PREPARED AND
SUBMITTED BY: Brandon Beaudette, Senior Assistant to the City Administrator APPROVED BY: Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DATE: January 28, 2025
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Finance Department; City Administrator’s Office
SUBJECT: City Council Prioritization of Revenue Generated by Measure I Transaction and Use Tax to Maintain Essential Local Services RECOMMENDATION:
That Council provide direction to staff regarding the expenditure of projected revenue from the Santa Barbara Essential Local Services Measure I, approved by voters in November 2024.
DISCUSSION:
On June 25, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 6156 enacting Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapter 4.15 known as the Santa Barbara Essential Local Services Tax Act. On November 5, 2024, Santa Barbara voters approved the City of Santa Barbara Essential Local Services Measure (Measure I) imposing a transaction and use (i.e., sales) tax at the rate of one-half percent as specified in Ordinance No. 6156.
The language of the measure reads as follows: “Shall the measure maintaining 9-1-1 emergency/fire/paramedic/police response, keeping neighborhood fire stations open; improving housing affordability; addressing homelessness; keeping public areas/parks safe, clean; maintaining library services; stormwater protection; improving natural disaster preparedness; retaining local businesses/jobs, and for general government use; by establishing a ½¢ sales tax providing approximately $15,600,000 annually until ended by voters; requiring audits, public spending disclosure, all funds used locally, be adopted?”
On August 27, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution 24-092 establishing priorities for the expenditure of revenue from the Santa Barbara Essential Local Services Measure as follows:
Agenda Item No. 11
File Code No. 270.06
Council Agenda Report
City Council Prioritization of Revenue Generated by Measure I Transaction and Use Tax Increase to Maintain Essential Local Services
January 28, 2025
Maintaining 911 emergency fire, paramedic, and police response; Making contributions to the City's Local Housing Trust Fund, improving housing affordability, and addressing homelessness;
Keeping local fire stations open;
Maintaining library services;
Keeping public areas and parks safe and clean;
Maintaining stormwater protection;
Improving natural disaster preparedness; and
Retaining local businesses and jobs.
Staff requests further direction from the City Council as to the prioritization of Measure I funds. Staff are preparing the operating and capital budget for FY2026 and FY2027, which is scheduled to be released to the public on April 22, 2025. The City Council’s further direction will guide staff’s budget development work over the next three months to ensure the expenditure proposals using Measure I revenues are in line with Council’s direction.
Staff developed preliminary proposals for the Measure I budget allocation for housing and homelessness programs, including an ongoing allocation into the City’s Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF). City and Housing Authority staff discussed multiple mechanisms to fund the LHTF including: (1) a set, annual allocation; (2) a percentage of annual revenues received; or (3) a graduated funding structure that would increase the percentage of the contribution if actual Measure I revenues exceed the original budget projection of $15 million annually. If the Council considers a graduated funding structure, the Council may need to revisit the City’s reserve policy regarding the allocation of General Fund year-end surplus and how those funds may be appropriated. Staff recommends that the City Council consider an allocation between $1 Million to $2 Million into the LHTF in FY2026.
Section 8 of the reserve policy1 states that any year-end surplus will be used to shore up the City’s reserves and address pension obligations. Staff seeks the City Council’s direction on these mechanisms, as well as any additional options.
Over the past two fiscal years, City departments made operating budget reductions totaling approximately $5.4 million. Therefore, staff proposes to restore some prior year budget reductions that are consistent with Measure I's commitment to maintain essential services. These are outlined below. The cost of the proposed service restoration is approximately $1.3 million.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
There is no budget or financial impact from providing direction to staff for how funds generated should be expended. The tax will take effect on April 1, 2025. The tax is projected to generate approximately $3.0 Million in FY2025, and $15.1 Million in FY2026.
The City Council will appropriate the use of tax revenues during the annual budget process.
1 Resolution No. 23-124.pdf
Council Agenda Report
City Council Prioritization of Revenue Generated by Measure I Transaction and Use Tax Increase to Maintain Essential Local Services
January 28, 2025
The table below summarizes the projected deficit in the General Fund in the base budget for FY2026 before Measure I was approved by the voters, and how Measure I revenues could be used to address the deficit as well as restore some essential city services that were reduced during prior budget cycles in order to help balance the budget. The FY2026 base budget does not include potential, additional costs related to the implementation of the citywide classification and compensation study or the Fire Department standards of coverage study.
Item Amount
FY2026 Projected Operating (Deficit) $(10,671,959)
FY2026 Projected Measure I Revenue $15,100,000
Revised Net Operating Results - Surplus $4,428,041
Proposed Budget Restorations
Unfreeze 3 Police Officer positions $510,891
Unfreeze 1 Sergeant position $234,821
Library hours of operation, security services, bilingual position, and collections $385,176
Second Summer Fun Site $110,000
Junior High After School Sports $32,000
Total Proposed Restorations $1,272,888
Remaining Measure I Revenues Available $3,155,153
Recommended Annual Local Housing Trust Fund Allocation $1,000,000 - $2,000,000
Remaining Measure I Revenues Available $997,153 –
$1,997,153
PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY: Keith DeMartini, Finance Director APPROVED BY: Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator's Office
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DATE: January 28, 2025
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Public Works Department
SUBJECT: Update on State Street Action Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council receive a progress report on the Short-Term Action Plan for the State Street Master Plan project area.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Staff maintains a Short-Term Action Plan for the State Street Promenade (Promenade) that details pilot projects and proposals intended to improve the look, feel, and experience of the Promenade. This report details progress toward implementation of Action Plan pilot projects.
DISCUSSION:
On September 17, 2024, staff presented Council with a draft Action Plan (Plan) to begin to transition the State Street Promenade into a configuration that reflects design concepts in the State Street Master Plan while continuing to enable experimentation and pilot projects. The Plan includes action items to address:
Completion of the State Street
Master Plan
Roadway configuration
Safety
Sidewalks
Outdoor dining
Amenities
Shuttle service and assisted
mobility
Economic development
Sustainability
Cleanliness and maintenance
Activations
Council supported much of the Plan as presented and requested regular status reports and opportunities to direct pilot projects. Council did not support item 2.A, which proposed to re-open the 1000-1300 blocks of State Street to vehicle traffic.
Agenda Item No. 12
File Code No. 530.04
Council Agenda Report
Update on State Street Action Plan
January 28, 2025
The following action item is complete:
3.B Begin elimination of the use of water and concrete traffic barriers on State Street.
Concrete barriers were removed from the 400 block of State Street. On the northbound side, planters replaced the concrete barriers to maintain a single rightturn lane for vehicle traffic to prevent confusion and collisions. Engineering staff have determined that it is necessary to maintain vehicle barriers at the southern entrance to the 500 block. Plastic water barriers have been wrapped with artwork to improve their appearance.
The following action items are in progress:
1.A Circulate a draft of the State Street Master Plan.
City staff are completing the State Street Master Plan draft and are in the process of reviewing the document internally. The State Street Master Planning team is working closely with other internal City Departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, and Sustainability and Resilience to ensure the document includes building and life safety requirements as well as community aspirations. The public comment period for the draft Master Plan will begin in the Spring/Summer 2025 and last 60 days. One final State Street Advisory Committee meeting will occur later in the spring. During the public comment period, staff will attend meetings with the Access Advisory Committee, Downtown Parking Committee, Historic Landmarks Commission, Planning Commission, Transportation and Circulation Committee, and Santa Barbara Youth Council to receive their feedback. Staff will review all comments received and make changes to the draft text. The State Street Master Plan will go to City Council for adoption by the end of 2025.
3.A.1 Develop e-bike safety regulations.
A draft ordinance was presented to the Ordinance Committee on October 15, 2024.
Staff made edits to the ordinance in response to Ordinance Committee and stakeholder comments. The revised ordinance is scheduled for Council review on February 25, 2025.
4.B Pilot reduction or elimination of non-tree landscaping on at least one block to allow for additional outdoor dining space.
A pilot project to reduce the size of planters and replace non-tree landscaping will begin in March 2025. Staff worked with the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) State Street Ad Hoc Subcommittee to develop typical specifications for downsized planters and a cohesive palette of plants appropriate for a high-traffic area. HLC reviewed the proposal on December 18, 2024 and had favorable comments. Staff is in the process of finalizing a contract for the brickwork and landscaping, with work scheduled to begin in March 2025 following the conclusion of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. This project will be included in a larger effort to level and Council Agenda Report
Update on State Street Action Plan
January 28, 2025
repair Downtown brick sidewalks. The cost of this project is estimated at $60,000 and will be paid with Measure C funds designated for Business Corridor Improvements.
4.C Pilot the “pedlet” concept on the 500 block.
This pilot project involves moving outdoor dining on the 500 block from the street onto the sidewalks adjacent to building facades and using pre-fabricated “pedlets” to create an elevated, accessible pedestrian pathway level with the curb, effectively moving the sidewalk to the outside of the planters, in the area currently occupied by Outdoor Business Facilities. The project may also include minor alteration to some planters to preserve paths of travel from the pedlet walkway to all adjacent businesses. Staff completed an initial project scope and received a cost estimate from a vendor for production and installation of six- or eight-foot wide pedlets on the 500 block. Adding eight-foot wide pedlets to both sides of the street would cost approximately $453,000. Once staff have identified a funding source and received Council approval, Modstreet staff will travel to Santa Barbara to refine and finalize the scope of work and pedlet designs before beginning production. Assuming approval is received in early 2025, installation would be completed prior to Memorial Day 2025.
4.D Work with the new Community Benefit Improvement District (CBID) and Public Works to remove all obsolete and non-conforming newspaper racks from State Street.
Staff have mapped and assessed the condition of all newspaper racks. Staff are in the process of confirming and reconciling the publications that use each rack, noticing the publishers of deficiencies in rack maintenance, and developing and executing updated use agreements that will enable better monitoring and upkeep of newspaper racks in the future. Once staff have confirmed which racks are vacant, unused racks will be removed pursuant to the noticing requirements in the Municipal Code.
5.A Standardize the appearance of dining furniture. Obtain HLC approval for 4-5 preapproved options.
Staff worked with the HLC Ad Hoc Subcommittee to identify several El Pueblo Viejoappropriate options for tables, chairs, stanchions, planters, and umbrellas. Staff is in the process of identifying sources and costs for these items and preparing a package for review and approval by HLC. Staff expects to schedule this item for HLC review in February or March.
6.B Explore the possibility of adding small modular play spaces for children near stores and retailers that cater to children.
Council Agenda Report
Update on State Street Action Plan
January 28, 2025
Staff have identified several possible options for adding play elements to the 700 and 800 blocks of State Street. These include interactive musical elements, large play blocks, a ping pong table, street games such as hopscotch, gameboard tables, interactive sculpture and seating, family-friendly performers, and large-scale games. Staff are also developing a grant application for asphalt art that would bring additional playfulness to the space while working to calm cycling speeds. The cost for each of these elements ranges from $1,000 to $58,000, with the total for all options estimated at $162,000. Once a funding source has been identified, play elements will be added as materials and equipment are received. Staff will evaluate each item for frequency of use and ease of maintenance and upkeep to inform the inclusion of play features in the Master Plan.
7.A Encourage the operation of pedicabs on State Street.
Staff is working with Cycling Without Age to develop a plan to bring pedicabs to State Street, including a wheelchair-accessible trishaw.
7.B Pilot a golf cart transportation program on State Street and to and from City parking areas using City resources and staff.
Staff is coordinating with Friends of State Street to identify resources and funding for a six-month pilot program. Friends of State solicited a proposal from a local vendor that would involve running two or three small electric vehicles, similar to golf carts, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday, to transport passengers along the Promenade between Sola Street and Cabrillo Boulevard. A program with two vehicles would cost approximately $13,200 per month, and three vehicles would cost $18,800 per month. City staff and Friends of State Street are currently evaluating the feasibility of this proposal, including required accessibility components, insurance requirements, and funding sources. If the City is unable to move forward with this proposal, staff will pursue other vendors through a request for proposal process. The goal is to implement this program in time for summer.
7.C Analyze the cost effectiveness and feasibility of providing funding to MTD for a shuttle service.
MTD are developing a proposal for a circulator shuttle service that would run along Anacapa and Chapala Streets, connecting Downtown to the Waterfront. Restoring shuttle service will require the City to identify a permanent source of funding.
9.A Add greenery.
City staff are evaluating options for a pop-up forest installation on portions of the 700-800 blocks of State Street and have contracted with a local landscape architect to provide sketched concepts for three block sections of temporary moveable installations. Installations are anticipated to include additional walking surface Council Agenda Report
Update on State Street Action Plan
January 28, 2025
adjacent to the existing sidewalk, planters that accommodate up to 36” box trees and additional shrub planting, seating, tree and plant material selection, and stormwater demonstration exhibits.
10.A Coordinate cleaning services with the new Downtown CBID to avoid duplication and maximize coverage.
City staff is working closely with the CBID to define baseline services that the City provides and develop a scope for the CBID’s “clean and safe” priorities that is complimentary but not duplicative. The CBID is working to develop requests for proposals to contract for services, likely beginning in spring 2025. During the budget development process, the City will assess how to continue to fund cleaning services for the Promenade.
10.B Ensure that regular pressure washing of the sidewalks is implemented to effectively clean public spaces without damaging sidewalks and other infrastructure. Purchase necessary equipment to facilitate enhanced cleaning. Coordinate such services with the new CBID management corporation.
The City continues to provide twice-weekly pressure washing on the heavilytrafficked 300-600 blocks, weekly pressure washing on the 700 block, and bi-weekly pressure washing on the 800-1200 blocks. Downtown Parking recently purchased a new mini-sweeper to aid in cleaning sidewalks and curblines, and staff are evaluating options for a mini-scrubber to provide deep cleaning.
Action items not discussed above are either on hold pending completion of prerequisite action items, are in earlier stages of development, or have a later expected delivery timeline.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Costs for several action items have been identified and described above. Once funding sources have been identified, staff will return to Council to request appropriations as needed.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The Action Plan includes intended to improve sustainability, including the addition of greenery and evaluating alternatives for managing stormwater. When implemented these elements may add shade and cooling, decrease greenhouse gases, and improve water quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The update on the State Street Action Plan does not have any direct or indirect physical changes in the environment, therefore, this progress update falls outside of the definition Council Agenda Report
Update on State Street Action Plan
January 28, 2025
of a “Project” under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines § 15378 (b)(5) as administrative activities of governments that will not result in physical changes in the environment are not subject to CEQA environmental review. Please note, any future physical improvements as a result of the Master Plan will be subject to CEQA environmental review.
PREPARED BY: Sarah Clark, Downtown Team Manager/nv
SUBMITTED BY: Clifford M. Maurer, P.E., Public Works Director APPROVED BY: Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DATE: January 28, 2025
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: City Administrator’s Office
SUBJECT: Fire and Police Commission Applicant Interviews RECOMMENDATION:
That Council interview applicants who applied for appointment to the Fire and Police Commission.
DISCUSSION:
The vacancy notice for the Fire and Police Commission was posted on December 10, 2024. The City Clerk’s Office accepted applications to fill this position through January 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. We received 3 applications from 3 applicants for the one vacancy.
A list of eligible applicants is attached to this report.
Applicants have been notified that, in order to be considered for appointment, they must be interviewed. They have been requested to prepare a 2-3 minute verbal presentation that responds to a set of questions specific to Fire and Police Commission.
Council will be making the appointment to fill this vacancy on February 4, 2025.
ATTACHMENT: List of Eligible Applicants
PREPARED BY: Norma Welche, Deputy City Clerk
SUBMITTED BY: Sarah Gorman, MMC, City Clerk Services Manager APPROVED BY: Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator
Agenda Item No. 13
File Code No. 140.05
ATTACHMENT
1 Fire and Police Commission Special Recruitment 2025
FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
One vacancy.
Term Expiration: December 31, 2026
Qualifications/Categories: Member must be a qualified elector* of the City. Members also cannot be an individual or attorney who represents a person or entity with a pending claim or lawsuit against the Fire or Police Department, or any of their officers or employees; and cannot be any current or former law enforcement officer or firefighter, or where relevant or comparable any member of the public , who has a sustained finding of serious misconduct made by any law enforcement agency, independent investigator contracted by a public agency, or court. Appointees may not hold any full-time paid office or employment in City government.
CATEGORY
(Number of
Vacancies)
APPLICANT
Incumbent
Appt. Dates
(Years Served)
Applicant’s
Preference
(1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Notes
Andy Barrad
Alberto Lapuz
Andrew Hunter
Qualified Elector of
the City (1)