Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Infanti, 3-Smith, Brown · Absent: 2-Orona
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
VIP Tobacco Shop License
- Staff recommended approval of a Letter of Public Convenience or Necessity due to license over-concentration in the census tract.
- The applicant noted the business has operated for 15 years and seeks to increase revenue following a nearby store closure.
- The Council approved the Letter of Public Convenience or Necessity for the VIP Tobacco Shop.
Horses Entertainment LLC License Renewal
- Initial discussion highlighted concerns regarding undefined language in the resolution concerning encroachment fees and routing.
- Staff clarified that the license fee does not cover separate encroachment costs and outlined notification requirements for route changes.
- The Council adopted Resolution 261331 to approve the five-year license renewal with a qualifier added to Condition 4.
Urban Boundary Exploration Committee Report
- The UBEC recommended expanding the Sphere of Influence to maintain local control over future growth and housing obligations.
- Council members discussed guiding principles for annexation, including housing diversity, water resources, and fiscal neutrality.
- The Council directed staff to initiate the LAFCO process to amend the Sphere of Influence and draft policies for future annexations.
Fredensburg Canyon Road Survey and Safety
- Survey results indicated strong opposition to the proposed one-way traffic conversion, with 62% of respondents against the plan.
- Council members discussed alternative speed reduction methods such as road diets and speed humps instead of one-way traffic.
- Staff was directed to use remaining consultant funds to develop actionable options for reducing speeding on the road.
Surveillance Camera Contract Amendment
- Staff proposed an amendment to install solar power systems and buried poles for three remaining camera locations where grid power was unfeasible.
- The amendment adds approximately $40,481 to the contract, bringing the total value to roughly $187,889.
- The Council approved the amendment after confirming that advanced features like facial recognition remain disabled.
Library Management Services Agreement Amendment
- Staff requested an additional $25,765 in annual compensation to address cost overruns and reclassify a technician position to a professional librarian.
- The reclassification is intended to allow for local collection purchasing and improve responsiveness to community needs.
- The Council approved Amendment Number One to the agreement with the City of Goleta.
Alamo-Pentado Road Rehabilitation Project
- Staff reported the project was completed under budget and on schedule, including additional work on Oak Street and other areas.
- Different repair methods were utilized based on the specific structural conditions of the pavement in various sections.
- The Council adopted Resolution 26-1333 to accept the project as complete and authorize the filing of the notice of completion.
Busking Regulation Ordinance
- Staff introduced an ordinance establishing time, place, and manner restrictions for busking on city streets and sidewalks.
- The regulation prohibits busking within specific distances of bus stops, crosswalks, business entrances, and other performers.
- The Council passed the motion to introduce Ordinance 26-0396 for its first reading.
Potable Water for Non-Functional Turf Ordinance
- Staff introduced an ordinance to comply with state law prohibiting potable water use on non-functional turf at commercial and multifamily properties.
- The prohibition is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, with phased implementation and local enforcement.
- The Council passed the motion to introduce Ordinance 26-0397 for its first reading.
Closed Session
- The Council addressed anticipated litigation, real property negotiations, and labor negotiations pursuant to Government Code sections.
- Specific topics included the Edward St. George case, property negotiations at 478 4th Place and 425 First Street, and Teamsters Union talks.
- The closed session concluded at 6:32 p.m. following the discussion of these confidential matters.
Full summary
Closed Session
- The meeting commenced with a closed session at 5:00 p.m. The Council addressed items pursuant to Government Code sections regarding anticipated litigation, real property negotiations, and labor negotiations. Specific topics included the case of Edward St. George v. City of Solvang, et al.; property negotiations at 478 4th Place (APN 139173014) with CRA Solvange RE LLC; property negotiations at 425 First Street (APN 139192024) with Jameson Elias Holding Limited; and labor negotiations concerning unrepresented employees and the Teamsters Union Local 986. The closed session concluded at 6:32 p.m.
Open Session and Public Comments
- The open session began at 6:32 p.m. Following roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, public comments were received. Steve Palmer of the Solvang Rotary Club presented a commemorative Declaration of Independence and thanked staff and law enforcement for parade support. Valerie Kissel of the Friends of the Library reported on summer reading program statistics and thanked the Council for support regarding space constraints. Dennis Beebe expressed concern regarding a proposed change from a pressurized to a gravity-fed design for the Los Olivos to Solvang wastewater pipeline, requesting reconsideration. The City Manager announced the upcoming quarterly cleanup day, reported record-breaking Transient Occupancy Tax revenue for June, and provided updates on climate planning workshops, road closures, and the State of the City event. Council members and the Mayor provided updates on groundwater well registration, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, re-election filings, a memorial service at Vandenberg Space Force Base, the welcoming of the Grand Jury, a wastewater treatment plant grant, and road improvements.
Item 6: Consent Agenda
- The Clerk read the consent agenda covering routine administrative matters. A modification was proposed to remove items 8F and 8G from the agenda. A motion was made to approve the consent agenda with the modification to temporarily table items 8F and 8G, thereby approving items 6A through 6G with the specified deletion. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 7a: Public Hearing – VIP Tobacco Shop License
- A public hearing was held regarding a request for a Letter of Public Convenience or Necessity (PCN) for VIP Tobacco Shop at 606 Alamo Pintado Road, Suite 6, to obtain a Type 20 off-site wine and beer sales license. Staff noted that the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control requires a PCN due to license over-concentration in the census tract and recommended approval. Council members questioned the determination of convenience and necessity. The applicant stated the business has operated for 15 years, serves primarily locals, and seeks to increase revenue following the closure of a nearby Rite Aid. No public comment was recorded during the hearing. A motion was made to approve the Letter of Public Convenience or Necessity. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 7b: Public Hearing – Horses Entertainment LLC License Renewal
- A public hearing was held to consider Resolution 261331 for the renewal of an animal-drawn conveyance license for Horses Entertainment LLC for five years. Council Member Elizabeth Rona recused herself due to an interest in the company. Staff recommended renewal with conditions, including updated insurance and a requirement to obtain an annual encroachment permit for public right-of-way use. The proposed route remains primarily in the village, excluding the Elverhøj Museum and residential neighborhoods. Discussion focused on the clarity of encroachment permit language, fee schedules, and routing flexibility for special events. The applicant presented on the company's 19-year history, safety record, and horse care. Numerous speakers supported the renewal, citing the trolley's role in the community's identity and economic benefit. Due to concerns regarding undefined language in the resolution concerning encroachment fees, fee schedules, and routing alternatives, the Council did not vote on the five-year renewal at that time. Instead, the Council directed staff to temporarily extend the permit to allow operations to continue while the language is corrected.
Item 7b (Continued): Animal-Drawn Conveyance License Renewal
- Discussion continued regarding the license fee structure, encroachment permits, and routing. Staff clarified that the license is valid for five years with a one-time fee subject to annual cost-of-living adjustments, and that the license fee does not cover separate encroachment costs. Concerns were raised regarding the specificity of the encroachment permit language and fee schedule; staff indicated the fee schedule may require amendment to address specific scenarios such as parking space usage. Regarding routing, the discussion covered the need for alternate route options during special events and the notification process for affected residents. Staff explained that the current permit allows for alternate routes with approval from the Community Development Director, requiring 30 days' notice for review by fire, police, and public works. Council members agreed that the City should handle notifications for any new properties affected by route changes. A motion was made to adopt Resolution 261331, approving the issuance of the animal-drawn conveyance license with a qualifier added to Condition 4. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 8A: Urban Boundary Exploration Committee (UBEC) Report and Sphere of Influence (SOI) Modification
- Staff presented a report from the UBEC, which examined Solvang's long-term growth options, including the urban growth boundary, housing obligations, and infill development. The committee recommended pursuing an expansion of the Sphere of Influence (SOI) through the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to maintain local control. Staff clarified that no specific map for SOI expansion has been finalized and outlined the process for amending the SOI, including pre-application meetings, retaining a consultant, CEQA review, and public hearings. Guiding principles for future annexation were discussed, including housing diversity, water resources, infrastructure, greenbelts, economic diversification, and fiscal neutrality. Staff noted the City currently lacks a formal policy framework for processing annexation applications. Public comment addressed the necessity of planning for state housing mandates, the lack of specific data regarding acreage, the importance of retaining agricultural land, and concerns regarding current infrastructure. Council members discussed the dilemma of a small city facing state mandates, noting that expanding the SOI provides options for future planning without immediate obligation. A motion was made to receive and file the UBEC report, direct City Staff to initiate the LAFCO process to amend the Solvang Sphere of Influence, and return to the Council with draft policies clarifying requirements for future annexation applications and codifying the UGB. The motion included an instruction to incorporate corrections suggested by a public commenter. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 8B: Fredensburg Canyon Road Municipal Multipurpose Trail Public Survey Results
- Staff presented preliminary results from a public survey regarding a proposed multipurpose trail along Fredensburg Canyon Road and the potential conversion of the road to one-way traffic. The survey received 693 unique responses; 33% supported the trail, while 62% opposed it. Analysis suggested opposition was heavily influenced by the one-way traffic proposal, which over 90% of respondents opposed. Staff noted the road is heavily used as a bypass and for commuting. Concerns included safety, fire evacuation delays, and traffic congestion. Staff discussed the status of the consultant contract, noting that if the Council decides not to proceed with the one-way option, the City could potentially terminate remaining tasks to save approximately $15,440. Council members discussed eliminating the one-way concept based on survey results and raised questions regarding hillside stability and landslide risks. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item during this segment.
Friedensburg Canyon Road Safety and Survey Discussion
- Council members and staff discussed alternative methods to reduce speeding on Friedensburg Canyon Road, including road diets, speed humps, and redesigning turns. Staff noted that remaining funds from the consultant contract could be used to analyze speed reduction options. Public commenters expressed concerns about speeding, fire hazards, and lack of enforcement, while others cautioned against measures impeding emergency vehicle access. The Council directed staff to utilize remaining funds from the consultant contract to develop actionable options for speed reduction, leaving the specific scope of the analysis to staff discretion. No formal motion or vote was taken on this discussion item.
Item 8C: Amendment to Surveillance Camera Contract
- Staff presented an amendment to the agreement with XIT Inc. to complete a nine-camera downtown pilot project. The amendment authorizes the purchase and installation of solar power systems and buried steel poles for three remaining camera locations along State Route 246, where grid power coordination was unfeasible. The amendment adds approximately $40,481 to the original contract, bringing the total value to approximately $187,889. Council members questioned the redundancy of cameras near existing Caltrans infrastructure and the capabilities of the multi-sensor cameras. Staff and the vendor confirmed that while the cameras possess facial recognition, license plate reading, and audio capabilities, these features are currently disabled and not enabled by the agreement. A motion was made to approve the amendment. The motion was seconded and passed.
Meeting Extension
- Due to the volume of agenda items, a motion was made to extend the meeting beyond the 9:30 p.m. deadline. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 8D: Amendment to Library Management Services Agreement
- Staff presented Amendment Number One to the Library Management Services Agreement with the City of Goleta. The amendment requests an additional $25,765 in annual compensation for fiscal year 2026-27, increasing the total agreement amount to $319,165. The increase addresses operational cost overruns, the reclassification of the supervising library technician position to a professional librarian to allow for local collection purchasing and increased responsiveness, and general benefit cost increases. Council members discussed the necessity of the reclassification to retain the current librarian and the breakdown of costs. A motion was made to approve the amendment. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 8E: Alamo-Pentado Road Rehabilitation Project Completion
- Staff reported that the Alamo-Pentado Road Rehabilitation Project was completed under budget and on schedule. The project included rehabilitation of Alamo-Pentado Road and additional work on Oak Street, Friedensburg Canyon, and Chalk Hill using change orders. Staff clarified that different repair methods were used based on the structural condition of the pavement. The Council was asked to adopt Resolution 26-1333 to accept the project as complete and authorize the filing of the notice of completion. A motion was made to adopt the resolution. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 8H: Busking Regulation Ordinance
- Staff introduced Ordinance 26-0396 to regulate busking on city streets and sidewalks. The ordinance establishes time, place, and manner restrictions, prohibiting busking within 10 feet of bus stops, crosswalks, business entrances, and outdoor dining areas, as well as within 50 feet of other performers or permitted special events. The regulation applies to public areas including sidewalks, parks, and paseos, but not private property. A motion was made to introduce the ordinance for first reading. The motion was seconded and passed.
Item 8I: Potable Water for Non-Functional Turf Ordinance
- Staff introduced Ordinance 26-0397 to comply with state law (AB 1572) prohibiting the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf on commercial, institutional, municipal, and multifamily residential properties. The ordinance defines non-functional turf as areas not used for active recreation and excludes functional turf like sports fields. The prohibition is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, with phased implementation. Enforcement will be conducted locally under the municipal code. Discussion occurred regarding operational impacts, noting that if an area is designated non-functional turf, it must be removed or made recreational. Questions were raised regarding access restrictions and water sources, with suggestions that recycled water could be used. Public comment was opened and closed with no comments received. A motion was made to introduce the first reading of Ordinance 26-0397, which adds Section 93B11 to Chapter 3 of Title 9 of the Solvang Municipal Code. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Closing Comments and Adjournment
- Closing comments were provided regarding occupancy statistics related to the Transient Occupancy Tax, stating occupancy was 78.66% in June and 69.52% for the fiscal year. The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.