MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
0 tN-A G
SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL
March 14, 2022
Monday
6: 30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Uhrig called the meeting to order at 6: 30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: 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, City Clerk Annamarie Porter
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor pro tem Infanti
CEREMONIAL ITEMS COMMENDATIONS PRESENTATIONS - None
PROCLAMATIONS
a. March as Women' s History Month Proclamation
Mayor Uhrig read a proclamation declaring March as Women' s History Month and recognized women who have been community leaders in Solvang.
1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS — NON -AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Kim Jensen announced the Vikings Semi -Annual Blood Drive at Veterans Hall on March 29th and 30th and urged the public to donate blood.
Bent Olsen spoke about kids racing down Viking Hills and asked about the possibility of installing speed bumps to deter the practice.
There were no other public comments.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND ADVANCE CALENDAR
City Manager Bradford discussed the status of the transition to elections by district; addressed Solvang Park maintenance; talked about closure ofthe Solvang Library to transition into a new library system; reported contract cities are in a mediation process regarding the contract with the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs for enforcement services; noted upcoming commission and committee meetings and provided details ofthe Advance Calendar.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Councilmember Clarke reported his wife is currently in Poland, helping refugees, and wished her a safe return.
Mayor Uhrig addressed the Solvang Library temporary closure; discussed Food Bank operation statistics; announced the Santa Ynez High School car show; noted receipt of an email from Youth Well and listed upcoming programs; reported on a recent SBCAG and an upcoming SBCAG meeting; talked about an update to Measure A, five-year Program of Projects; spoke regarding an MOU for completion of a broadband strategic plan; commented on current and upcoming Caltrans projects; mentioned the restart of the Honor Flight, Central Coast California for veterans; provided an update on drought conditions in the State and referenced the Microbusiness Covid- 19 Relief Grant Program by the Chamber of Commerce.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approve Order ofAgenda as Presented.
b. Approve the Minutes ofthe City Council meetings of February 26, 2022, Special Financial Planning Workshop and February 28, 2022, regular meeting
c. Approve Expense Report for February 2022
d. Adopt Resolution 22- 1160, a Resolution ofthe City Council ofthe City of Solvang, California Authorizing Remote Teleconference Meetings ofthe City Council e. Approve the FTA 5311 Grant Agreement Resolution No. 22- 1161 f. Approve the TDA Grant Funding Resolution No. 22- 1162 g. Receive Quarterly Investment Reports for July — Sept 2021, and Oct — Dec 2021 h. Receive and formally adopt the language for the City Council Goals for Fiscal Year 2022- 24 Financial Plan as developed at the City Council Goal Setting Workshop on February 26, 2022. i. Approve City sponsored Lego Event in concept to take place on April 2nd and 3rd as recommended by the Tourism Advisory Committee.
Motion by Councilmember Thomas to approve Items No. 4a- 4h ofthe Consent Agenda, as presented, seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, andcarried with a roll call vote of5- 0.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION
4.i Approve City sponsored Lego Event in concept to take place on April 2nd and 3rd as recommended by the Tourism Advisory Committee.
Discussion followed regarding approving the Lego event, in concept, recognizing Petti Pfau for contribution of Legos during Danish Days for many years and her services to Solvang.
Mayor pro tern Infanti stated he likes the idea ofthe Lego event but felt it cannot be effective with only two weeks of planning and pulled Item No. 4i for separate discussion.
City Manager Bradford discussed potential savings in Lego event costs and addressed holding the competition in smaller areas within the City. Mayor pro tern Infanti pointed out that only ten adults have been identified but no one had signed up to participate; mentioned the first -place prize and noted it seems like it is mostly for adults with little activities for kids.
Discussion followed regarding the tight schedule, the provisions of the contract with IDK (Cogs & Marvel) and supporting the event.
Motion by Councilmember Orona to approve Item No. 4i as presented, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried with a roll call vote of4- 1, with Mayor pro tem Infanti, opposed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY, TITLE 11 ORDINANCE MODIFICATIONS.
Introduce for first reading, by title only and waive further reading, of Ordinance 22- 0354 ofthe City Council of the City of Solvang, California, Amending Title 11 ofthe Solvang Municipal Code to Address Accessory Structures in the Side -Yard and Rear -Yard Setbacks in Residential Zones.
City Manager Bradford introduced the item and deferred to City Attorney David Fleishman for a report.
City Attorney Fleishman thanked Assistant City Attorney Chelsea O' Sullivan for her work on this item; discussed background; addressed enforcement efforts; and presented details ofthe proposed ordinance.
Mayor Uhrig corrected typographical errors in the staff report and the ordinance.
Mayor Uhrig opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Clarke felt this should have been addressed by the residents and opined this has been a waste of money and time.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke to introduce for first reading, by title only and waive further reading, of Ordinance 22- 0354 ofthe City Council ofthe City of Solvang, California, Amending Title 11 of the Solvang Municipal Code to Address Accessory Structures in the Side -Yard and Rear -Yard Setbacks in Residential Zones, seconded by Mayor Uhrig, and carried with a roll call vote of 5- 0.
6. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY
MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS COMMITTEE & COMMISSIONS ORDINANCE Introduce for first reading, by title only and waive further reading, of Ordinance 22-0355 ofthe City Council of the City of Solvang, California, Amending Titles 2, 8, 10, 11, and 12 ofthe Solvang Municipal Code to Reflect Planning Division Reorganization, Clarify Design Review Committee and Planning Commission Powers and Duties, Clarify Appeal Bodies, and Remove Outdated Code Provisions and Typographical Errors.
City Manager Bradford introduced the item, presented a brief background and deferred to City Attorney David Fleishman for a report.
City Attorney Fleishman thanked Assistant City Attorney Chelsea O' Sullivan for her work on this item and discussed major changes in the ordinance.
Mayor Uhrig opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed the public hearing.
Motion by Mayorpro tem Infanti to introduceforfirst reading, by title only andwaivefurther reading, ofOrdinance 22- 0355 of the City Council of the City ofSolvang, California, Amending Titles 2, 8, 10, 11, and 12 of the Solvang Municipal Code to Reflect Planning Division Reorganization, Clark Design Review Committee and Planning Commission Powers and Duties, Clark Appeal Bodies, and Remove Outdated Code Provisions and Typographical Errors, seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried with a roll call vote of 5- 0.
REGULAR BUSINESS
7. UTILITY RATE STUDY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY AND SETTING PROP 218 HEARING a. Staff recommends Council review and discuss utility rate study public input summary and preliminary rate calculations; and,
b. Set a date for Proposition 218 hearing.
City Manager Bradford introduced the item and deferred to consultant, Koorn, HDR Engineering, for a report.
Shawn Koom, HDR Engineering narrated a PowerPoint presentation with a summary of a utility rate study and details on setting a Proposition 218 hearing.
Discussion followed regarding increasing water usage rates and maintaining the meter charge to encourage users to use less and upcoming consideration of using recycled water.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
There were no public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
Motion by Councilmember Thomas to set date for the Proposition 218 hearing on June 13, 2022, seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, and carried with a roll call vote of 5- 0.
Recess/ Reconvene
Mayor Uhrig called for a recess at 8: 17 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8: 25 p.m., with all Councilmembers, present.
8. COPENHAGEN DRIVE REOPENING PLAN AND OUTDOOR DINING TEMPORARY
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT PROGRAM
Receive staff report, and;
a. Approve Copenhagen Drive re -opening plan.
b. Approve lifting of temporary outdoor dining encroachment program onto public spaces and direct staff to develop a program to permit businesses for expansion of dining spaces onto privately owned spaces. c. Direct staffto continue to work on a project through the General Plan Update to consider creation of a European Style Plaza either by permanently closing parts of Copenhagen Drive or an alternate downtown location.
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Copenhagen Drive reopening plan and outdoor dining temporary encroachment permit program.
Discussion followed regarding areas of encroachment along sidewalks and parklets, the number of temporary encroachment permits.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
Kim Jensen spoke about the value of parking, especially on Copenhagen and in support of reopening Copenhagen Drive.
Bent Olsen opposed reopening Copenhagen Drive, suggested installing flower boxes in the middle; felt it adds to the City' s charm and submitted a list of businesses benefitting from the closure of Copenhagen Drive.
Eric Hutchins referenced written comments asking City Council to keep Copenhagen Drive, closed for vehicular traffic and maintain a central pedestrian mall along the street; spoke about visitors' enjoying the experience of sitting and dining outdoors and urged Council to seize this opportunity and take the next steps towards creating the Old - World Danish charm that prompts visitors to come to Solvang.
Mike Lewellen noted that having Copenhagen Drive closed, improves the City's charm; reported that residents and visitors like it and hoped it will continue remaining closed to vehicles. He added that people are not against it, but want to have it done, right.
Jennifer Soni spoke about the opportunity to enrich the Danish experience in Solvang and urged City Council to not turn Copenhagen Drive back into a parking lot.
Daniel Sims ( representing Kenny Lama) discussed benefits to businesses on Copenhagen Drive and throughout the entire City by having Copenhagen Drive closed to vehicles; noted that parking can be mitigated in many different ways and asked Council to consider extending the closure.
Chris Esko, on behalf of Mr. Esko, reported his business has increased since the closure of Copenhagen Drive; spoke about visitors and residents feeling more relaxed and supported keeping Copenhagen Drive closed to vehicles.
Angelic M. spoke about increases in business since the closure of Copenhagen Drive to vehicular traffic and urged City Council to keep it closed.
Amanda, Business Owner, reported she has seen an increase in her business as a result of the Copenhagen Drive closure; noted she has had an overwhelmingly positive response from tourists and residents on the closure of Copenhagen Drive.
Rene Kaerskov, Business Owner, reported a majority of residents support the closure of Copenhagen Drive to vehicular traffic; noted that tourists love the pedestrian walkway and spoke about the possibility of showing favoritism to a business by allowing the business to keep its encroachment permit.
Aaron Petersen commented on closing Copenhagen Street as an emergency measure; felt that the matter needs to be studied carefully; talked about getting input from more of the community; encouraged City Council not to open Copenhagen Drive until after Easter and to form a committee of community members and business owners to consider the matter thoroughly, including determining impacts.
There were no other public comments on this item and Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
Councilmember Clarke commented favorably on the closure of Copenhagen Drive and indicated he would like to keep it closed to vehicular traffic.
Councilmember Orona stated she liked Mr. Petersen' s suggestion of postponing reopening Copenhagen Drive until after Easter; indicated she would like to see this matter go through the General Plan update process for increased public input; commented on the possibility of extending portion of the street that is closed and on the effects of the closure to her business.
Councilmember Thomas stated he would like to reopen the street and subsequently study what it would take to create a European Style Plaza either by permanently closing parts of Copenhagen Drive or an alternate downtown location.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti, approve Copenhagen Drive re -opening plan, approve lifting of temporary outdoor dining encroachment program onto public spaces and direct staff to develop a program to permit businesses for expansion of dining spaces onto privately owned spaces and direct staff to continue to work on a project through the General Plan Update to consider creation of a European Style Plaza either by permanently closing parts ofCopenhagen Drive or an alternate downtown location, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried with a roll call vote of3- 2, with Councilmember Clarke and Mayor Uhrig, opposed.
9. SOLVANG PARK IMPROVEMENTS
That the City Council receive the staff report regarding proposed improvements to the Solvang Park and select preferred improvement option
City Manager Bradford introduced the item and deferred to Public Works Director Olds for a presentation.
Public Works Director Olds narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding proposed improvements to Solvang Park.
Discussion followed regarding the status of ADA retrofitting at the gazebo, State ADA requirements, impacts on nearby trees by the proposed shade structure, recycling the old deck material, use of permeable pavers, presenting the item to the DRC for their input, location of the sidewalk repairs and the possibility of using fabric shade structures.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
There were no public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to approve Alternate No. 2 relative to use ofpermeable pavers, include a budget adjustment of $25, 000 and reevaluate the design, material and location of the shade structure, seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried with a roll call vote of 4- 1, with Councilmember Orona, opposed Motion by Councilmember Clarke to continue this meetingpast 9: 30p. m., seconded by Mayorpro tem Infanti, and carried with a roll call vote of 3- 2 with Councilmembers Clarke and Orona, opposed.
10. SCOPE OF WORK FOR ISSUANCE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR MARKETING SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2022- 24 AND ADDITIONAL TAC RECOMMENDATIONS That the City Council receive Tourism Advisory Committee ( TAC) recommendations unanimously approved at the March 3, 2022, regular TAC meeting and direct staff to:
Issue Request for Proposals for Marketing Services
Discuss TAC recommendations for Events Permitting and hiring a local Marketing Coordinator and direct staff to return with a plan to implement the recommendations.
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding TAC recommendations for an RFP for marketing services for FY 2022- 2024.
Discussion followed regarding the Marketing Coordinator position.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
Cheryl Shallanberger, Chair, TAC, offered to respond to questions from the City Council.
Tracy Beard, Chamber of Commerce and Member of the TAC, discussed the proposed budget; discussed review of the item by the TAC; talked about giving the City control and cost savings; noted Cogs & Marvel' s contract expires July 31, 2022 and offered to respond to questions from Council.
Discussion followed regarding comparison cities, the importance of having a City staff member for events, the proposed compensation for a Marketing Coordinator and attending tradeshows.
There were no public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
Motion by Councilmember Orona to issue a Requestfor Proposalsfor Marketing Services anddirect staffto return with a plan to implement the recommendations for events permitting and hiring a local Marketing Coordinator, seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, and carried with a roll call vote of4- 1, with Councilmember Clarke, opposed.
11. UPDATED SPECIAL EVENTS PERMITTING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES Approve revised Guidelines and Procedures to govern Special Events in the City of Solvang.
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation with an update on special events permitting guidelines and procedures.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
Tracy Beard, Chamber of Commerce, spoke about impacts to the Music in the Park program and stated she would like to work on the contract, independently.
City Manager Bradford stated the new guidelines will not impact the Music in the Park program; discussed proposed fees and spoke about grandfathering existing events.
There were no other public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to approve the revised Guidelines and Procedures to govern Special Events in the City ofSolvang, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried with a roll call vote of 5- 0.
12. DISCUSSION REGARDING PERMISSIBILITY OF WALK-UP FOOD SERVICE WINDOWS IN
THE TOURIST RELATED COMMERCIAL ( TRC) ZONE
That the City Council discuss and provide guidance and policy direction to City staff on the permissibility of walk-up food service windows in the Tourist Related Commercial ( TRC) Zone.
Councilmember Orona declared a possible conflict of interest due to her food services business; recused herself and left the chambers.
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding the item.
City Attorney Fleishman discussed interpreting the definition of a walk-up food services window and prohibitions.
Discussion followed regarding reasons for prior prohibitions and the difference between walk- up food services windows facing the street and those facing private patios.
City Council concurred to restrict food service walk-up windows to only those facing a private courtyard, and not onto public rights of way.
Councilmember Orona returned to the meeting and took her place on the dais.
13. 2022 CCWA SUPPLEMENTAL WATER PURCHASES
That the City Council:
a. Authorize the City Manager to approve a budget adjustment between the amounts of $540, 000-$ 675, 000 and authorize staff to purchase supplemental water for 2022 within this budget limitation; and b. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents associated with the purchase of supplemental water for 2022.
City Manager Bradford introduced the item.
Utilities Director Jose Acosta spoke about monitoring City wells; discussed the City' s State water allotment and reported the purchase of additional water should carry the City through the year and addressed a letter of intent to purchase water.
Discussion followed regarding the City' s typical yearly consumption of water.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
There were no public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
Motion by Mayor Uhrig to authorize the City Manager to approve a budget adjustment between the amounts of 540, 000-$ 675, 000 and authorize staff to purchase supplemental water for 2022 within this budget limitation; and authorize the City Manager to execute all documents associated with the purchase ofsupplemental water for 2022, seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, and carried with a roll call vote of 5- 0.
14. AB1234 REPORT OUT AND COUNCIL CLOSING COMMENTS - None
15. ADJOURNMENT- Mayor Uhrig adjourned the meeting at 10: 43 p.m.
Respectfully sub ' tted:
Annamarie Porter,'rity Clerk