Minutes 2022-04-11 CC Regular Meeting 1
April 11, 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, Jim Thomas
Staff: City Manager Xenia Bradford, City Attorney David Fleishman, City Clerk Annamarie Porter Public Works Director Rodger Olds
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilmember Orona
PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. National Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month
Mayor Uhrig presented a proclamation declaring April 2022 as National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.
B. DMV / Donate Life Month
Mayor Uhrig presented a proclamation declaring April 2022 as Donate Life Month and encouraged the public to register as organ donors.
Scott Burns spoke in support of organ donation and encouraged the public to register.
C. Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Mayor Uhrig presented a proclamation declaring April 2022 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Member of the Public thanked the City for its support; spoke about People Helping People and discussed services helping victims of sexual abuse.
D. Fair Housing Month
Mayor Uhrig presented a proclamation declaring April, 2022 as Fair Housing Month.
E. Lt. Jeff Greene Appreciation
Mayor Uhrig presented a proclamation to Santa Barbara County Sheriff Lieutenant Jeffrey D. Green in appreciation for his service to the City.
MINUTES
SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
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Lieutenant Greene expressed his appreciation to the City for the opportunity to serve and introduced Lieutenant Garrett TeSlaa who will be taking his place.
Lieutenant TeSlaa thanked the City for its warm welcome and looked forward to working in Solvang.
Diane Christensen Commendation
City Manager Bradford congratulated Diane Christensen for her 16 years, working for the City of Solvang; presented her with a 15-year award and announced her upcoming resignation to pursue another career path.
Ms. Christensen thanked the City, offered to continue being a resource, when needed, and wished the City continued success.
PRESENTATIONS - None
1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS – NON-AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS Jennifer Soni thanked the City for what it has done to help her and other businesses granting encroachment permits during Covid-19 that allowed everyone to stay in business and have a successful outcome; spoke regarding disputes about the closure of Copenhagen Drive and felt the City has an opportunity to evaluate and consider giving Solvang a European look with outdoor seating areas and walking paths and take making Solvang the Danish Capital of America, to the next level.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti, to hear Item No. 5 at this point in the agenda as it has a time certain set for 7:00 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
Mayor Uhrig announced Item No. 5 would be heard now.
5. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER SECOND READING AND ADOPTION BY TITLE ONLY OF ORDINANCE NO. 22-0356 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA, ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 1.12 TO THE SOLVANG MUNICIPAL CODE TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM OF ELECTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM ATLARGE SYSTEM TO BY DISTRICT SYSTEM AND ADOPTING A MAP DESCRIBING THE
BOUNDARIES AND IDENTIFYING ELECTION SEQUENCING FOR EACH ELECTORAL DISTRICT (TIME CERTAIN 7:00 PM)
Open the Public Hearing, take public testimony, close the Public Hearing, and Adopt Ordinance No. 22-0356 final district map selection and election sequence for each electoral district City Manager Bradford introduced the item and presented background.
Mayor Uhrig opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed the public hearing.
City Attorney Fleishman announced this is the second reading of the ordinance.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti, to adopt the Orange Clockwise Map for Voting for Councilmember by District and adopt, by title only, Ordinance No. 22-0356, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
City Council returned to Item No. 1 (Public Communications) in the agenda.
CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS – NON-AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS DocuSign Envelope ID: B08BC000-D75B-4E4C-BB45-E344AAA0DE89 Minutes 2022-04-11 CC Regular Meeting 3
Rebecca Knight (via Zoom) read a statement requesting that Law Enforcement monitor and start issuing citations to speeders on Viborg Road to protect pedestrians and bikers; reported seeing buses and 18-wheelers on Viborg and asked that the City reduce the speed to 25 mph, as soon as possible.
There were no other public comments.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND ADVANCE CALENDAR
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation on the status of the General Plan Update process; and discussed the Copenhagen Drive reopening and addressed the Advance Calendar.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Mayor pro tem Infanti announced the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District will be having a burn at the painted cave area if weather permits; commented on each Board Member being tasked with appointing two local citizens to help with a Citizens Advisory Council and reported Dennis Beebe has agreed to participate and encouraged anyone interested to contact him.
Mayor Uhrig reported on attending an SBCAG Executive Directors meeting, Dr. Seuss Day in Santa Ynez Elementary School event and the family picnic at Solvang School; reminded everyone about an upcoming Chamber of Commerce mixer; announced an upcoming fundraising event by People Helping People; discussed food bank statistics and activities; listed upcoming Library activities, events and operating hours and addressed an upcoming virtual seminar on "The Senior Scam Stopper".
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Order of Agenda as Presented.
B. Approve the Minutes of the City Council meeting of March 28, 2022 C. Approve Expense Report for March 2022
D. Adopt Resolution 22-1165, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Solvang, California Authorizing Remote Teleconference Meetings of the City of Solvang Meeting Bodies E. Pursuant to contract terms, send 30-day contract termination notice to Cogs & Marvel terminating marketing services contract while the City restructures the marketing function per Tourism Advisory Board recommendations and Council direction
F. Approve response to Grand Jury Report titled, "Keys to Housing the Homeless".
Mayor pro tem Infanti pulled Item No. 4.E from the Consent Agenda, for separate consideration.
Motion by Councilmember Thomas, to approve the Consent Agenda except for Item No. 4.E, which was pulled for separate discussion, seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
ITEM(S) PULLED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
4.E Pursuant to contract terms, send 30-day contract termination notice to Cogs & Marvel terminating marketing services contract while the City restructures the marketing function per Tourism Advisory Board recommendations and Council direction
Mayor pro tem Infanti stated this affects the events contract, only, and not the Visitor Center; confirmed that the Tourism Advisory Committee did not suggest the cancellation; expressed concerns that Scott Shuemake was not informed but learned of the cancellation from the press; opined this has been done incorrectly and believed the contract should not be terminated at this point but should continue until the end of its term at the end of July.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti, to deny sending a 30-day contract termination notice to Cogs & Marvel, seconded by Councilmember Thomas and carried with a roll call vote of 3-2, with Councilmember Orona and Mayor Uhrig, opposed.
Mayor pro tem Infanti suggested contacting Cogs & Marvel to confirm whether they want to continue with the DocuSign Envelope ID: B08BC000-D75B-4E4C-BB45-E344AAA0DE89 Minutes 2022-04-11 CC Regular Meeting 4
contract.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Item 5 was heard at 7:00 p.m. after Item 1 above.
6. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE SOLVANG (SKYTT) MESA LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT, AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-1166 CONFIRMING
AND LEVYING ASSESSMENTS, AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
Open the Public Hearing, take public testimony, close the Public Hearing, and Adopt Resolution No. 22-1166, and authorize the City Manager to sign the necessary documents on behalf of the City to place the assessments on the property tax roll.
City Manager Bradford introduced the item and deferred to staff for a report.
Public Works Director Olds narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the Solvang (Skytt) Mesa Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District resolution of initiation.
Discussion followed regarding the costs of the lighting project, the spacing of the proposed lights and working with PG&E on the design.
Mayor Uhrig opened the public hearing.
Denise Alamein spoke about an ongoing problem with night view; reported the current contractor does not follow the contract and talked about inconsistent landscape maintenance.
Greg Millikan (via Zoom) spoke about dark intersections in the area and questioned the locations of the lights.
There were no other public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed the public hearing.
Motion by Mayor Uhrig, to adopt Resolution No. 22-1166, and authorize the City Manager to sign the necessary documents on behalf of the City to place the assessments on the property tax roll, seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
7. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 22-1167 FOR THE SB 1 ROAD MAINTENANCE & REHABILITATION ACCOUNT PROJECT LIST FOR FY 2022-2023.
Open the Public Hearing, take public testimony, close the Public Hearing, and Adopt the Resolution for Project List which identifies the transportation infrastructure, drainage infrastructure, or road maintenance project that the City will implement in FY 2022-23 utilizing the new SB 1 gas tax funding Public Works Director Olds narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account project list for FY 2022-2023.
Discussion followed regarding funding for the proposed slurry seal.
Mayor Uhrig opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed the public hearing.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti, to adopt Resolution 22-1167, seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
REGULAR BUSINESS
8. SOLVANG FESTIVAL THEATER FUNDING REQUEST FY 2021-22
Consider approving funding request in the amount of $100,000 for Solvang Festival Theater operating expenditures within the current fiscal year and defer consideration of continued funding in the amount of DocuSign Envelope ID: B08BC000-D75B-4E4C-BB45-E344AAA0DE89 Minutes 2022-04-11 CC Regular Meeting 5
$100,000 for the current FY year, and each additional two-years to be considered through the Fiscal Years 2022- 24 Financial Plan development. The funding is being sought due to the major renovation of the facility and interruption in operating revenue due to closure of the facility for a year. The capital improvements to the facility are being funded by community donations.
City Manager Bradford presented details of the staff report; discussed increased TOT revenues and noted there will not be a draw on the General Fund.
Mayor pro tem Infanti noted they are asking for $100,000 per year for each of the next three years to help with operational expenses.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
Chris Nielsen, introduced Ann Foxworthy Lewellen, the author of the funding request letter; explained the importance of obtaining additional funding for events and activities for the community and tourist patrons.
Scott Coe, Executive Director, spoke about everyone benefitting when the theater is completed.
There were no other public comments.
Councilmember Thomas recommended hearing all of the requests for funding prior to making a decision on each one.
9. SENIOR CENTER FUNDING REQUEST FY 2021-22
Consider approving fee waiver for Development Plan review for the new Senior Center Facility project in the amount of $7,900. The new Senior Center building is being funded by community donations
City Manager Bradford presented details of the staff report and discussed approving a fee waiver for Development Plan review for the new Senior Center Facility.
Jim Richardson spoke about the progress the Senior Center project is making.
Tom Olmsted, Co-Chair, Senior Center Capital Campaign Committee, thanked the community for their support and presented an update of construction efforts for the Senior Center.
Ellen Albertoni thanked the City for its support; commented on the addition of activities; and noted the Senior Center is growing.
There were no other public comments.
10. SANTA YNEZ ROTARY 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS FUNDING REQUEST 2021-22 Consider becoming a Grand Sponsor for the 4th of July 2022 Fireworks partnering with the Santa Ynez Rotary by contributing $25,000 toward the event.
City Manager Bradford presented details of the report and discussed the funding request and reported they are requesting that the City be the event sponsor.
Discussion followed regarding the funding request from the Santa Ynez Rotary Club.
There were no public comments.
11. SANTA YNEZ PIRATE FOOTBALL LEAGUE FEE WAIVER REQUEST Consider request to waive fee for highway banner in the amount of $450 at the request of the Santa Ynez Pirate Football League
City Manager Bradford presented details of the report and addressed the amount of the request.
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Brynda Messer, Santa Ynez Pirate Football League, thanked the City for its past support and requested a fee waiver of $450 to buy a highway banner to promote the league.
There were no other public comments.
Councilmember Clarke commented on the amount of the total requests; stated he will support only if the theater will have an expanded calendar; voiced support for the Senior Center and offered to provide a personal check for $450 to the Santa Ynez Pirate Football League as he feels the City should not pay for it.
Councilmember Orona believed the City should grant the requests especially as it is willing to pay $600,000 to a marketing company for raising TOT and commented favorably on the Fourth of July celebration.
Motion by Councilmember Thomas, to approve the funding requests of the Solvang Theater, the Senior Center and the Rotary Club, as presented, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried with a roll call vote of 4-1, with Councilmember Clarke, opposed.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti, to table Item No. 11, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried with a roll call vote of 5-0.
12. AB1234 REPORT OUT AND COUNCIL CLOSING COMMENTS - None
13. ADJOURNMENT- Mayor Uhrig adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Annamarie Porter, City Clerk
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