Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Infanti, 3-Smith, 2-Orona, Brown
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At a glance
Proclamations
- The Council adopted proclamations for Donate Life Month, Child Abuse Awareness, and National Library Week.
- Representatives from related organizations accepted the proclamations and addressed the Council.
- These actions emphasized education, community safety, and donation initiatives.
2025 Annual Housing Report
- Staff presented the annual report covering housing goals, unit entitlements, and building permits.
- The Council received and filed the report with instructions to submit it to state agencies.
- Staff agreed to verify a mathematical discrepancy noted in the presentation slides.
Sidewalk Vending Ordinance
- Staff proposed an ordinance to update sidewalk vending regulations aligning with state law.
- Discussion addressed enforcement limitations, permit requirements, and health codes.
- The Council approved the ordinance on first reading to advance the legislative process.
Aquatic Center Committee
- Staff requested Council appointments to an ad hoc committee for an Aquatic Center joint use agreement.
- Discussion focused on the committee's role, timeline, and fundraising necessities.
- The Council approved the creation of the committee and appointed two volunteering members.
Community Swim Program
- Staff recommended authorizing a summer community swim program and approving job descriptions.
- Discussion covered program costs, funding splits, and high school facility availability.
- The Council approved the authorization for the program and the associated salary ranges.
Closed Session
- The Council discussed real property negotiations regarding property at 4784th Place.
- Legal counsel was consulted regarding anticipated and existing litigation cases.
- The City Attorney reported no reportable actions were taken during the session.
Full summary
Meeting Summary: Solvang City Council
- Date: April 13, 2026
Special Closed Session
- The meeting commenced with a Special Closed Session. The Clerk read the closed session agenda items into the record:
- Item 2A: Conference with real property negotiators regarding property at 4784th Place.
- Item 2B: Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation (two potential cases).
- Item 2C: Conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation (South Coast Property Company v. City of Solvang).
- The City Attorney reported that there were no reportable actions taken during the closed session. The session was closed, and the council reconvened for the Regular Session.
Proclamations
- The Council considered and adopted three proclamations:
- DMV Donate Life Month: Proclaiming April as DMV Donate Life Month to encourage organ, eye, and tissue donation.
- Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month: Proclaiming April 2026 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month to emphasize education and community safety.
- National Library Week: Proclaiming April 19–25, 2026, as National Library Week.
- Representatives from Donate Life California, the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, and the Solvang Library accepted the proclamations and provided remarks.
Presentation and Public Communications
- Olive Crest Services: A representative presented information regarding the Hope Refuge Campus, a residential treatment program for minors involved in sex trafficking. The presentation covered statistics, the nature of trafficking, and the facility's services.
- Public Comment: A public comment was received regarding the Olive Crest presentation, urging community support and donations for the organization's operating costs.
- City Manager and Council Reports: Updates were provided on the community cleanup day, the Friedenborg Canyon Survey, the budget process, Public Works Week, the library advisory committee budget, a Danish choir visit, homeless outreach updates, the Hans Christian Andersen Park, and various community events.
Consent Agenda (Item 6)
- Discussion: The consent agenda included routine administrative matters (Items A through J). Council Members were asked if there were any concerns or modifications.
- Action: A motion was made to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed 5-0.
2025 Annual Housing Report / General Plan Report (Item 8A)
- Discussion: Staff presented the annual report, covering the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RENA) goals, unit entitlements, building permits, and code compliance. Discussion focused on the distribution of housing units across income levels, the categorization of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and specific housing projects in the pipeline. Public comment noted a mathematical discrepancy in the projected unit totals on a presentation slide. Staff agreed to verify the numbers.
- Action: A motion was made to receive and file the report and direct staff to file it with appropriate state agencies. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Sidewalk Vending Ordinance (Item 8B)
- Discussion: Staff proposed Ordinance No. 260394 to update the sidewalk vending regulations to align with recent state law changes and court decisions. Discussion covered enforcement limitations, permit requirements, health and safety codes, and the inability to impound carts. The Council discussed the alignment of city code with county regulations and the costs associated with permits versus fines.
- Action: A motion was made to approve the ordinance on first reading. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed 5-0.
Aquatic Center Joint Use Agreement Committee (Item 8C)
- Discussion: Staff requested the appointment of two Council Members to an ad hoc committee to negotiate a joint use agreement for the Aquatic Center with the school district, City of Buellton, and the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Foundation. Discussion focused on the committee's role, timeline, and the necessity of the agreement for fundraising. Two Council Members volunteered to serve on the committee.
- Action: A motion was made to create the Solvang Ad Hoc Committee and appoint the two volunteering Council Members. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed 5-0.
Community Swim Program (Item 8D)
- Discussion: Staff recommended authorizing the development and implementation of a summer community swim program and approved job descriptions and salary ranges for lifeguards and swim instructors. Discussion covered program costs (estimated at approximately $60,000), funding splits between Solvang and Buellton, staffing, and high school facility availability. Public comment expressed strong community support for the program.
- Action: A motion was made to approve the authorization for the swim program and the job descriptions/salary ranges. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion passed 5-0.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.