City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 2
CITY OF BUELLTON
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting of July 9, 2026
City Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246
Buellton, California
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Silva 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
Staff: City Manager Scott Wolfe, City Attorney Greg Murphy, Finance Director Shannel Zamora (via Zoom), Planning Director Andrea Keefer, Public Works Director Rose Hess (via Zoom), Recreation Coordinator Allison Firey, Deputy City Clerk Katherine Dary, and City Clerk Linda Reid
REORDERING OF AGENDA
City Manager Wolfe announced two additional informational presentations would be added to the agenda. City Attorney Murphy advised the City Council that no action would be taken on the presentations.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Honoring Ann McCarty on her Retirement as Executive Director of the North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center
The City Council recognized Ann McCarty for her 32 years of service as Executive Director of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center. Ms. McCarty thanked the City Council, community partners, and her colleagues for their support throughout her career and introduced members of the organization's team. The City Council presented Ms. McCarty with a commemorative gift in recognition of her service.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 July 9, 2026
2. Proclamation Recognizing Americans with Disabilities Act Day – July 26, 2026 Mayor Silva presented the proclamation recognizing July 26, 2026, as Americans with Disabilities Act Day. Jillian Knight, representing the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program and the Santa Ynez Valley Children's Museum, and David Magallanes, representing the Triumph Foundation, thanked the City for its continued support of inclusive programs and discussed their organizations' efforts to promote accessibility and adaptive recreation.
INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Community Organization Support Grant Updates
Casey McKeen, Principal of Jonata Middle School, thanked the City Council for the Community Organization Support Grant and explained that the grant funded new Chromebooks and supported the school's long-term technology replacement plan.
Sue Eisaguirre, representing the NatureTrack Foundation, thanked the City Council for the Community Organization Support Grant and explained that the grant funded field trips for Oak Valley Elementary School students while supporting NatureTrack's accessibility programs.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Billy Silvola, Buellton, encouraged the City Council to explore partnerships with organizations serving individuals with disabilities to promote accessibility through employment, volunteer, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Joyce Howerton, founder of the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, encouraged the City Council to conduct any discussions regarding law enforcement service changes in a public manner to keep the community informed.
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Minutes of June 25, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting
4. List of Claims to be Approved and Ratified for Payment to Date for Fiscal Year 2025/2026
5. Public Disclosure of Donations Received by the City of Buellton During June 2026
6. Discussion and Approval of Recreation Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Solvang
7. Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate for 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference Business Meeting
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 July 9, 2026
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Mead, seconded by Council Member Lewis, approving Consent Calendar Items 3 through 7 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
PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. Ordinance No. 26-06 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Authorizing an Amendment to the Contract Between the City Council of the City of Buellton and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System” (Introduction and First Reading) Resolution No. 26-16 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving a Resolution of Intention for an Amendment to Contract Between the City Council of the City of Buellton and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System”
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 26-06, by title only and waive further reading and consider approval of Resolution No. 26-16.
STAFF REPORT:
City Clerk/HR Director Reid presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
Mayor Silva opened the public hearing regarding Ordinance No. 26-06 at 6:43 p.m. There being no public comment, Mayor Silva closed the public hearing at 6:44 p.m.
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Lewis, seconded by Mayor Silva, approving the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 26-06, by title only and waive further reading City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 July 9, 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
MOTION:
Motion by Mayor Silva, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, approving Resolution No. 26-16. “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving a Resolution of Intention for an Amendment to Contract Between the City Council of the City of Buellton and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System”
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
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/ITEMS
Council Member Hornick requested staff return with information regarding potential tree or planter options to provide shade in the library parking lot. The City Council provided consensus direction for staff to return with the item.
Council Member Lewis thanked Moke Experience Solvang for providing transportation service during Solvang's Fourth of July celebration.
Council Member Sanchez thanked the Rotary Club of Solvang, the City of Solvang, and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office for a successful Fourth of July celebration.
Vice Mayor Mead announced the upcoming Santa Maria Valley Senior Expo at Allan Hancock College.
Mayor Silva requested consensus to explore employment and work experience partnership opportunities for individuals with disabilities in response to public comment. The City Council provided consensus direction for staff to return with the item.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 July 9, 2026
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
BUSINESS ITEMS
9. Consideration of Arts and Culture Project Applications:
A. Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Foundation: Artistic Metal Privacy Screen for Garden Community Deck
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council authorize funding in the amount of $10,000 for the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden proposal.
STAFF REPORT:
Recreation Coordinator Firey presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
Tyler Powers, artist for the Botanic Garden project, spoke in support of the proposed metal privacy screen,
The City Council discussed the project, funding, and community benefits.
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Lewis, authorizing funding in the amount of $10,000 for the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden proposal.
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
9. Consideration of Arts and Culture Project Applications:
B. Martha’s Farm Animal Sanctuary: MAFS Healing Arts Program RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council authorize funding in the amount of $1,950 for Martha’s Farm Animal Sanctuary Program proposal.
STAFF REPORT:
Recreation Coordinator Firey presented the staff report.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 July 9, 2026
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Lewis, seconded by Vice Mayor Mead, authorizing funding in the amount of $1,950 for Martha’s Farm Animal Sanctuary proposal.
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
10. Consideration of Funding Request for Proposed Movie-in-the-Park Event RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider the request of Solvang Cinema Arts and, if deemed appropriate, authorize funding and direct staff accordingly.
STAFF REPORT:
City Manager Wolfe presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
Liz Orona, Director of Solvang Cinema Arts, presented a proposal for a Movie in the Park event.
The City Council discussed the proposed event, including the organization's mission, community benefits, event logistics, funding request, partnerships, and future plans.
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Silva, authorizing funding in the amount of $5,870 for the proposed Movie-in-the-Park event.
VOTE:
Motion passed by a roll call vote of 4-1.
Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Lewis – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Mead – No
Mayor Silva – Yes
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 July 9, 2026
11. Resolution No. 26-22 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Establishing Conditions for the Demolition of Buildings Located at 376 Avenue of Flags and Removing the Historical Landmark Designation from the Property Located at 376 Avenue of Flags in the City of Buellton” RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider adoption of Resolution No. 26-22 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Establishing Conditions for the Demolition of Buildings Located at 376 Avenue of Flags and Removing the Historical Landmark Designation from the Property Located at 376 Avenue of Flags in the City of Buellton”
STAFF REPORT:
City Manager Wolfe presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
The City Council discussed the proposed removal of the local historic landmark designation, preservation of the remaining historic structure, mitigation measures, and future site improvements.
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Hornick, seconded by Council Member Lewis, adopting Resolution No. 26-22 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Establishing Conditions for the Demolition of Buildings Located at 376 Avenue of Flags and Removing the Historical Landmark Designation from the Property Located at 376 Avenue of Flags in the City of Buellton”
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
12. Conceptual Review of Options Re: Highway 246 Driveway Locations, Roadway Frontages and Circulation Between US 101 and Avenue of Flags; and Potential Amendments to Avenue of Flags Specific Plan
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 July 9, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council provide general policy direction regarding future driveway alignments and building setbacks to accommodate potential future protected bike lanes, and direct staff to return with any necessary Avenue of Flags Specific Plan amendments, if applicable.
STAFF REPORT:
Planning Director Keefer presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
The City Council discussed policy options regarding future driveway alignments along Highway 246, roadway safety, traffic circulation, future development, and the feasibility of protected bike lanes.
DIRECTION:
The City Council provided direction selecting Option 2 for future driveway alignments and directed staff to further explore building setbacks to accommodate future protected bike lanes and return with any necessary amendments to the Avenue of Flags Specific Plan.
13. Resolution No. 26-20 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving and Adopting Amendment No. 2 of the Guidelines of Procedure for City Council Meetings and Related Functions and Activities” RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider this matter and if deemed appropriate, adopt Resolution No. 26-20 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving and Adopting Amendment No. 2 of the Guidelines of Procedure for City Council Meetings and Related Functions and Activities”
STAFF REPORT:
City Manager Wolfe presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
The City Council discussed changing the regular meeting day from Thursday to Monday, including meeting attendance, conference scheduling, staff workflow, public awareness, and implementation timing.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 July 9, 2026
MOTION:
Motion by Mayor Silva, seconded by Vice Mayor Mead, adopting Resolution No. 26-20 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving and Adopting Amendment No. 2 of the Guidelines of Procedure for City Council Meetings and Related Functions and Activities” effective with the first regular City Council meeting in August 2026.
VOTE:
Motion passed by a roll call vote of 3-2.
Council Member Hornick – No
Council Member Lewis – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – No
Vice Mayor Mead – Yes
Mayor Silva – Yes
14. Resolution No. 26-21 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving the Fourth Quarter Budget Amendment Resulting from Operational Changes for Fiscal Year 2025–26, Through June 30, 2026” RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider adoption of Resolution No. 26-21 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving the Fourth Quarter Budget Amendment Resulting from Operational Changes for Fiscal Year 2025–26, Through June 30, 2026”
STAFF REPORT:
Finance Director Zamora presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Lewis, seconded by Mayor Silva, adopting Resolution No. 26- 21, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving the Fourth Quarter Budget Amendment Resulting from Operational Changes for Fiscal Year 2025–26, Through June 30, 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 Council Meeting Minutes Page 10 July 9, 2026
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Wolfe provided an informational report for the record.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
15. Closed Session Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 regarding:
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager
16. Closed Session Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Potential Initiation of Litigation
17. 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 The City Council met in closed session to discuss Items 15 through 17. Council Member Hornick recused himself from Item 17 and left the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 11 July 9, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Silva adjourned the regular meeting at 9:44 p.m. The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The Regular City Council meeting of July 23, 2026, has been cancelled.
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David Silva
Mayor
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Katherine Dary
Deputy City Clerk