MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL
SOLVANG
February 28, 2022
Monday
6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Uhrig called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Charlie Uhrig; Mayor pro tem Mark Infanti; Councilmembers Robert Clarke, Claudia Orona and Jim Thomas
Staff: City Manager Xenia Bradford, City Attorney David Fleishman, Public Works Director Rodger Olds, City Clerk Annamarie Porter
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilmember Thomas
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/COMMENDATIONS - None
PRESENTATIONS - None
PROCLAMATIONS - None
1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS - NON-AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS WRITTEN OR VERBAL
Max Hanberg provided an update on the upcoming Danish Days events.
There were no other public comments.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND ADVANCE CALENDAR
City Manager Bradford summarized the recent Financial Plan Development and City Council Goal-setting session; discussed the General Plan Update; addressed the Utility Rate Study; listed events permitting and calendar and provided details of the Advance Calendar.
Mayor Uhrig announced upcoming Recreation programs.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Mayor pro tem Infanti referenced a letter from Dave Jamieson regarding water rates; spoke about ensuring that revile savi mat but are not penalized; suggested reducing meter rates and increasing usage rates and proposed Mayor Uhrig reported that starting tomorrow, masks will no longer be required for individuals indoors and Minutes 2022-02-28 CC Regular Meeting 1
starting March 11, masks will no longer be required for students and people in care facilities, but recommended wearing them, nonetheless. He added that masks will be required in high-transmission settings; reported that all libraries will resume in-person services and announced upcoming library events and addressed food bank statistics and an upcoming rummage sale. He wished his younger brother a Happy Birthday.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approve Order of Agenda as Presented.
b. Approve the Minutes of the City Council meeting of February 14, 2022 c. Adopt Resolution No. 22-1158, Notice of Intention to Comply with SB 619 d. Continue the Public Hearing regarding Amendments to the Municipal Code regarding Sheds and other Accessory structures to March 14, 2022
e. Continue the Public Hearing regarding Amendments to the Municipal Code regarding Boards and Commissions to March 14, 2022
f. Receive and file an update on Branding Strategy and Visitor Center Remodel work product g. Approve the Contact Information update for Bank of America Commercial Credit Account Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION 22-1159, MEASURE A, 5-YEAR
LOCAL PROGRAM OF PROJECTS
Hold the Public Hearing, take public input, close the public hearing and adopt the Measure A - 5-year local program of projects for fiscal years 2023 - 2027
City Manager Bradford introduced the item and deferred to Public Works Director Olds for a narrated PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion followed regarding the Mission Drive shoulder-widening project, the status of bridge and sewer repairs at Fredensborg Canyon Road and installing sidewalks on the east side of Fredensborg Canyon Road.
Mayor Uhrig opened the public hearing.
Max Hanberg suggested using funds to improve Copenhagen Drive.
Aaron Petersen commented on the possibility of installing bike lanes down Old Mill Road rather than widening Highway 246.
There were no other public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed the public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke to Adopt the Resolution approving the Measure A - 5-year local program of projects for fiscal years 2023 - 2027, seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
REGULAR BUSINESS AGENDA
6. DISCUSSION REGARDING COPENHAGEN DRIVE CLOSURE PRELIMINARY CONCEPTUAL
PROJECT REVIEW
Receive staff report outlining options and rough cost estimates that could be considered for implementation of a permanent closure of Copenhagen Drive, and provide staff with policy direction.
City Manager Bradford introduced the item and deferred to Public Works Director Roger Olds for a narrated PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion followed regarding a previous traffic study of the area, loss of parking by keeping Copenhagen open, Minutes 2022-02-28 CC Regular Meeting 2
options for keeping Copenhagen closed, conducting traffic studies with Copenhagen closed and opened and addressing the matter through the General Plan.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
Dianne Wittenbrock reported the closure of Copenhagen does not benefit retailers; noted increased traffic, limited access for emergency vehicles; discussed other priorities including the City's infrastructure, beautification and maintenance, and the Wastewater Treatment Plant and opposed the permanent closure of Copenhagen.
Max Hanberg talked about reopening Copenhagen and suggested that if City Council approves the permanent closure, the City consider installing removable bollards.
Kim Jensen spoke in support of reopening Copenhagen and expressed concerns with the costs of keeping it closed.
Aaron Petersen noted a traffic study while Copenhagen is closed would be useless and talked about importance of having a fair process and getting the public, involved.
Jennifer Soni agreed with Ms. Wittenbrock's comments; spoke about increased debris and trash on the streets; noted the need to replant flowers in the planters and opposed the permanent closure of Copenhagen.
Unidentified Speaker (via Zoom) spoke about the majority of residents and businesses in the City preferring to keep Copenhagen Drive closed; suggested having businesses pay their share and having the City facilitate the process,
Mike Lewellen (via Zoom) believed that the closure of Copenhagen enhances the town and urged City Council to approve the permanent closure of Copenhagen.
There were no other public comments.
Discussion followed regarding the pros and cons of keeping Copenhagen, closed versus opened, supporting what residents and businesses want, getting input from local businesses, Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to direct staff to start the process of reopening Copenhagen Drive, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
7. DISCUSSION REGARDING TAX MEASURES OR FORMATION OF A BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Receive staff report regarding revenue enhancing options including tax measures and authorize the City Manager to engage a consultant to conduct a poll to evaluate voter preferences City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding the item.
Discussion followed regarding polling residents, the importance of residents understanding that the funds will be used, specifically for City infrastructure including the Library and Senior Center, pointing out that residents already pay higher sales taxes in neighboring cities and encouraging residents to support their local community.
City Attorney Fleishman reported that under a TBID, the primary benefits must go to the people being assessed.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
Max Hanberg discussed a visit to Pismo Beach; spoke about the taxes he paid; felt that residents will not approve a tax increase and suggested increasing TOT.
Kim Jensen disagreed with increasing taxes; spoke about parking throughout the City and commented on the possibility of increasing TOT.
Minutes 2022-02-28 CC Regular Meeting
There were no other public comments.
Councilmember Clarke stated he does not like raising taxes and indicated he would rather raise TOT.
City Manager Bradford discussed the differences between a poll and a survey.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke to receive staff report regarding revenue enhancing options including tax measures and authorize the City Manager to engage a consultant to conduct a poll to evaluate voter preferences, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
8. AB1234 REPORT OUT AND COUNCIL CLOSING COMMENTS - None
9. ADJOURNMENT- Mayor Uhrig adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
cluele
Annamarie Porter, City Clerk
Minutes 2022-02-28 CC Regular Meeting