City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 2
CITY OF BUELLTON
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting of August 10, 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), Public Works Director Rose Hess, and Deputy City Clerk Katherine Dary
REORDERING OF AGENDA
None
PRESENTATIONS
1. Community Organization Support Grant Updates – Veggie Rescue David Roberts, representing Veggie Rescue, thanked the City Council for the Community Organization Support Grant and provided an update on the organization’s food rescue efforts, including food distributed through Santa Ynez Valley Community Outreach and Meals on Wheels.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Steve Palmer, President-Elect of the Solvang Rotary Club, thanked the City Council for participating in the Solvang Fourth of July Parade and thanked the City for its continued support. He presented the City of Buellton and City Council with a commemorative Declaration of Independence to display.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 August 10, 2026
AJ Tarman, Buellton, commented on the scheduling of City Council meetings, nonpartisan local elections, campaign spending and contribution limits, City Manager compensation, urban blight, increased speeding on Highway 246, and the appearance of Waldorf School.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Minutes of July 9, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting
3. List of Claims to be Approved and Ratified for Payment to Date for Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027
4. Monthly Treasurer’s Report – June 30, 2026
5. 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” (Second Reading)
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Lewis, seconded by Vice Mayor Mead, approving Consent Calendar Items 2 through 5 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
None
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/ITEMS
Council Member Sanchez reported on his visit to the Lompoc Theatre project and thanked the Lompoc Committee for the invitation.
Vice Mayor Mead thanked the Recreation Department for the Buellton BBQ Bonanza.
Vice Mayor Mead thanked the Public Works Department and community members who participated in the Inclusive Playground Workshop and encouraged the community to contact the Public Works Department with additional input.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 August 10, 2026
Vice Mayor Mead announced the NatureTrack and Triumph Foundation Accessibility Beach Day at Avila Beach on August 22.
Vice Mayor Mead reminded the community of the upcoming Movie in the Park event and directed residents to Solvangcinemaarts.org for information regarding meal reservations.
Mayor Silva reported on a meeting with MOVE Santa Barbara County regarding Safe Routes to School and potential grant funding opportunities. He requested and received Council consensus to invite MOVE Santa Barbara County to a future meeting to provide a presentation.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Vice Mayor Mead reported that she met with Congressman Carbajal and his District Administrator and provided an oral report for the record.
Vice Mayor Mead reported that she attended the Vandenberg Space Force Base Community Task Force meeting and provided an oral report for the record.
Vice Mayor Mead reported on her visit to the Village Senior Housing Complex and provided an oral report for the record.
BUSINESS ITEMS
6. Ordinance No. 26-07 – “An Ordinance of the City Council, of the City of Buellton, California, Re-Adopting Chapter 8.12 of the Buellton Municipal Code Pertaining to the 2025 California Fire Code as Adopted and Amended by the County of Santa Barbara” (Introduction and First Reading)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 26-07 and direct staff to publish and notice this item for public hearing.
STAFF REPORT:
City Manager Wolfe presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
Council Member Lewis left the meeting at approximately 6:30 p.m. due to illness.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 August 10, 2026
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Hornick, introducing Ordinance No. 26-07 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Re-Adopting Chapter 8.12 of the Buellton Municipal Code Pertaining to the 2025 California Fire Code as Adopted and Amended by the County of Santa Barbara” by title only and waive further reading and directing staff to schedule the second reading and public hearing, including publication of notice of the hearing as required by Government Code Sections 50022.2 and 6066.
VOTE:
Motion passed by a roll call vote of 4-0.
Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Mead – Yes
Mayor Silva – Yes
7. Authorization to Reclassify the Recreation Center Coordinator to Recreation Coordinator and Adopt a Revised Salary Schedule
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council authorize staff to reclassify the Recreation Center Coordinator job description to the existing Recreation Coordinator job description and adopt the revised salary schedule.
STAFF REPORT:
Deputy City Clerk Dary presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
Council Member Sanchez asked for clarification regarding the two Recreation Coordinator positions and confirmed that both positions would have the same duties.
MOTION:
Motion by Vice Mayor Mead, seconded by Mayor Silva, authorizing staff to reclassify the Recreation Center Coordinator job description to the existing Recreation Coordinator job description and adopt the revised salary schedule.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 August 10, 2026
VOTE:
Motion passed by a roll call vote of 4-0.
Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Mead – Yes
Mayor Silva – Yes
8. Discussion of Potential Future Rehabilitation of City Identification Billboards A. Northbound Billboard
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council consider the request from the Buellton Chamber of Commerce for financial assistance to rehabilitate the northbound-facing billboard in the amount of one-half of the cost of the rehabilitation and provide staff appropriate direction.
STAFF REPORT:
City Manager Wolfe presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
Kathy Vreeland, representing the Buellton Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, discussed the proposed rehabilitation of the northbound-facing billboard, including the estimated cost, ongoing maintenance, and the Chamber's responsibility for the sign.
The City Council discussed the estimated rehabilitation cost, the City's potential contribution, ownership and maintenance of the sign, and its use for economic development.
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Hornick, seconded by Vice Mayor Mead, authorizing City staff to contribute up to 50% of the rehabilitation cost based on a written estimate, not to exceed $20,000.
VOTE:
Motion passed by a roll call vote of 4-0.
Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Mead – Yes
Mayor Silva – Yes
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 August 10, 2026
8. Discussion of Potential Future Rehabilitation of City Identification Billboards B. Southbound Billboard
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council consider the request to initiate a Municipal Code Amendment to authorize the use of the southbound-facing billboard on Jonata Park Road as a sign other than a City identification sign and provide staff appropriate direction.
STAFF REPORT:
City Manager Wolfe presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
Shelby Sim, representing Visit Santa Ynez Valley, presented examples of potential billboard designs and discussed the proposed use of the billboard to promote Buellton and events and destinations throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.
The City Council discussed the condition and ownership of the billboard, potential amendments to the Municipal Code, allowable content, rehabilitation of the sign, and coordination with Visit Santa Ynez Valley, the Buellton Chamber of Commerce, and the property owner.
DIRECTION:
The City Council reached consensus to establish an Ad Hoc committee consisting of Vice Mayor Mead and Council Member Sanchez to work with staff and interested parties regarding the rehabilitation and potential future use of the billboard and report back to the City Council.
LATE PUBLIC COMMENTS
The City Council reached consensus to allow late public comments.
Dr. Wendy Davis, Rising Star Academy, commented regarding a potential “Beautiful Buellton” slogan and community opportunities.
Kemilee K. Rainey, Carpinteria, commented regarding homelessness, tiny house communities, and tourism.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7 August 10, 2026
9. Selection of Vendor for Drone Show during Winter Fest Event RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council discuss this matter and direct staff as appropriate. Staff recommends that the City Council select a vendor as well as a preferred show size and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement for service that is in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
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 drone show, number of drones, cost, potential vendors, sponsorship opportunities, and the possibility of establishing an ad hoc committee to assist with the development of the show.
DIRECTION:
The City Council did not reach consensus to proceed with a drone show. The item was continued to the next meeting for consideration.
10. Progress Report and Request for Disbursement of Second Installment of Funding Approved for the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council review the information presented regarding the progress of the SYVCM and if it can be determined that the SYVCM has met its obligation for disbursement of the second installment of funds in the amount of $300,000, authorize staff to disburse the funds.
STAFF REPORT:
City Manager Wolfe presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
Jillian Knight, representing the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum, provided an update on the project, including expenditures and committed funds, the Conditional Use Permit process, revised educational exhibits, and anticipated Phase Two improvements.
The City Council discussed the project’s funding, expenditures, proposed improvements, permitting process, restroom facilities, fencing, pathways, exhibits, and the use of the second installment of funding.
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8 August 10, 2026
MOTION:
Motion by Vice Mayor Mead, seconded by Council Member Hornick, authorizing staff to disburse the second installment of funding in the amount of $300,000 to the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum.
VOTE:
Motion passed by a roll call vote of 4-0.
Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Mead – Yes
Mayor Silva – Yes
11. Resolution No. 26-23 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving the Sixth Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement and Updating the Salary Schedule”
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council consider adoption of Resolution No. 26-23.
STAFF REPORT:
City Attorney Murphy presented the staff report.
DOCUMENTS:
Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.
SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:
Council Member Hornick expressed his support for City Manager Wolfe and thanked him for his work.
MOTION:
Motion by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Hornick, adopting Resolution No. 26-23 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving the Sixth Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement and Updating the Salary Schedule”
VOTE:
Motion passed by a roll call vote of 4-0.
Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Mead – Yes
Mayor Silva – Yes
City Council Meeting Minutes Page 9 August 10, 2026
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Wolfe provided an informational report for the record.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
12. Closed Session Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Potential Initiation of Litigation
The City Council met in closed session to discuss Item 12. No reportable action was taken.
13. 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 Council Member Hornick left the dais at 8:13 p.m., prior to the discussion of Item 13. The City Council met in closed session to discuss Item 13. No reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Silva adjourned the regular meeting at 8:19 p.m. The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ____________________________
David Silva
Mayor
_______________________________
Katherine Dary
Deputy City Clerk