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
City Manager Updates
- Staff plans to address River Park Lake issues after the new fiscal year begins.
- Pothole repairs on O and Laurel and V and Laurel streets are underway due to railroad activity.
- Informal discussions regarding police department expansion into Solvang and Buellton are ongoing.
- A flat fee structure for cannabis fees was adopted, with staff noting it can be revisited.
Park-Madison City Pool Assessment District
- Resolution 6826 was adopted to continue the special assessment for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
- The assessment is capped at a 3% increase based on the Consumer Price Index.
- Staff clarified that a county fee increase impacts the city's general budget but not the property owner assessment.
General Plan Amendment and Zone Changes
- Amendments were approved for three properties on Ocean Avenue to change designations to High Density Residential.
- The parcel at 1406 East Ocean Avenue was excluded from the approval due to traffic and safety concerns.
- The project is exempt from environmental review under CEQA to meet Regional Housing Needs Allocation requirements.
Sign Standards Amendment
- The Council referred the matter to the Planning Commission to develop recommendations for smaller businesses.
- Staff noted that current permit requirements for feather flags create red tape compared to banner standards.
- The goal is to align feather flag regulations with existing 60-day banner display limits.
Senate Bill 707 Requirement Approval Policy
- A policy was approved to use Microsoft Teams for audio-only public participation with a three-minute limit.
- Procedures were established to pause meetings for up to one hour to resolve technical disruptions.
- The Council requested a future review of general microphone operations to address audio quality and privacy.
Ornamental Flagpoles Ordinance
- An ordinance was introduced by title to classify non-permanent ornamental flagpoles as decorative landscape features.
- These structures will not require building permits, whereas permanent flagpoles will continue to require them.
- Staff clarified that a pending application for a permanent 50-foot flagpole remains subject to permit requirements.
Internal Loan from Insurance Fund
- Resolution 6828-26 was approved to establish a $5.1 million internal loan from the Insurance Fund to the Solid Waste Fund.
- The loan carries a 15-year term at a 4% interest rate to reduce annual payments.
- Staff confirmed the full loan amount is necessary for upcoming Capital Improvement Program projects.
Fleet Fuel Costs Supplemental Provision
- Approval was granted for a $150,000 supplemental provision to cover insufficient fleet fuel costs.
- Staff explained that the Fleet Fund operates as an internal service fund with a year-end true-up process.
Tourism Business Improvement District Annual Report
- The 2026 annual report was approved with specific findings entered into the record.
- Staff was directed to confirm the entity's legal status and develop a policy for the substantial reserve balance.
- The Council requested a timeline for the upcoming district renewal process and resolution of management discrepancies.
Closed Session
- A closed session was held to discuss labor negotiations.
- Direction was provided to staff, but no reportable action was taken.
Full summary
Call to Order and Opening Procedures
- The Lompoc City Council meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. Roll call confirmed the presence of all council members and the Mayor. Staff reported that a closed session had been held to discuss labor negotiations, during which direction was provided to staff, but no reportable action was taken. An invocation was delivered, including a moment of silence for crew members involved in a B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
City Manager Report
- The City Manager provided updates on upcoming events, including the 4th of July block parties, a teen flag football program, a library garden workshop, free lunch programs, Waste and Recycling Workers Week, and the Flower Festival. Notices were issued regarding upcoming holiday closures and solid waste pickup delays. Council members inquired about several operational matters:
- River Park Lake: Staff plans to address issues after the new fiscal year.
- Potholes: Issues on O and Laurel and V and Laurel streets, attributed to railroad activity, are being addressed.
- RV Signs: Installation is pending Caltrans approval.
- Police Department Expansion: Informal discussions regarding expansion into Solvang and Buellton are ongoing; staff will prepare a proposal for future discussion.
- Cannabis Fees: A flat fee structure was adopted; staff indicated the item could be revisited if the Council desires.
- Code Enforcement: Increased caseloads were attributed to proactive enforcement.
- Contract Award: An intent to award was issued, with a final decision expected in July.
- Air Force Partnership: Staff offered to provide further details on the Community Partnership Agreement.
Consent Calendar
- The Consent Calendar included nine items covering minutes approval, expenditure ratification, unclaimed property transfers, fiscal year appropriations, special tax levies, contract amendments, and annual reports.
- Recusals: Councilmember Starbuck recused himself from voting on Item 2 (expenditures involving the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce) due to a financial interest. Councilmember Ball recused himself from Item 9 (Tourism Improvement District) due to a potential conflict of interest.
- Modifications: Staff requested the removal of three specific checks from Item 3 (unclaimed property) as they had been claimed. Councilmember Bridge moved to remove Items 5 (Fleet Fuel) and 9 (Tourism Report) from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion later in the meeting. A correction was requested for the April 7, 2026, minutes to reflect a 4-0 vote with one recusal. The Mayor proposed extending the deadline for claiming unclaimed checks to 48 hours post-meeting, and staff suggested amending the resolution to set the transfer date to June 18, 2026.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the Consent Calendar with Items 5 and 9 removed, incorporating the minutes correction and the amended deadline for stale checks. The motion was seconded and passed.
Oral Communications
- The public comment period was opened. Residents spoke on various topics, including concerns regarding the conduct and integrity of specific council members, criticism of the Mayor and other members, support for Councilmember Ball, economic direction, the prevalence of dispensaries and liquor stores, youth programs, accountability, transparency, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and defense of current council members.
Public Hearing: City Job Vacancies and Recruitment (Assembly Bill 2561)
- Staff reported that as of May 18, 2026, the city had 393 authorized positions with 30 vacancies (7.63% vacancy rate). No bargaining unit exceeded the 20% threshold requiring additional reporting. The median time to fill positions in 2025 was approximately 60 days. Challenges were noted for specialized positions in police, engineering, and planning. Staff confirmed efforts to streamline hiring and noted an average employee tenure of 10.8 years. Public comment included observations on vacancy statistics and the potential impact of new jobs at Vandenberg. The Council closed public comment. No motion was required as the hearing was mandated by statute.
Item 11: Park-Madison City Pool Assessment District (Resolution 6826)
- Staff presented a report on continuing the special assessment for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund the pool bond, park ranger services, and maintenance. The assessment is capped at a 3% increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with a single-family equivalent of $34.52. Staff noted a county fee increase from $1 to $2 per parcel, which increases the city's general budget contribution but does not alter the property owner assessment. Discussion focused on the county fee impact, non-resident usage statistics, and the relationship between assessments and user fees. Staff clarified that the original assessment remains valid as the new pool was part of the original bond calculation.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation and adopt Resolution 6826. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 12: General Plan Amendment and Zone Changes (GP 2026-0001 and ZC 2026-0001)
- Staff recommended amending the General Plan and Zoning Map for four properties on West and East Ocean Avenue, changing designations from Planned Commercial Development (PCD) to High Density Residential (R3) with a Planned Development overlay to meet Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements. The project is exempt from environmental review under CEQA. Discussion centered on RHNA compliance, state intervention risks, and traffic concerns. Council members debated the inclusion of the 1406 East Ocean Avenue parcel due to traffic and safety concerns raised by a neighboring veterinary clinic. Staff confirmed the city is not obligated to include all contiguous parcels requested by the owner. Public comment included opposition from the veterinary clinic owner and support for housing development to avoid state mandates.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the amendments for 1220 West Ocean Avenue, 1308 East Ocean Avenue, and 1316 East Ocean Avenue, excluding 1406 East Ocean Avenue. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 13: Sign Standards Amendment (Feather Signs)
- Staff updated the Council on Ordinance 1745-26, which allows feather signs on project sites of one acre or greater. The Council requested direction on extending these allowances to smaller commercial businesses. Discussion focused on balancing economic development with aesthetic concerns and enforcement. Council members expressed concern that permit requirements for feather flags created red tape and discriminated against smaller businesses. Staff noted that banners have a 60-day display limit and discussed aligning feather flag regulations with banner standards.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to refer the matter to the Planning Commission to develop recommendations for amending the code to allow feather signs for smaller businesses, aligning regulations with existing banner standards. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 14: Senate Bill 707 Requirement Approval Policy
- Staff presented a policy update regarding Senate Bill 707, effective July 1, 2026, which modernizes transparency requirements. The policy outlines the use of Microsoft Teams for two-way audio-only public participation (three-minute limit) and procedures for technical disruptions, including a one-hour pause for IT resolution before voting to continue or postpone. The policy also addresses expanded translation services and closed captioning. Discussion addressed redundancy measures, workload impact, and legal discretion regarding meeting continuation. Staff confirmed the use of two internet service providers and clarified microphone usage.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation regarding the policy for handling internet or phone service disruptions. The motion was seconded and passed. Following the vote, the Council requested that the general operation of microphones be brought back for further review to address audio quality and privacy concerns during non-session times.
Item 15: Ordinance 1747-26 (Ornamental Flagpoles)
- Staff presented an ordinance to amend the Municipal Code to define "ornamental flagpoles" as non-permanent structures (e.g., telescoping or sectional designs) intended for easy removal, classifying them as decorative landscape features not subject to building permits. Permanent flagpoles would still require permits. Staff clarified that a pending application for a permanent 50-foot flagpole would require a permit, while a kit-style ornamental flagpole application would not, with no refund due as fees were not yet paid. An unrelated invoice error in the packet was noted and clarified.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation to introduce the ordinance by title only. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 16: Internal Loan from Insurance Fund to Solid Waste Fund (Resolution 6828-26)
- Staff presented a resolution to establish a $5.1 million internal loan from the Insurance Fund to the Solid Waste Fund to repay a portion of a previous loan obligation held by the Water Fund. The proposal involves a 15-year term at a 4% interest rate, reducing annual payments compared to the previous structure. Discussion centered on the financial health of the Insurance Fund, the necessity of the loan amount, and the long-term sustainability of the Water Fund. One Council member proposed an alternative approach with a smaller loan and immediate rate adjustments, but staff explained the full amount was required for upcoming Capital Improvement Program projects and aligned with debt management policy.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 5: Supplemental Provision of Fleet Fuel Costs (FY 2025-26)
- Staff requested approval for a supplemental provision of $150,000 for fleet fuel costs, noting the general fund allocation was insufficient. Staff explained the Fleet Fund operates as an internal service fund with a year-end true-up process.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 9: Approval of 2026 Annual Report (Visit Lompoc/T-BID)
- The Council reviewed the 2026 annual report for the Tourism Business Improvement District. Discussion highlighted concerns regarding late filing of obligations, discrepancies between the entity's legal structure and management agreement, and the lack of a defined policy for the substantial reserve balance accumulated since a 2020 rate increase.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the 2026 annual report with specific findings entered into the record. These findings directed staff to confirm the entity's legal status, develop a reserve policy, address discrepancies, and provide a timeline for the upcoming district renewal process. The motion was seconded and passed.
Public Comment and Council Reports
- During public comment, a speaker expressed concerns regarding illegal street food vending and potential links to organized crime. During Council reports, members discussed upcoming community events, including the Flower Festival and Juneteenth celebrations. A discussion arose regarding a letter sent to businesses about state-mandated recycling requirements; staff confirmed that unscheduled visits are a requirement of the state-mandated food waste monitoring program. The meeting concluded with reports on attendance at regional meetings.
Administrative Matters and Adjournment
- A council member raised a concern regarding incorrect contact information on a pamphlet and a paper in the council office. The City Manager responded that the issue had been investigated and would be corrected. The meeting was adjourned. No formal motion or vote was recorded for the adjournment.
Community Events
- A council member noted the upcoming Flower Festival scheduled for July 7, 2026. No formal motion or vote was recorded.