MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL
SOLVANG
January 10, 2022
Monday
6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Uhrig called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang,
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Charlie Uhrig; Mayor pro tem Claudia Orona; Councilmembers Mark Infanti, Jim Thomas, Robert Clarke
Staff: City Manager Xenia Bradford, City Attorney Chelsea O'Sullivan, City Clerk Annamarie Porter, Public Works Director Rodger Olds.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilmember Thomas
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/COMMENDATIONS - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
PROCLAMATIONS
a. Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Mayor Uhrig presented a proclamation in acknowledgment of January 2022 as Human Traffic Awareness Month.
Ann McCarty, North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, spoke about risk factors for trafficking; discussed services offered by her organization and announced an upcoming Vigil for Freedom.
January 23-29, 2022 recognized as School Choice Week
Mayor Uhrig read a proclamation in recognition of January 23 - 29, 2022, a School Choice Week.
1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS - NON-AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS WRITTEN OR VERBAL
City Clerk Porter invited members of the public to comment on items not in the agenda.
Rene Kaerskov spoke about the creation and modification of the new City logo; spoke about Mayor pro tem Orona accusing him of getting free marketing for his firm.
Shiela Benedict (via Zoom) asked about updates to the drought restrictions.
There were no other public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed this portion of the meeting.
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2. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation addressing the conclusion of Julefest 2021, discussed an update on COVID-19 cases; reported the next Community workshop will be held, virtually; listed upcoming tentatively scheduled workshops; talked about Solvang redistricting for elections; reviewed upcoming commission and committee meetings provided details of the Advance Calendar.
City Manager Bradford provided a brief update on the drought conditions in the State and introduced new Utilities Director Acosta, and new Part Time HR Manager LisaMarie Fuog.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS, REQUESTS AND ADVANCE CALENDAR
Councilmember Infanti discussed a recent meeting of the Ground Water Sustainability Program, Eastern Management Area; noted the Board approved the Ground Water Sustainability Plan and reported the Air Pollution Control District announced scheduled prescribed burns on Figueroa Mountain.
Councilmember Thomas announced he was appointed to the Public Safety Committee for the League of California Cities.
Councilmember Clarke commented on an upcoming meeting with Library representatives and will report back to City Council.
Mayor Uhrig announced Library services will revert to sidewalk services only and a Stomp Out Hunger, Uganda project hosted by the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church; reviewed Food Bank statistics; spoke about Law Enforcement Appreciation Day; discussed his attendance at a recent SBCAG meeting; noted the availability of ten free ride passes available this month to all residents in North County; reported on Hwy 101 closures and talked about attending a California Mayors meeting, the tree burning and Julefest events.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of Agenda as Presented
b. Approve the Minutes of the City Council meeting of December 13, 2021 c. Approve Warrant Register December 2021
d. Adopt Resolution No. 22-1155, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Solvang authorizing Remote Teleconference Meetings of the City Council
e. Accept as Complete the WWTP Aeration System Replacement Project PW 142 with Cushman Contracting Corporation, and authorize the City Manager to execute, and the City Clerk to Record the Notice of Completion as of December 13, 2021
f. Review and approve minor amendments and clarifications to the Purchasing Policy g. Adopt proposed City Council meeting schedule for calendar year 2022 Receive Visit SYV 3rd quarter 2021 report
Councilmember Infanti asked about a Purchasing Manager and City Manager Bradford indicated a Purchasing Officer could be appointed by the City Manager.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, seconded by Councilmember Infanti, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA
APPROVE THE COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT
1. Review City financial highlights for the year ending June 30, 2021; and
2. Accept into the record the 2020-21 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, as presented by Ahmed Badawi, CPA
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City Manager Bradford introduced the item and CPA Ahmed Badawi and Mitesh Desai and deferred to them for a report.
Ahmed Badawi, CPA, narrated a PowerPoint presentation of the City's financial highlights for the year ending June 30,2021 and results of their financial audit.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
Dennis Beebe expressed concerns regarding unfunded liabilities.
City Manager Bradford reported the matter of unfunded liabilities will be addressed at the next City Council meeting.
There were no other public comments.
Motion by Councilmember Thomas to accept into the record the 2020-21 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, as presented, seconded by Mayor pro tem Orona, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
6. COPENHAGEN REOPENING STRATEGY & TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING
ENCROACHMENT PERMITS
That the City consider options for the reopening of Copenhagen Drive and direct staff to proceed with the preferred option
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding the reopening of Copenhagen Drive.
Public Works Director Olds continued with the PowerPoint presentation; discussed options for reopening Copenhagen Drive; addressed allowing private parklet installation through the encroachment permit process and addressed the timelines for each option.
Discussion followed regarding actions taken by City Council, so far, the possibility of waiting for new State COVID-19 regulations before making a decision on the reopening of Copenhagen Drive, providing access between First and Second Streets to the Visitor Center and Parking Lot 2, concerns by visitors and residents relative to indoor dining and available grants for infrastructure for businesses.
Rene Kaerskov, spoke in support of keeping Copenhagen Drive closed, permanently; addressed the need to study costs; suggested that businesses with encroachments pay for tables and chair and other equipment, and recommended charging a fee for use of public space.
Bent Olsen, Mike Lewellen, and ElseMarie Petersen spoke in support of keeping Copenhagen Drive, closed, permanently.
Eric Hutchins spoke in support of keeping Copenhagen Drive, closed, permanently and allowing outdoor dining for at least, another three months.
Jennifer Soni spoke in support of keeping Copenhagen Drive, closed, permanently and continuing to allow outdoor dining.
Dennis Beebe spoke in support of keeping Copenhagen Drive, closed, permanently; suggested continuing to allow outdoor dining but noted the need for design standards for parklets as the existing outdoor dining areas are not aesthetically pleasing.
There were no other public comments on this item.
Councilmember Infanti expressed concerns with circulation and public safety issues and noted the need to consider costs and ideas for improving alleys behind Copenhagen.
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Mayor pro tem Orona spoke about being able to use parklets while allowing traffic circulation on the streets; believed outdoor dining should apply to all restaurants in Solvang, not just on Copenhagen Drive and agreed with Councilmember Thomas's suggestions about postponing this item until more information can be gathered regarding stricter COVID-19 restrictions.
Motion by Councilmember Thomas to Keep Copenhagen Drive open, beyond February 2022, and direct staff to continue researching the possibility of a permanent closure, seconded by Councilmember Infanti, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
Recess/Reconvene
Mayor Uhrig called for a recess at 8:46 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:55 p.m. with all Councilmembers, present.
7. CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
Designation of Mayor pro tem and Council appointments to outside committees and agencies City Manager Bradford presented the staff report.
Councilmember Thomas nominated Councilmember Infanti as Mayor pro tem.
There were no public comments on this item.
There were no other nominations and Councilmember Infanti was declared Mayor pro tem, unanimously.
City Council kept its current seating arrangement.
City Manager Bradford reviewed current appointments to various agencies.
Mayor Uhrig suggested assigning Mayor pro tem Infanti as the representative for SBCAPCD and himself as the alternate. Additionally, he appointed Councilmember Orona as the representative for the Central Coast Community Energy committee.
There were no public comments on this item.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to accept the changes in Council appointments to outside committees and agencies, as discussed, seconded by Mayor Uhrig, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
8. APPROVE THE GRANT FUNDING POLICY UPDATE
Review Grant Funding policy for non-profit organizations for Fiscal Year 2022-24 Financial Plan Development City Manager Bradford presented the staff report.
City Council gave general direction to staff to continue working with Senior Center representatives to develop a contract.
There were no public comments on this item.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to approve the City's Grant Funding policy for non-profit organizations for Fiscal Year 2022-24, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
9. REAPPOINT FORMER MEMBER CHERYL SHALLANBERGER TO THE TOURISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE TERM TO 12-31-2022
Reappoint former member Cheryl Shallanberger to the Tourism Advisory Committee for the term to 12-31-2022 City Manager Bradford presented the staff report.
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There were no public comments on this item.
Councilmember Orona reappointed former member Cheryl Shallanberger to the Tourism Advisory Committee for the term to 12/31/2022.
City Manager Bradford reported that Chair Prescott has resigned from the TAC and the item will be considered by City Council at its next meeting.
10. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO 22-1154 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING AN ADDENDUM TO THE 2011 WATER SYSTEM MASTER
PLAN UPDATE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, AND APPROVING THE REVISED RIVER
WELLS PROJECT
That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 22-1154 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Solvang, California adopting an Addendum to the 2011 Water Systems Master Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and Approving the Revised River Wells Project City Manager Bradford presented the staff report, noted the availability of public comments and provided recommendations including the possibility of continuing the matter to City Council's next meeting.
Assistant City Attorney O'Sullivan presented details of the proposed addendum and resolution.
Mayor pro tem Infanti noted there is not enough water to take care of the City and stressed the need for the proposed well.
Mayor Uhrig opened public comments.
Maggie Hall, EDC, discussed the organization; asked that City Council continue this matter to its meeting of January 24, 2022 to allow for meaningful public participation; requested that City Council decline to adopt the addendum and order preparation of a subsequent EIR and listed reasons for the need of a new EIR.
Brian Trautwein, EDC, referenced a letter from the Department of Fish and Wildlife and urged the City to consider it carefully; noted problems with the proposed addendum and the biological report; There were no other public comments.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to adopt Resolution No. 22-1154 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Solvang, California adopting an Addendum to the 2011 Water Systems Master Plan Update Final Environmental Impact Report pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and Approving the Revised River Wells Project, seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
11. AB1234 REPORT OUT AND COUNCIL CLOSING COMMENTS - None
12. ADJOURNMENT- Mayor Uhrig adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Annamarie Porter, City Clerk
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