several topics:
- Holiday Lights Contest: Winners for residential and business categories were announced.
- Parks and Recreation: Extended hours for the Aquatic Center and the release of the 2026 spring activity guide were noted. The Father-Daughter Dance was mentioned as a successful event.
- Lompoc Community Academy: The program was announced to begin on January 29, with details regarding eligibility and schedule.
- Emergency Services: The Fire Department was thanked for responding to a residential fire and performing water rescues.
- Dewey Center Grant: A direct appropriation of $375,000 from Homeland Security, approved by Senator Adam Schiff and the Senate, was reported. The funds are intended for a backup generator at the Dewey Center to support emergency operations, pending budget approval.
- F-150 Lightning Vehicles: In response to a Council question regarding the discontinuation of Ford F-150 Lightning vehicles, staff confirmed the vehicles could not be acquired. Staff is currently working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to explore alternative options, including lease programs.
Consent Calendar
- Seven items were placed on the consent calendar: approval of minutes, ratification of expenditures, payroll approval, voucher registers, a Transit Fair Promotion Reimbursement Agreement, Resolution 679 regarding the Local Home Buyer Assistance Program, and a professional services agreement for the 2050 General Plan Update.
- Public Comment: Residents commented on the economic contributions of migrant workers and expressed concerns regarding ICE operations in the community.
- Action: Council Member Starbuck requested to pull items 5 (General Plan Update) and 6 (Curb Ramp Upgrade) for separate discussion. The remaining items on the consent calendar were approved via a motion and second. The motion passed.
Oral Communications
- Residents addressed the Council on various topics:
- Human Trafficking: A representative from the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center shared a survivor's story to highlight the prevalence of trafficking in Lompoc and the need for continued support.
- ICE Operations: Multiple speakers expressed strong opposition to recent ICE activities in the community, citing concerns over civil rights, safety, and the impact on neighbors. Some speakers alleged corruption within the City Council and Police Department.
- January 6th: One speaker referenced the January 6th Capitol attack and called for clear policies regarding police interaction with federal agents.
- Support for Police: One resident thanked the Police Department for following the law.
Appointments
- Ad Hoc Committee on Building Planning Permit Process: Council Member Starbuck was appointed to the committee. A motion was made and seconded. The motion passed with one abstention.
Council Request: Community Needs Survey and Potential Tax Measure
- Staff presented results from a community survey conducted by Flash Vote regarding a potential special transaction tax and use tax to fund road and right-of-way maintenance.
- Survey Results: Of 206 participants, 62% supported some form of tax increase (42% for a special tax limited to streets/roads, 20% for a general tax including public safety), while 30% opposed an increase. The survey identified streets/roads and physical safety as high-priority, low-satisfaction areas.
- Discussion: Council members debated the merits of a special tax (requiring a four-fifths vote) versus a general tax (requiring a unanimous declaration of fiscal emergency for a June ballot or a four-fifths vote for November). Concerns were raised regarding the high threshold for passing a special tax and the risk of the County passing a competing measure first.
- Motion: Council Member Starbuck moved to proceed with a special tax measure for streets, roads, and sidewalks with a 15-year sunset, to be placed on the June 2026 ballot.
- Outcome: The motion was seconded. The motion passed. The City Attorney noted that the specific tax measure language would be drafted and returned to the Council at the next meeting for final adoption.
Professional Services Agreement: 2050 General Plan Update (Item 5)
- Staff presented a professional services agreement with Minter Harnish for the Phase 2 General Plan Update, totaling $731,706.
- Discussion: Council members discussed the inclusion of four optional elements (Economic Development, Urban Design, Public Facilities, Parks and Recreation) versus the three required elements. Staff explained that the goal was to simplify the plan by merging optional elements into required ones where appropriate.
- Motion: Council Member Mosby moved to approve the agreement with amendments to consolidate the Economic Development and Urban Design elements into the Land Use element, eliminate the Public Facilities and Parks and Recreation elements, and utilize payment option two (General Fund payment with reimbursement from maintenance fees).
- Outcome: The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Curb Ramp Upgrade Project (Item 6)
- Staff presented the award of the FY 25 S2 2025 Curb Ramp Upgrade Project.
- Discussion: Council members inquired about a specific sidewalk repair location that was not included in the initial contract documents. Staff confirmed the repair would be completed using contingency funds.
- Motion: Council Member Mosby moved to approve the project award with the understanding that the missing repair would be addressed.
- Outcome: The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Council Comments
- Clarification on Dewey Center Grant: Council Member Ball requested clarification regarding rumors of an ICE facility at the Dewey Center. Staff and the Police Chief confirmed the grant is for a backup generator for emergency operations and is not related to ICE or immigration enforcement.
- Immigrant Support: Council Member Ball requested that staff investigate ways the City could invest in supporting the immigrant community, citing examples from other cities and the County. The Mayor indicated the matter would be discussed further at a future meeting.
- Upcoming Agenda: Council Member Bridge requested scheduling for the municipal code review and the Safety Commission review. He also discussed the potential cost savings and environmental benefits of extending the landfill life via a greenhouse gas reduction letter.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned until January 20, 2026.