Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Ball, 1-Bridge, 2-Vega, 3-Starbuck, Mosby
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At a glance
National Public Works Week Proclamation
- The Council issued a proclamation designating National Public Works Week for May 17 through 23, 2026.
- Staff recognized contributions of professionals to community infrastructure and public health.
- Displays and a video regarding public works divisions were presented in the City Hall lobby.
Parks and Recreation Commission Appointment
- A Council member nominated Alexis Otero for a vacant position on the commission.
- A motion to appoint the nominee was made and seconded by the Council.
- The appointment was approved during the meeting.
CDBG Human Service Program Budget
- Staff presented the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Discussion focused on federal funding caps and the distribution between capital improvements and human services.
- The Council approved the budget and action plan submission to HUD.
Urban Water Management and Contingency Plan
- Staff presented the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan for adoption.
- Council members questioned data regarding population numbers and potential interties with Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- The Council adopted the plan and Resolution 6816-26 for submission to state authorities.
Closed Session
- The Council met in closed session to confer with labor negotiators.
- No reportable action was taken during the session.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Closed Session
- The Lompoc City Council meeting was called to order on Tuesday, May 19th. Roll call indicated all members were present. The Council met in closed session to confer with labor negotiators. No reportable action was taken during the closed session. The meeting proceeded with the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
National Public Works Week Proclamation
- A proclamation was issued designating National Public Works Week for May 17 through 23, 2026. The motion recognized the contributions of public works professionals to community infrastructure, public health, and quality of life. Staff presented displays and a video regarding the various public works divisions in the City Hall lobby.
City Manager Report
- Acting City Manager Craig Dierling reported on several municipal updates:
- Spring Yard Beautification Contest: Winners were selected from residential, business, and church nominations.
- Senior Health Expo: Held at the Dick DeWeese Center with over 500 attendees.
- Volunteens Program: Applications open for students ages 13-15.
- Summer Drop-in Camp: Registration open for children ages 6-12, running from June 15 through August 7.
- Library Programs: The Summer Reading Program ("Plant a Seed Read") begins June 1st. "Lunch at the Library" will run from June 15 through July 31.
- State of the City: An event held in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce attracted over 50 attendees.
- Administrative Notes: City Hall will be closed on May 25th for the Memorial Day holiday. Clarification was provided regarding construction start times (7 a.m. on weekdays) and the function of the live microphone in the chamber used to maintain broadcast continuity.
Consent Calendar
- Items on the consent calendar included approval of minutes, ratification of expenditures and check registers, adoption of Ordinance 1745-26 (zoning code amendments regarding sign standards), a resolution to call a general municipal election for November 3, 2026, and a resolution declaring the intention to levy assessments for the Park Minutes and City Pool Assessment District.
- Discussion: Council Member Starbuck recused himself from the check register item. Public comment was received regarding sign code enforcement, council conduct, and fire department staffing levels. A question was raised regarding a discrepancy in ballot count figures within the election staff report; staff clarified that the chart was for informational purposes and did not affect the resolution, though clarification could be requested later.
- Motion: A motion to approve the consent calendar was made and seconded.
- Outcome: Passed.
Appointments
- Parks and Recreation Commission: Council Member Ball nominated Alexis Otero for the vacant position.
- Motion: Motion to appoint was made and seconded.
- Outcome: Passed.
Public Hearing: CDBG Human Service Program Budget (Fiscal Year 2026-2027)
- Community Development Program Manager Chanel Ovalle presented the budget for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Human Service Program for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The proposed budget allocates funds for program administration, ADA capital improvements, the Catholic Charities Housing and Mobile Home Emergency Repair Grant Program, and human services.
- Discussion: Staff explained federal regulations regarding funding caps and non-profit eligibility. Public comment was received regarding the distribution of funds between capital improvements and human services, with suggestions to prioritize smaller local groups. Staff noted that federal guidelines set the 15% cap for human services and cannot be changed by the Council.
- Motion: A motion to approve the budget and action plan submission to HUD was made by Council Member Vega and seconded by Council Member Ball.
- Outcome: Passed.
Urban Water Management Plan (2025) and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
- Senior Administrative Analyst Kristen Whirley presented the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan for adoption and submission to the California Department of Water Resources. The plan documents water supply reliability, projected demand through 2050, and conservation programs.
- Discussion: Council members questioned specific data points regarding population numbers, water plant capacity, and intertie potential with Vandenberg Space Force Base and the Federal Correctional Institution. Discussion occurred regarding conservation pricing structures and the financial implications of high conservation rates on wastewater facilities. Public comment was received regarding water conservation pricing and its impact on residents.
- Motion: A motion to adopt the plan and Resolution 6816-26 was made and seconded.
- Outcome: Passed.
Written Communications
- One written communication was received from Ms. Molly Gerald and made available to the public and Council.
Council Comments and Reports
- Action Items: Council Member Bridge and Council Member Ball discussed the status of the council action item list. Several items previously scheduled were noted as missing or pending. A request was made for staff to review the list to ensure items are not removed without resolution and to re-add missing items. The City Manager agreed to review the list.
- Conduct and Protocol: Council Member Ball raised a request for staff to provide information on potential actions regarding council members facing legal allegations, noting the judge had found sufficient evidence for trial to proceed.
- Local Issues: Council Member Ruggiero reported on Vandenberg expansion meetings and raised concerns regarding unregulated car washes in parking lots lacking Business Tax Certificates. Staff indicated code enforcement would be notified regarding the car wash issue.
- SpaceX/Vandenberg: Discussion occurred regarding the economic impact of Vandenberg Space Force Base operations and potential community benefits.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 2nd at 6:30 p.m.