City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 1
CITY OF BUELLTON
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting of May 28, 2026
City Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246
Buellton, California
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor Mead called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Hudson Hornick, Council Member Elysia Lewis, Council Member John Sanchez, Vice Mayor Carla Mead, and Mayor David Silva (via Zoom)
Staff: City Manager Scott Wolfe, City Attorney Greg Murphy, Finance Director Shannel Zamora (via Zoom), Planning Director Andrea Keefer, Recreation Coordinator Allison Firey, Deputy City Clerk Katherine Dary, and City Clerk Linda Reid
REORDERING OF AGENDA
None
PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Honoring International Celebration for Biodiversity Vice Mayor Mead presented the proclamation honoring the International Celebration for Biodiversity. Eric Cardenas, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Regional Biodiversity Coalition, thanked the City Council for the proclamation and spoke about the importance of biodiversity conservation and collaboration with local organizations.
Stephanie Diaz, Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, discussed the organization's conservation efforts and emphasized the importance of protecting local habitats and open spaces.
Theresa Riley, WE Watch, thanked the City for its environmental initiatives and highlighted the importance of biodiversity, outdoor education, and pollinator protection.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 May 28, 2026
2. Presentation of Certificates to Recipients of the Norman and Gale Williams Buellton Education Scholarships
Vice Mayor Mead presented the Certificates to Recipients of the Norman and Gale Williams Buellton Education Scholarships. Dorothy Williams provided background on the scholarship program and its commitment to supporting educational opportunities for local students. Scholarship recipients Vincent Guerrero and Aileen Rico shared their “How to Make a Better Buellton” essays regarding their experiences growing up in Buellton and offered perspectives on housing, youth programs, educational opportunities, community services, and local economic development.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Michelle Tellez, Buellton, encouraged the City Council to consider incorporating Blue Zone principles into the Buellton 2050 Plan to promote health, wellness, and community connection.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The Council agreed by consensus to pull Item 6 for discussion.
Council Member Hornick recused himself from Item No. 6 due to a conflict of interest.
3. Minutes of May 14, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting
4. List of Claims to be Approved and Ratified for Payment to Date for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
5. Monthly Treasurer’s Report – April 30, 2026
7. Resolutions Pertaining to General Municipal Election to be Held November 3, 2026 Resolution No. 26-12 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Calling and Giving Notice of the Holding of a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Election of Certain Officers as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California Relating to General Law Cities”
Resolution No. 26-13 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Barbara to Consolidate a General Municipal Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with the General Election Pursuant to Section 10403 of the Elections Code” City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 May 28, 2026
Resolution No. 26-14 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidate’s Statements, Materials Submitted to the Electorate, and the Cost Thereof, Submitted to the Voters at an Election to be Held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026”
8. Resolution No. 26-15 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and Adopting an Updated Salary Schedule for Regular Full-Time Employees, Effective, July 1, 2026”
9. Ordinance No. 26-04 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Revising Floodplain Management, Chapter 17.04, of the Buellton Municipal Code” (Second Reading)
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Lewis, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, approving Consent Calendar Items 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 as listed.
VOTE:
Motion passed by a roll call vote of 5-0.
Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Lewis – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Mead – Yes
Mayor Silva – Yes
6. Consideration of Approval of Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Buellton and Rancho de Maria HOA
John Dorwin, Buellton, expressed concerns regarding the proposed Memorandum of Agreement, including potential conflicts with existing CC&Rs and recorded agreements.
City Attorney Murphy clarified that the agreement is intended to clarify maintenance responsibilities and does not supersede existing agreements or CC&Rs.
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Lewis, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, approving Consent Calendar Item 6.
VOTE:
Motion passed by a roll call vote of 4-0
Council Member Lewis – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Mead – Yes
Mayor Silva – Yes
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 May 28, 2026
PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Ordinance No. 26-05 – “An Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Amending and Revising Floodplain Management, Chapter
17.04, of the Buellton Municipal Code”
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider adoption of Ordinance No. 26-05 – “An Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Amending and Revising Floodplain Management, Chapter 17.04, of the Buellton Municipal Code” by a four-fifths (4/5) vote so that the ordinance may take effect immediately.
STAFF REPORT:
City Attorney Murphy explained the purpose of the Urgency Ordinance.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
Vice Mayor Mead opened the public hearing regarding Urgency Ordinance No. 26-05 at 6:53 p.m. There being no public comment, Vice Mayor Mead closed the public hearing at 6:54 p.m.
MOTION:
Motion by Mayor Silva, seconded by Council Member Sanchez adopting Ordinance No. 26-05 – “An Urgency Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Amending and Revising Floodplain Management, Chapter 17.04, of the Buellton Municipal Code” by a four-fifths (4/5) vote so that the ordinance may take effect immediately.
VOTE:
Motion passed by roll call vote of 5-0.
Council Member Lewis – Yes
Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Mead – Yes
Mayor Silva – Yes
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 May 28, 2026
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/ITEMS
Council Member Lewis expressed appreciation for the increased activity along Avenue of Flags, noting recent community events and the positive sense of vibrancy and community they bring to the area.
Council Member Sanchez commented on ongoing thefts in the Santa Ynez Valley and requested that staff explore surveillance options by City Council consensus.
Council Member Hornick inquired about the status of Fire and Vice Restaurant. City Manager Wolfe reported that he will confirm if there is an ongoing investigation.
Mayor Silva commented on local economic drivers and Avenue of Flags businesses. He thanked staff for the State of the City event and thanked Lieutenant Henderson for the ebike workshop.
Vice Mayor Mead commented on the State of the City event and thanked Mayor Silva and staff for their participation in City in the Schools.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Silva reported that he attended the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) meetings and provided an oral report.
Vice Mayor Mead announced she attended the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Ad Hoc Committee meeting and provided an oral report.
BUSINESS ITEMS
11. General Law Enforcement Update – Lieutenant Henderson Lieutenant Henderson presented the annual law enforcement report, highlighting crime statistics, public safety efforts, and recognition of deputies for exemplary service. The City Council expressed appreciation for law enforcement efforts and the detailed presentation.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 May 28, 2026
12. Discussion/Staff Direction Regarding Establishment of a Funding Mechanism for Large-Scale Permanent Public Art and Annual Community Identity Projects RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council discuss the recommendations from staff and direct staff accordingly.
STAFF REPORT:
Recreation Coordinator Firey presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
The City Council discussed the potential for separate funding streams for recurring programs, performing arts projects, and permanent public art installations.
DIRECTION:
The City Council agreed by consensus to direct staff to work with the Arts and Culture Committee and Recreation staff to develop funding recommendations for large-scale public art and annual community projects and return to the City Council with funding and policy options.
13. Request to Waive Requirement for Story Poles at Santa Rita Hills Self-Storage Project Located at 33 Industrial Way Storage Project – Final Development Permit No. 25-FDP-03
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider the waiver of story pole requirements for the 33 Industrial Way Storage Project.
STAFF REPORT:
Planning Director Keefer presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Lewis, seconded by Council Member Sanchez approving the waiver of story pole requirements for the 33 Industrial Way Storage Project.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 May 28, 2026
VOTE:
Motion passed by a roll call vote of 5-0.
Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Lewis – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Mead – Yes
Mayor Silva – Yes
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Wolfe provided an informational report for the record.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
14. Closed Session Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Potential Initiation of Litigation
15. Closed Session Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) regarding: EXISTING LITIGATION (1 matter): Kerry S. Moriarty, et al. v. City of Buellton, et al.; Santa Barbara County Superior Court Case No. 26CV03170 City Attorney Murphy announced that both Closed Session items were cancelled.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Mayor Mead adjourned the regular meeting at 8:44 p.m. The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ____________________________
Carla Mead
Vice Mayor
_______________________________
Katherine Dary
Deputy City Clerk