Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Ball, 1-Bridge, 2-Vega, 3-Starbuck
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
Time and Attendance System
- Staff presented a proposal to convert to Tyler Technologies’ new time management system, noting increased costs and limitations in resolving salary staff tracking issues.
- The Council deferred the decision to align with the broader ERP conversion scheduled for the 2029 budget cycle.
- Staff indicated the topic would be revisited in two to three years when the broader software conversion is scheduled.
Audit Timeline and General Fund Fiscal Year 2025-2026
- Staff reported preliminary revenues were approximately $4.4 million below budget, with an estimated final shortfall of $1 million.
- Expenses were reported to be under budget, though final figures are pending completion of closing entries and pension postings.
- More accurate preliminary financials are expected to be available in November.
Utility Funds
- Staff noted that utility revenues were lower than budgeted, partly because July bills had not yet been posted.
- Excluding water, revenues currently exceeded expenses, though final figures are pending further accruals.
Credit Card Processing Fees and OpenEdge Agreement
- Staff reported that credit card fees were significantly over budget in previous years due to unnotified annual increases by the processor, OpenEdge.
- A new three-year fee structure was negotiated, reducing the discount rate to 0.73% and eliminating per-transaction fees, saving an estimated $500,000 to $600,000 annually.
- The Council directed the legal department to investigate the authorization of the agreement and the potential for recovering overpaid fees.
- Staff was requested to provide details on the duration and terms of the existing Tyler Technologies contract.
Oral Communications
- Public speakers addressed various topics including Flock cameras, firefighter pay and retention, and the censure proceedings against Councilmember Bridges.
- Comments included requests for transparency regarding the Lompoc Police Department and the Visit Lompoc contract.
- Speakers expressed opposition to Flock cameras based on student surveys and concerns about mass surveillance.
Additional Roadway Crossing in the Santa Ynez River (McLaughlin Road)
- Staff determined that reconstructing a low-water crossing is infeasible due to regulatory prohibitions on structures in the riverbed and floodway.
- A bridge would be required for a roadway crossing, but no specific funding source was identified for this option.
- The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments received a grant to study regional transportation issues, including potential river crossings.
Fishing at Surf Beach
- Staff presented a request to approve a supplemental letter supporting modifications to the Vandenberg Marine Reserve to allow fishing at Surf Beach.
- The Council voted to move forward with signing and providing the letter to the Fish and Game Commission.
- Staff clarified that the action does not affect the existing half-mile section of beach closed for snowy plovers.
Censure Resolution Against Council Member Bridge
- Staff presented a proposed censure resolution drafted by Council Member Ball following a request from the council.
- Council Member Bridge responded to the allegations, arguing that the charges are a result of prosecutorial strategy and that the resolution sets a dangerous precedent.
- The motion to pass the Resolution of Censure failed with a vote of 2 in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention.
Building and Safety Strategic Plan and AI Pilot Agreement
- Staff proposed a zero-dollar pilot contract with an AI firm to integrate tools into the plan review process to qualify for grant funding.
- The AI tools are designed to assist with code research and administrative tasks without replacing human judgment or training on city data.
- The Council approved the pilot agreement and the pursuit of the grant application.
LPOA MOU Amendment and Drone as First Responder Pilot
- Staff presented an amendment to the Lompoc Police Officers Association MOU including a 5% incentive for a "Drone as First Responder" pilot.
- The drone is described as a reactive emergency response tool that logs flight data to a public transparency portal, distinct from surveillance devices.
- The Council accepted the MOU amendment and the pilot program.
Closed Session
- The Council agreed to pursue a public discussion on the structural sustainability of the fire department, separate from specific labor negotiations.
- A closed session is scheduled for the October 6 meeting to address labor negotiations with the IAFF.
- The Council requested a report on outstanding items and commitments from Visit Lompoc.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Announcements
- The September 15 Lompoc City Council meeting began with roll call, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The City Manager provided announcements regarding the temporary off-air status of the city radio station KPEG due to technical issues, noting that other viewing options remained available. Additional announcements included the annual 9-11 Flag Lowering event, a free seniors prom scheduled for September 26, early registration for youth basketball, upcoming community workshops for the Parks and General Plan updates on September 21, and a library event, "Books and Bubbles," scheduled for September 25.
Consent Calendar
- The Council reviewed ten items on the consent calendar, including approval of minutes, ratification of expenditures, adoption of ordinances regarding recreational vehicle parking and camping, a development agreement amendment, sign regulations, conflict of interest code amendments, an airport hangar lease, a playground equipment purchase, a consultant agreement for a Safe Streets plan, and an amendment to the Police Officers Association MOU. Council Member Starbuck announced a recusal from voting on Item 2 (check register) due to a conflict of interest involving a payment to the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce. A motion was made to accept the consent calendar with Item 10 pulled for later discussion and with Council Member Starbuck recusing himself from Item 2. The motion was seconded and passed 5-0. Item 10 was scheduled to be heard near the end of the meeting.
Staff Presentation: Time and Attendance System
- Matt Adams, Accounting and Revenue Manager, presented a status update on the potential conversion to Tyler Technologies’ new time management system. He detailed the current system’s limitations and outlined new features of the proposed system, including exact time-in/out tracking, advanced scheduling, and remote clock-in capabilities via a mobile app with geofencing. Adams noted that the system would require city-issued cell phones for remote access and that costs had increased since previous estimates. He stated that the system would not resolve concerns regarding salary staff time tracking or prevent potential misuse, as supervisor approval remains the primary control. Adams recommended deferring the implementation until the 2029 budget cycle to align with the broader ERP conversion and to avoid straining the general fund. Council members discussed the budgetary implications and the necessity of the system. The Council agreed to defer the decision, with staff indicating the topic would be revisited in approximately two to three years when the broader software conversion is scheduled.
Staff Presentation: Audit Timeline and General Fund Fiscal Year 2025-2026
- Bob Cross, Management Services Director, presented preliminary financial data for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. He outlined the audit timeline, noting that fieldwork begins in October and the audit is due by January 31, 2027. Cross reported that revenues were approximately $4.4 million below budget as of September 8, 2026, primarily due to pending accruals for sales tax, transaction tax, and property tax. He estimated a potential revenue shortfall of approximately $1 million compared to the budget. Expenses were reported to be under budget, though final figures were pending completion of closing entries, depreciation, and pension/OPEB postings. Council members questioned the preliminary nature of the data and the comparison between budgeted and actual figures. Cross indicated that more accurate preliminary financials would be available in November.
Staff Presentation: Utility Funds
- Cross provided a brief update on utility funds, noting that revenues were lower than budgeted, partly because July bills had not yet been posted. Expenses were also lower than budgeted. He stated that, excluding water, revenues currently exceeded expenses, though final figures were pending. The Council noted the preliminary nature of the data and the need for further accruals.
Agenda Item: Credit Card Processing Fees and OpenEdge Agreement
- Staff presented a report on the history and current status of credit card processing fees. The presentation detailed that in 2016, the City entered a contract with Tyler Technologies for the Enterprise ERP system, which included Tyler Cashiering. At that time, OpenEdge (formerly Global Payments) was selected as the credit card processor. Staff reported that in 2024, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) revealed that credit card fees were approximately $438,737 over budget. Investigation revealed that OpenEdge had been increasing fees annually without notifying the City. Staff initiated a rate review and negotiation process with OpenEdge from February to April 2025. After three rounds of negotiation, the City secured a new fee structure locked in for three years, with renegotiation scheduled for 2028.
- The presentation included financial comparisons showing that fees increased by approximately 22% as an effective rate in 2023–2024 and by 84.35% in Q1 2024 vs. Q1 2025 (pre-negotiation). Post-negotiation fees in Q1 2025 decreased by approximately 80.2% compared to the same quarter in the prior year, resulting in a savings of $386,000 for that quarter. Staff explained that the renegotiation reduced the discount rate from approximately 3% to a flat 0.73% across major networks and eliminated per-transaction fees. This change is estimated to save the City between $500,000 and $600,000 annually. Staff noted that the City was approximately $1.9 million over budget for credit card fees in the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 fiscal years, but the current fiscal year is projected to be approximately $98,500 under budget.
- Staff proposed that Council provide direction to implement a convenience fee for utility customers paying via credit card, limited to 3% or the average effective rate, whichever is lower, provided other payment methods remain available.
- During discussion, a Council member asked if the over-budget amounts were borne by the General Fund; Staff confirmed they were. A Council member questioned the authority under which the new three-year agreement was signed, noting that agreements over a certain threshold typically require Council approval. The City Attorney stated that generally, expenditures over $100,000 require Council approval, but had not reviewed this specific agreement for exceptions. A Council member expressed concern that the original 2016 agreement may have been signed without proper authorization or awareness of the fee structure, leading to significant unanticipated costs, and suggested investigating potential legal recourse to recover funds. A Council member requested that staff provide details on the duration and terms of the existing Tyler Technologies contract.
- A motion was made to direct the legal department to investigate the OpenEdge credit card processing agreement, including how it was executed, whether it was properly authorized, and the potential for recovering overpaid fees. The motion also included a request for staff to provide details on the duration and terms of the Tyler Technologies contract. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Oral Communications
- Several members of the public addressed the Council:
- Dinah Lockhart (AAUW Lompoc-Vandenberg) announced a non-partisan candidate forum scheduled for October 8th in City Council Chambers.
- Gary Jeffrey (Lompoc Valley Black Student Union) shared results of a survey of 200 Lompoc High School students regarding Flock cameras, noting that approximately 70% of surveyed students do not support the cameras. He also commented on the censure proceedings against Councilmember Steve Bridges.
- Kevin Crowell (Lompoc Firefighters Local 1906) addressed the "brownout" of Rescue 51, stating that the department is currently 19% behind the next comparable department in pay and has lost 30 firefighters in the last 14 years.
- Andy Schaefer (Resident) commented on the allegations against Councilmember Steve Bridges, urging the Council to consider the credibility of the charges and the impact on public trust.
- Karen Hauenstein (Resident) spoke on transparency and honesty in leadership, specifically regarding the Lompoc Police Department, and requested the full report on the death of Liliana Cecilia Zuniga inside the Lompoc police station on March 13, 2023.
- Renee (Teams Participant, 805 UndocuFund) requested that the City confirm the timeline for the Flock camera decision and asked for early release of supporting materials.
- An unidentified speaker commented on the Visit Lompoc contract, noting discrepancies in reported expenditures and requesting that the Council vote or calendar a discussion on ordering an independent audit.
- Luis Padilla (Lompoc High School Student) spoke against Flock cameras, citing a consensus among students opposing mass surveillance.
- Alexis Otero (Resident) expressed concern over public safety and fire department staffing issues, urging the City to address firefighter pay and benefits to improve retention.
- An unidentified speaker commented on the upcoming letter regarding fishing off Surf Beach and commented on Councilmember Bridges, suggesting that ethical considerations should lead to recusal from related discussions.
Agenda Item 11: Discussion of Additional Roadway Crossing in the Santa Ynez River (McLaughlin Road)
- Staff presented a report on the feasibility of rebuilding the low-water crossing at McLaughlin Road. Staff contacted the County and reviewed data, including FEMA flood insurance rate maps. Findings indicated that reconstructing a low-water crossing is infeasible because regulatory agencies no longer allow such structures in the riverbed; a roadway crossing would need to be a bridge. The proposed crossing site is within the FEMA floodway, and placing fill in the floodway is prohibited. Staff did not identify a funding source for a low-water crossing, though some funding sources would consider funding a bridge if it were a competitive project. The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) received a $400,000 grant to study regional transportation issues, including a river crossing in the northeast area of the city.
- During discussion, a Council member asked if the SBCAG study would consider alternatives such as a Central Avenue extension; Staff confirmed the study would look at a broad spectrum of options. A Council member noted the historical importance of the McLaughlin crossing and asked if FEMA had been contacted directly; Staff confirmed they had not written to FEMA but had researched available data. A Council member asked about the necessity of use for funding purposes; Staff explained that funding applications would need to show a high benefit-cost ratio, improved resiliency, and protection of life safety.
- Public comment was received from Janet Blevins (Resident), who stated that the McLaughlin crossing was often impassable during rain and expressed skepticism about rebuilding it given the City’s current financial constraints. No motion was made or vote taken on this item.
Agenda Item 12: Fishing at Surf Beach
- Staff presented a request to approve a supplemental letter to the California Fish and Game Commission supporting modifications to the Vandenberg Marine Reserve to allow fishing at Surf Beach. Staff noted that the issue is scheduled for final discussion at a Commission meeting in mid-October.
- Public comment was received from residents and stakeholders. Comments included support for the petition, citing a seven-year effort to open the beach for fishing while maintaining protections for snowy plovers; opposition based on environmental concerns, including potential increases in trash and risk to the unique wildness of the beach; concerns regarding the impact on snowy plovers; questions regarding the financial beneficiaries of opening the beach for tourism; and questions regarding whether council members had consulted with constituents in their districts before voting on the letter.
- Staff clarified that the proposed action does not affect the existing half-mile section of beach closed for snowy plovers, that littering remains illegal, and that the letter responds to a petition initiated seven years ago. A motion was made to move forward with signing and providing the letter to the Fish and Game Commission. The motion was seconded and passed 4-1.
Agenda Item 13: Censure Resolution Against Council Member Bridge
- Staff presented Resolution Number 6850, a proposed censure resolution against Council Member Bridge. Staff explained that a public censure is a formal statement reprimanding a council member for conduct. The resolution was drafted by Council Member Ball following a request from the council on August 18. Staff noted there is no staff recommendation; the decision is solely with the council. The process requires public comment, followed by an opportunity for the subject council member to respond to the allegations before a vote.
- Public comment was received from numerous residents, students, and community organizations. Comments included support for the censure, citing the need for accountability, integrity, and the restoration of public trust; references to the serious criminal charges filed by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney; arguments that elected officials are held to a higher standard than private citizens; concerns about the impact on youth civic engagement; questions regarding the consistency of the standard applied to council members versus other residents; and observations that no public supporters of Council Member Bridge spoke during the public comment period.
- Council Member Ball read the proposed resolution into the record. The resolution formally censures Council Member Bridge, expresses the council’s belief that his resignation would serve the best interests of the city, and states that the censure does not constitute a finding of criminal guilt or interfere with legal proceedings.
- Council Member Bridge responded to the allegations. He stated that he does not support the censure and argued that the number of charges is a result of prosecutorial strategy rather than evidence of guilt. He described the legal process as a system designed to pressure defendants into plea deals and stated that he is prepared to fight the charges in court. He argued that the resolution sets a precedent that could be used against any elected official based on accusations alone, without proof.
- Council Member Ball responded by reading a quote from a Santa Barbara Sun article, in which Council Member Bridge allegedly told an investigator that he "ginned" a receipt for a rebate application and acknowledged that "maybe that's fraud" and it was "probably a little shady." Council Member Ball stated that these words, if accurate, indicate an ethical issue beyond the legal proceedings. Council Member Bridge stated that the words were taken out of context.
- The Mayor asked about the status of an independent study on the rebate program. Staff indicated the study is expected to be completed at the end of September. The Mayor discussed findings from a review of rebate applications, noting that staff met their conservation objectives but that there were discrepancies in applications, including instances where contractors used other individuals' license numbers. Council Member Ball asked if the Mayor believes there is a higher standard for elected officials. The Mayor stated he is looking for the root cause of the problem in the application process and whether the process was too lenient, while acknowledging that elected officials are held to a high standard.
- Council members debated the merits of a resolution of censure regarding a sitting council member. One member expressed concern about the precedent of censuring an elected official based on allegations rather than a final legal determination, noting that the program in question had systemic flaws affecting multiple applicants. Another member argued that the council has a duty to restore public trust and that the censure serves as a statement of disapproval of the conduct, not a legal judgment. The member moving the resolution stated that if the individual is found innocent, the council could rescind the censure.
- A motion was made to pass the Resolution of Censure. The motion was seconded. The motion failed. The vote was 2 in favor and 2 against, with one abstention.
Agenda Item 14: Building and Safety Strategic Plan and AI Pilot Agreement
- Michael Lowe, Building and Safety Services Manager, presented a proposal to pursue grant funding under the 21st Century Road to Housing Act’s Innovation Fund. He explained that adopting advanced technology to streamline building approvals is a qualifying criterion for the grant. He proposed a zero-dollar pilot contract with an AI firm, Ichi, to integrate AI tools into the plan review process.
- Brandon Levy, CEO of Ichi, joined via video conference. He described the company’s AI tools as designed to assist building officials with code research and administrative tasks, rather than replacing human judgment. He noted that the system does not train AI models on city data and includes security guardrails. He stated that the goal is to increase efficiency, reduce permit processing fees, and improve service times for applicants.
- Council members asked questions regarding the pricing model, the potential for public-facing AI tools for pre-screening applications, and the risk of the startup failing. Staff clarified that the pilot is cost-recoverable through permit fees and that the city retains all data. One council member suggested using code escrow to protect the city’s interests if the vendor ceases operations. Another member emphasized the importance of distinguishing this tool from surveillance technologies.
- A motion was made to accept staff’s recommendation to proceed with the zero-dollar pilot agreement and pursue the grant application. The motion was seconded and passed 5-0.
Agenda Item 10: LPOA MOU Amendment and Drone as First Responder Pilot
- A representative presented Resolution approving Amendment Number 3 to the Lompoc Police Officers Association (LPOA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The amendment includes health insurance contribution rates and a 5% incentive for the "Drone as First Responder" pilot program.
- Council members inquired about the nature of the drone technology to address community concerns regarding privacy and surveillance. The representative clarified that the drone is a reactive tool used for emergency response, not a surveillance device. It flies to specific incident locations, provides visual information to dispatchers and officers, and logs flight data to a public transparency portal. The representative noted that the technology helps officers assess situations safely and quickly, such as locating suspects or verifying injury levels at traffic collisions. One council member requested that the council clearly distinguish this first-responder tool from the separate "Flock" license plate reader discussions to avoid public conflation.
- A motion was made to accept Item 10. The motion was seconded and passed 5-0.
Public Comment
- A member of the public requested that the Council order an audit of Visit Lompoc. The speaker noted that the city’s contractual ability to audit records is limited to a five-year lookback period, meaning data from 2023 is no longer available for audit. The speaker cited inconsistencies in reported financial figures, including discrepancies between statements regarding the number of accounts held and missing receipts that did not align with provided Excel spreadsheets. The speaker argued that an audit would provide transparency and resolve ongoing questions regarding the organization’s finances. No additional public comment was received via Teams or phone.
Council Comments and Meeting Reports
- Fire Department Issues: Council Member Ball requested a public agenda item to discuss the health and sustainability of the fire department, citing worsening staffing issues and the potential cost implications of relying on county services. Council Member Bridge expressed concern that a public meeting might not be the appropriate venue for specific labor negotiations, suggesting that closed session is required for those discussions. The City Manager confirmed that a closed session is scheduled for the October 6 meeting to address labor negotiations with the IAFF, following directions given by the Council in a previous closed session. Council Member Ball amended the request to seek a public discussion on the broader structural and sustainability issues of the department, separate from specific labor negotiations. The Mayor seconded the request for a public discussion. Council Member Vega offered a third, noting that previous presentations had been extensive and suggesting the Council should determine what specific structural actions are needed. The Council agreed to pursue a public discussion on the department’s sustainability, with the timing to be determined, ideally before any reliance on county services becomes necessary.
- Visit Lompoc Audit/Report: Council Member Bridge requested a report on whether Visit Lompoc has fulfilled the commitments made during a previous session, specifically regarding the provision of requested information. The Mayor seconded the request. Council Member Vega offered a third, suggesting that if an audit was conducted, the results should be presented to the Council to inform potential action. The Council agreed to request a report on outstanding items from Visit Lompoc.
- November 3 Meeting Schedule: Council Member Bridge asked if the November 3 meeting was cancelled. The City Clerk stated it was not currently cancelled but noted that it is often skipped due to Election Day. Council Member Bridge suggested cancelling the meeting, as there are only three items on future agendas and staff members are running for office. The City Clerk offered to bring the calendar to the next meeting for a vote on whether to cancel the November 3 session.
- LAFCO and Utility Commission Updates: The Mayor reported representing the City at LAFCO, noting an upcoming annual "tune-up" regarding mutual aid with the fire department or regional dispatch. The Mayor also reported attending the Utility Commission and noted that a commissioner has not yet been appointed.
- Park Commission and FLOC Presentation: The Mayor reported on the Park Commission, noting upcoming meetings regarding rec fields. The Mayor requested that a presentation on FLOC scheduled for the next meeting be added as a potential action item. Council Member Vega clarified that this would likely result in a direction from the Council after the presentation, rather than immediate action, as time may be needed to draft any necessary resolutions. Council Members Bridge and Ball indicated support for this approach.
- MOU Availability: The Mayor asked if the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Lompoc Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office, regarding the riverbed, is available on the city website. The Mayor requested that staff ensure the document is posted publicly for access. The City Manager acknowledged the request.
Adjournment
- The Council adjourned the special meeting and reconvened for the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on October 6.