Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Proclamation of International Dark Sky Week
- The Council adopted a proclamation designating April 13–20, 2026, as International Dark Sky Week.
- The resolution emphasizes the importance of natural darkness for health, science, and the environment.
- Staff noted that six other Santa Barbara County cities are issuing similar proclamations.
2025 Marketing Reports
- Representatives from TJA Advertising, Islet Online, Stiletto, and the Visitor Center presented 2025 performance data.
- Reports highlighted record Visitor Center attendance and significant growth in social media engagement.
- Staff outlined strategies to address declining website sessions caused by AI-driven search behaviors.
2025 YuleFest Post-Event Report
- The event drew approximately one million visitors, representing a 4.9% decrease from the previous year.
- Sales tax revenue declined by 24% to $224,000, attributed largely to weather conditions.
- Staff proposed solutions for 2026, including expanded transit, temporary restrooms, and parking partnerships.
Ordinance Updating Staff Titles
- The Council passed the first reading of an ordinance updating municipal code references from "Planning Manager" to "Community Development Director."
- The ordinance includes a flexible definition allowing the City Manager or designee to fulfill the role.
- No public comment was received during the hearing.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
- Staff presented a draft plan featuring renovations to Solvang and Hans Christian Andersen Parks and new pickleball courts.
- Council members directed staff to refine cost estimates to include maintenance and staffing expenses.
- The Council approved the nomination of two community members to serve on the Master Plan Committee.
Alamo-Pentado Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project
- The Council awarded the construction contract to CalPortland Construction for $2,912,000.
- The project scope includes cold planing and a two-inch cap overlay on the roadway.
- Authorization was granted for the Mayor to execute the contract and the City Manager to manage a 10% contingency.
Ordinance 260392: Street and Sidewalk Obstructions
- The Council passed the first reading of an ordinance regulating queuing in the public right-of-way.
- The measure establishes an annual encroachment permit process with an exception for seasonal holiday decorations.
- The ordinance also updates regulations regarding commercial solicitation activities.
City Marketing Materials, Slogans, and Brands
- The Mayor recused himself from the discussion due to a potential conflict of interest regarding a private business.
- The Council directed staff to evaluate policies on City intellectual property assets and registration.
- Staff was also instructed to review and amend Council protocols regarding the disclosure of financial conflicts.
Discussion on Self-Governance and Complaint Procedures
- Council members discussed the balance between self-governance and external oversight by the Fair Political Commission.
- The discussion noted that existing tools are available to address potential misconduct.
Research on Council Protocols and Intellectual Property
- The City Manager confirmed receipt of direction to research council protocols and copyright issues.
- Staff committed to presenting findings on these topics at a future meeting.
Discussion on Business Identification and Sign Ordinances
- The Council discussed regulatory constraints preventing mandatory business sign installation for first responder identification.
- Suggestions were raised to explore alternative methods, such as placing business names in windows.
- Staff was requested to add this topic to a future agenda for further consideration.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Proclamation of International Dark Sky Week
- A proclamation designating April 13–20, 2026, as International Dark Sky Week in Solvang was presented. The text emphasized the importance of natural darkness for health, science, and the environment, and encouraged responsible lighting practices. A representative from the California Nature Art Museum noted that six of the eight cities in Santa Barbara County agreed to issue similar proclamations and highlighted that light pollution is reversible through proper shielding. A motion was made to adopt the proclamation, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: 2025 Marketing Reports
- Representatives from TJA Advertising, Islet Online, Stiletto, and the Visitor Center presented reports on 2025 marketing efforts. TJA Advertising reported on paid advertising, website management, and social media, noting 102,000 lodging referrals and an estimated $13.7 million in lodging sales. The presentation addressed a decline in website sessions attributed to AI-driven "no-click" searches and outlined an AI SEO strategy. Islet Online reported social media growth to over 122,000 followers and a 262% increase in content interactions, with a 2026 strategy focusing on video content and AI-driven automation. Stiletto reported on press communications, including 14 press releases and hosting 25 journalists and influencers. The Visitor Center reported record-breaking attendance of over 105,000 visitors, driven largely by the Nisse Scavenger Hunt. Council members asked clarifying questions regarding conversion rates, website distinctions, target demographics, and future marketing plans for the World Cup and Olympics. No formal motion or vote was taken on these reports.
Agenda Item: 2025 YuleFest Post-Event Report
- The Parks and Recreation Director presented a post-event report estimating approximately 1 million visitors, a 4.9% decrease year-over-year attributed to weather. Sales tax revenue totaled $224,000, a 24% decrease. The report detailed the closure of Copenhagen Drive, which increased foot traffic in the area by 7.2% but raised concerns regarding lost storefront parking. Challenges identified included parking capacity, residential traffic, and restroom wait times. Proposed solutions for 2026 included a Memorandum of Understanding with Old Mission San Luis Obispo for parking, expanded transit, temporary restrooms, and evaluating the closure of 2nd Street. Council members discussed crossing guard performance and programming enhancements. Staff and Council discussed visitor tracking data, noting that the system excludes international visitors and juveniles, and addressed security concerns regarding police presence. Public comment was received suggesting traffic cone replacements, alternative parking locations, and crossing guard improvements. No formal motion or vote was taken on the report.
Agenda Item: Public Comment
- Public comment was received regarding YuleFest improvements and opposition to a proposal to make Freedmoor Canyon Road one-way to create a multi-purpose trail. The commenter argued the one-way proposal would exacerbate congestion on Alisal Road and Mission Drive. No formal motion or vote was taken on these comments.
Agenda Item: City Manager's Report
- The City Manager reported on re-engaging with the City of Buellton for a summer swim program, the closure of the Freedmoor Canyon ADA survey, an open ADA survey, and a "Valley Clean Team" volunteer initiative. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item: Council Member Reports
- Council members and the Mayor reported on attendance at various meetings, including the Economic Summit, Vandenberg meetings, and library advisory councils. The Mayor announced that the City Clerk received the Master Municipal Clerk designation. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
- The Consent Agenda covering routine administrative matters was presented. A motion was made to accept the Consent Agenda as presented, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Ordinance Updating Staff Titles (Item 7)
- A public hearing was held for the first reading of an ordinance updating references in the Solvang Municipal Code from "Planning Manager" to "Community Development Director" to reflect current organizational structure. The ordinance includes a flexible definition allowing the City Manager or designee to fulfill the role. No public comment was received. A motion was made to introduce the first reading of Ordinance 260393, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Item 8A)
- Staff and consultants presented a draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan outlining a strategic roadmap for the city's parks system. Key elements included community input on nature-based play and inclusive facilities, and a three-tier approach to projects. Specific proposals included renovations to Solvang Park and Hans Christian Andersen Park, the addition of pickleball courts, and enhancements to Owl South Commons. Funding strategies discussed included development impact fees, parcel taxes, and grants. Council members questioned cost estimates and maintenance requirements. Public comment addressed concerns regarding the preservation of the Solvang Park Pavilion and the design of the new bandstand. The Council directed staff to refine cost estimates to include maintenance and staffing costs. A motion was made to nominate two community members to serve on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Committee, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Alamo-Pentado Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project (Item 8B)
- Staff presented a report on the Alamo-Pentado Road project, noting that CalPortland Construction was selected as the low bidder with a contract amount of $2,912,000. The scope includes cold planing and a two-inch cap overlay. A motion was made to award the construction agreement to CalPortland, including bid alternatives, and to authorize the Mayor to execute the contract and the City Manager to manage a 10% contingency. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Ordinance 260392: Street and Sidewalk Obstructions (Item 8C)
- Staff presented Ordinance 260392 for first reading to regulate queuing in the public right-of-way and update commercial solicitation regulations. The ordinance includes an annual encroachment permit process and an exception for seasonal holiday decorations. A motion was made to introduce the ordinance for first reading, which was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: City Marketing Materials, Slogans, and Brands (Item 8D)
- The Mayor recused himself from this item due to a potential conflict of interest regarding the "Solvang Passport" business. Discussion centered on whether the application used City-owned marketing materials and the distinction between inherent and registered copyright. Concerns were raised regarding the perception of the Mayor's private business competing with City efforts. The Council agreed to direct staff to return with two separate items: one to evaluate policy regarding City intellectual property assets and registration, and another to review and amend City Council protocols regarding the disclosure of potential financial conflicts of interest. No formal motion or vote was taken on specific actions regarding the Solvang Passport application during this session.
Agenda Item: Discussion on Self-Governance and Complaint Procedures
- Discussion occurred regarding the role of self-governance versus external oversight, noting that the Fair Political Commission possesses tools to address potential misconduct. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item: Research on Council Protocols and Intellectual Property
- The City Manager confirmed receiving direction to conduct research on council protocols and copyright/trademark issues, with a commitment to present findings at a future date. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item: Discussion on Business Identification and Sign Ordinances
- Discussion highlighted a regulatory constraint preventing the city from mandating that businesses install signs, which could hinder first responders. Suggestions were raised for alternative identification methods, such as placing business names in windows. It was requested that this topic be added to a future agenda. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item: Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. No formal motion to adjourn was recorded.