Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Infanti, 3-Smith, 2-Orona, Brown
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Security Services Agreement
- Council discussed adding Solvang Park to the contract alongside the Veterans Building.
- Staff noted the park was not budgeted but could be covered via amendment or fees.
- The item was approved with instructions to check contractor availability for park services.
Local Agency Report on Vacancies
- Staff presented the annual report showing a 3.5% vacancy rate and high retention.
- Council members moved to receive and file the report in accordance with state code.
Appropriation Limit Resolution
- Staff presented an amendment to the Gann Limit based on population and income changes.
- Council adopted the resolution after staff clarified the limit is statutory rather than budget-dependent.
Intellectual Property Registration and Enforcement
- Legal experts outlined protections for City assets including trademarks and copyrights.
- Council directed staff to add disclaimers to websites and establish cease-and-desist policies.
- Immediate asset registration was deferred in favor of cost-effective protective measures.
Biennial Budget Adoption
- Staff presented projections showing a General Fund surplus and utility fund deficits.
- Long-term risks regarding capital projects and escalating costs were highlighted during review.
- The Council adopted the resolution approving the budget for fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28.
Salary Range Schedule
- Staff presented a resolution authorizing a 4% cost of living adjustment for exempt employees.
- Council adopted the schedule effective July 1, 2026, to remain stable for the cycle.
Full summary
Solvang City Council Meeting Summary
- Date: June 22, 2026
Proclamation: Anne McCarty Retirement
- The meeting began with a proclamation honoring Anne McCarty for her retirement after more than 30 years of service to the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, including 10 years as Executive Director. The proclamation recognized her work in human trafficking advocacy, partnerships with community organizations, and service on various task forces and committees. Mayor Brown signed the proclamation, and Ms. McCarty offered remarks expressing gratitude to the Council and the community.
Public Communications
- Consent Agenda Concerns: A member of the public, Denise Alameen, raised questions regarding the consent agenda. She questioned the cost of crossing guard services compared to sheriff contracts and the extension of contracts with Carrillo Engineers for the Water Quality Project without additional funding details. She referenced budget forecasts showing growing pressure on general fund water and wastewater funds.
- Water Conservation District: Bill Bulow, General Manager of the San Ynez River Water Conservation District, addressed an objection letter from the City regarding the district's rate study. He stated the district agreed the document did not grant or take away water rights and had made editing changes to the rate study to address the City's concerns. He noted the district has dedicated resources to support the City's new well permit proceedings.
City Manager's Report
- The City Manager provided updates on several operational matters:
- 4th of July Parade: Residents were reminded of regulations regarding placing items along the parade route to ensure ADA compliance and public safety.
- Surveys and Nominations: An update on the Freesman's Board Canyon one-way analysis survey was provided, with a report expected soon. The Golden Garden nomination deadline was extended to the end of June with three categories: most beautiful, most drought tolerant, and defensible space.
- Fire Safety: Following a recent fire incident at the Mission property involving disking, the City is working with adjacent jurisdictions on a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, with funding allocated in the upcoming budget.
Council Comments (Ex Parte Communications)
- Council members reported on recent activities and committees:
- Library Committee: A member noted the return of the Reading Rainbow program and a filming at the Santa Barbara Library.
- Community Events: Reports were given on tours of the Lompoc Theater Project, the Santa Barbara Vintners annual meeting, music events in the park, and the Elver Hoy Museum fundraiser.
- Parks and Recreation: A member noted positive progress in long-term planning for the department and the upcoming opening of the Senior Center.
- Design Guidebook: A Council member requested that the Design Guidebook be heard within 30 days due to its critical nature for development decisions. Staff indicated it is scheduled for the Planning Commission in July.
- Other Committees: Updates were provided regarding the sub-regional SCAG meeting, Santa Ynez Valley Trail discussions, the California League of Cities meeting, and the One West conference.
- Public Records: The Mayor raised concern regarding costs associated with public records requests. Staff noted a state legislative effort to allow local jurisdictions to recoup fees for onerous requests.
- Code of Ethics: The Mayor requested to bring back an amendment to the Code of Ethics to address fabricated or false allegations. Council members noted this required majority agreement to revisit the item.
Consent Agenda
- The Council reviewed items 6A through 6F. Item 6D (Security Services Agreement) was pulled from the agenda for discussion.
- Security Contract (Item 6D): Discussion focused on whether Solvang Park should be included in the security contract alongside the Veterans Building. Council members inquired about the costs, budgeting, and necessity of security presence at the park for events. Staff noted Solvang Park was not budgeted but could be added via amendment or additional costs passed to event organizers. The Council also discussed the potential use of Sheriff deputies for visibility.
- Decision: The Council approved the remaining consent items (6A, B, C, E, F). Item 6D was approved following discussion. Staff was directed to speak with the contractor regarding availability for Solvang Park services if necessary.
Public Hearing: Local Agency Report on Vacancies (Item 7A)
- Staff presented the annual report on job vacancies, recruitment, and retention efforts as required by Government Code Section 3502.3. The report indicated a 3.5% vacancy rate for 2025 and noted employee growth resulting in a retention rate over 100%.
- Action: A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion passed.
Public Hearing: Appropriation Limit (Item 7B)
- Staff presented Resolution 26-1322, amending the appropriation limit (Gann Limit) for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28. The limit was calculated based on population changes and per capita personal income increases. The City remained well below the calculated limit.
- Public Comment: A member of the public questioned whether budget changes impact the appropriation limit. Staff clarified that the limit is statutory, based on income and population factors, and does not change with budget adjustments.
- Action: A motion was made to adopt Resolution 26-1322. The motion passed.
Discussion: Intellectual Property Registration and Enforcement (Item 8A)
- Legal experts presented on trademark and copyright protection for City assets, including the website, logos, and slogans (e.g., "Danish Capital of America"). Key discussion points included:
- Rights: Explanation of trademark vs. copyright rights, registration benefits (statutory damages, federal court access), and enforcement options (cease and desist letters vs. litigation).
- Website Content: Discussion regarding ownership of website content created by contractors versus licensed third-party content. It was noted that the City's contract templates typically vest ownership in the City, but third-party licensed materials remain the property of the licensor.
- Enforcement Strategy: Council members debated the necessity and cost of registering copyrights versus adding protective language to the website. Concerns were raised regarding the cost of legal services for registration and the frequency of website updates.
- Decision: The Council directed staff to ensure proper copyright and trademark disclaimers are added to all City websites. Staff was also directed to establish a policy for sending cease and desist letters in instances of unauthorized use, rather than immediately pursuing registration of assets.
Discussion: Biennial Budget Adoption (Item 8B)
- Staff presented the budget for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28, including a revised janitorial contract.
- Financial Overview: General Fund revenues were projected to be approximately $13.9 million for 2026-27 with a surplus. Water and Wastewater funds were projected to have deficits due to capital projects, which would be addressed through funding sources such as USDA loans.
- Long-Term Outlook: Staff noted that without corrective action regarding escalating costs and capital projects, funds could become depleted over the next 10 years. Measure U funds were identified as a key resource for law enforcement and services.
- Action: A motion was made to adopt Resolution 26-1323 approving the biennial budget. The motion passed.
Discussion: Salary Range Schedule (Item 8C)
- Staff presented Resolution 26-1324 to adopt a new salary range schedule for non-represented exempt employees.
- Details: The resolution authorized a 4% cost of living adjustment effective July 1, 2026. The adjustment applies to one year of the budget cycle, with salaries remaining at the new level until further adjustment.
- Action: A motion was made to adopt Resolution 26-1324. The motion passed.
Closing Comments
- The Mayor shared observations from a recent visit to the Santa Barbara police station and jail under construction and offered thanks to Parks and Recreation for the Pride Festival and the opening of the high school pool. The meeting was adjourned.