Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Ball, 1-Bridge, 2-Vega, 3-Starbuck, 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
Proclamations and Chamber of Commerce Report
- The Mayor issued proclamations for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Arbor Day.
- Presentations highlighted education efforts and tree distribution initiatives.
- The Chamber of Commerce reported on membership changes and upcoming community events.
Staff Updates and General Plan Kickoff
- Staff provided departmental updates and announced a joint special meeting for July 14.
- Council members raised concerns regarding RV and bicycle ordinance enforceability.
- Staff confirmed the 2050 General Plan is ahead of schedule with a two-year completion goal.
- Targeted study areas include Vandenberg Village, Mission Hills, and the Bailey Corridor.
Time Clock Implementation
- Staff proposed a geofenced time-tracking system with an estimated cost of $112,000 to $117,000.
- Discussion centered on accountability measures and the necessity of labor negotiations.
- The Council directed staff to proceed with the initiative and union negotiations.
Rebate Program Audit and Investigation
- An audit revealed internal control deficiencies regarding contractor license documentation.
- The Council directed staff to prepare a report on the history of rebate application changes.
- A motion passed to hire a third-party investigator to review applications from the past two years.
LAFCO Service Agreement Correction
- Staff presented a correction clarifying the city serves 50–60 acres under Outside Area Service Agreements.
- The Council approved a motion to sign and forward the corrected letter to LAFCO.
Bureau Veritas Agreement Amendment
- Staff requested an $87,000 amendment to cover plan check overruns due to staffing vacancies.
- Discussion addressed the long-term viability of the contract versus hiring in-house staff.
- The Council approved the motion to accept the second amendment to the agreement.
Wastewater Calculation Methodology
- Staff proposed changing the calculation method to a single-year winter average for improved accuracy.
- The Council approved the proposal to proceed with required public notice and a July 21 hearing.
Council Requests and Agenda Streamlining
- Council members requested updates on translation services and indefinite contract policies.
- A request was made to streamline future agenda presentations to allow more deliberation time.
- It was agreed to condense Project Opioid presentation materials for public distribution.
Closed Session
- The Council met in closed session to discuss labor negotiations.
- No reportable action was taken during the session.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Proclamations
- The regular City Council meeting for April 21, 2026, was called to order following roll call, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Mayor presented two proclamations: one designating April 2026 as Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, and another recognizing Arbor Day 2026. Presentations were provided by the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center regarding education, prevention, and staff recognition, and by Urban Forestry regarding tree and mulch distribution for Arbor Day.
Chamber of Commerce Presentation
- The Lompoc Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau presented an annual report detailing website updates, office relocation, and increased membership retention. Discussion addressed the elimination of non-paying "courtesy" memberships and upcoming events, including the Old Town Market and the State of the City banquet.
Staff Reports and Announcements
- Acting City Manager Dean Alvaro provided updates on Parks and Recreation, Building and Safety, Community Development, Transit, Library, and Police Department activities. Announcements included the Summer Park and Recreation brochure, a developers' roundtable, the 2050 General Plan update kickoff workshop, Earth Day free rides, National Library Week recognition, and a Senior Scam Awareness presentation. A request was made to schedule a joint special meeting with the Planning Commission for July 14, 2026, to discuss the 2050 General Plan update. Council Member Vega raised concerns regarding the enforceability of the RV and bicycle-on-sidewalks ordinances and the status of a Towing Service Agreement. Staff committed to following up on these items.
Consent Calendar
- The Consent Calendar included eight items: approval of February 3, 2026, minutes; ratification of March 2026 payroll and voucher registers; adoption of Resolution No. 6809-26 regarding the Police Officers Association MOU; approval of a second amendment to the Bureau Veritas North America agreement; approval of a change order with SWT Engineering; approval of a change order with Ingle and Gray Incorporated; approval of additional opioid settlements and adoption of Resolution No. 6810-26; and consideration of modifying the wastewater winter averaging calculation method. Council Member Starbuck recused himself from voting on Chamber of Commerce-related checks within Item 2. Council Member Vega requested to remove Items 4 and 8 for separate discussion. A motion was made to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 4 and 8. The motion was seconded and passed.
Time Clock Implementation
- Staff presented a proposal to implement time clocks using tablet kiosks or mobile apps with geofencing to track employee hours, with an estimated cost between $112,000 and $117,000. Discussion focused on accountability, cost allocation, and the necessity of labor negotiations. The Council directed staff to proceed with the initiative, including negotiations with labor unions, and to return with a full report at a future date.
2050 General Plan Update
- Staff provided a quarterly update on the 2050 General Plan, noting the project is ahead of schedule with a two-year completion goal. Efforts include merging document elements, removing policies that constrain development, and collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and SBCAG. Targeted study areas include Vandenberg Village, Mission Hills, the Bailey Corridor, River Park, River Bend, and Megalito Canyon. Staff confirmed the launch of an engagement plan and website. Council discussion addressed schedule clarity, leveraging common EIR components with other projects, consolidating plan elements, population growth projections, and the potential inclusion of Ocean Park within the city's sphere of influence. Public comment included divergent views on industrial development, housing, and farmland preservation.
Evaluation of City's Energy and Water Conservation Rebate Programs
- The City Attorney presented findings from the fiscal year 2024-2025 audit, which identified a significant deficiency in internal controls regarding conservation rebate programs. Of 81 payments tested, 11 lacked documentation of an active contractor license. Staff confirmed corrective measures, including requiring license numbers on applications. Discussion covered the scope of a potential further investigation, the definition of fraud versus process deficiencies, and the recusal of the City Manager from this item. The Council directed staff to prepare a report on the history of rebate application changes. No formal motion was moved, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Investigation of Rebate Program Applications
- Discussion focused on the scope and methodology for investigating potential fraud and errors in rebate applications, including the appropriate time frame for review and the cost of third-party investigation versus internal review.
- Motion: To hire a third-party investigator to review rebate applications from the past two years, including all programs, and to report back on historical application changes, consultant involvement, and available financial remedies.
- Second: Seconded by Council Member Starbuck.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Letter to LAFCO Regarding Outside Area Service Agreements
- Staff presented a correction to the Municipal Service Review reports regarding acreage served under Outside Area Service Agreements, clarifying the city serves approximately 50–60 acres rather than 250 acres. The proposed letter to LAFCO seeks to correct the record and acknowledge pre-2001 agreements. One council member recused themselves regarding the Frick Springs property.
- Motion: To direct the City Manager to sign and forward the corrected letter and table to LAFCO.
- Second: Seconded by Council Member Ball.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Second Amendment to Bureau Veritas North America Plan Checks Agreement
- Staff requested a second amendment to the agreement with Bureau Veritas North America for an additional $87,000 to cover overruns due to the vacancy of the Building Official position. Discussion addressed the long-term viability of the indefinite contract versus hiring in-house staff.
- Motion: To accept the second amendment to the agreement.
- Second: Seconded by Council Member Ball.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Wastewater Usage Calculation Methodology
- Staff proposed changing the wastewater usage calculation method from a four-year rolling average to a single-year calculation based on winter months to automate billing and improve accuracy. The proposal requires public notice and a hearing scheduled for July 21, with implementation pending the lack of a 50% protest.
- Motion: To approve the proposal to change the wastewater usage calculation methodology and proceed with the required public notice and hearing.
- Second: Seconded by Council Member Vega.
- Decision: The motion passed.
Council Comments and Requests
- Council Member Ball inquired about translation services, which are in testing mode. Council Member Vega requested options for scheduling joint meetings with commissions to improve efficiency. Council Member Bridge requested a future agenda item to review city policy regarding indefinite contracts with automatic renewal clauses.
Streamlining Agenda Presentations
- Council Member Vega requested that the City Attorney and City Manager engage to streamline future agenda presentations to allow more time for deliberation. No formal motion was made or seconded.
Project Opioid Presentation
- Council Member Ball requested a presentation on the Sheriff's Project Opioid regarding overdose statistics. It was agreed that presentation materials would be condensed for public distribution. No formal motion was made or seconded.
Closed Session
- The Council met in closed session to discuss labor negotiations. The session concluded with direction provided to staff. No reportable action was taken.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting was scheduled for May 5 at 6:30 p.m.