M 2022-05-23 CC Regular Meeting 1
May 23, 2022
Monday
6:30 p.m.
Mayor Uhrig called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Charlie Uhrig, Mayor pro tem Mark Infanti; Councilmembers Robert Clarke, Jim Thomas
Absent: Councilmember Claudia Orona
Staff: City Manager Xenia Bradford, City Attorney David Fleishman, City Clerk Annamarie Porter, Utilities Director Jose Acosta, Public Works Director Rodger Olds
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mayor pro tem Infanti
PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, CEREMONIAL ITEMS
Mayor Uhrig announced at the end of the meeting, it will be adjourned in memory of Former Mayor and Councilmember Ken Palmer; reported there will be a reception on June 3, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Sunny Fields Park in his honor and presented a certificate of recognition to his family in appreciation of his service to Solvang.
PRESENTATIONS - None
1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS – NON-AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS Brenda Ball spoke about her experience in Tourism and Marketing in the City; discussed increased focus on digital marketing; addressed the importance of a website in digital marketing and the human touch in local businesses and suggested having a list of local businesses that are open after 5:00 p.m. and extended operating hours at the Visitor Center on weekends. She asked that City Council entertain the issues as it considers its marketing budget.
Jennifer Soni spoke in support of awarding Brenda Ball the contract for managing the Solvang Visitor Center and spoke about the Center enhancing an overall image of Solvang and supporting local businesses.
Esther Jacobsen Bates, Executive Director, Elverhoj Museum, discussed upcoming events and exhibitions and recent activities at the museum; announced Denmark’s Ambassador to the United States is planning to visit Solvang in July and spoke about Ken Palmer’s accomplishments and impacts in the community.
Jim Richardson spoke in honor of Ken Palmer and about working with him on City Council.
There were no other public comments.
MINUTES
SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
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2. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND ADVANCE CALENDAR
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation with a review of the General Plan update process; discussed recent workshops; listed upcoming special events; addressed the Tourism Advisory Committee, the Planning Commission and the Design Review Committee; and presented details of the Advance Calendar.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Mayor pro tem Infanti summarized actions by the Air Pollution Control District to reduce air pollution.
Mayor Uhrig reported attending a project opioid symposium for Santa Barbara County; spoke about recent fentanyl deaths and use of Narcan; talked about attending an SBCAG meeting and National Public Works Week; declared SBCAG hired a new Rail and Transit Director; announced upcoming public hearings to talk with residents about updates to the long-term congestion relief plan along the US 101 corridor; commented on reconstruction of the bridge at US 101 and at State Route 135 by Caltrans; noted the introduction of a pet program for the Southern California Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train route and commented on SBCAG and staff visiting the City to consider the Santa Barbara County Broadband Strategy Development project. Additionally, he addressed National Nurses Week, National Police Week, Law Enforcement Memorial Day; congratulated Third Grader Adam Mason for winning the Third Grade Grand National Championship for the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting contest and Noah Jebaraj for the Seventh-Grade competition and summarized food bank statistics. Mayor Uhrig addressed Older Americans Month, commented on recent scams; reported that volunteers are needed for the reading program at the Buellton and Solvang Libraries; announced an upcoming Tabaco Prevention Summit; encouraged the public to vote for Solvang and spoke about a new law requiring managers and servers of alcohol be trained and certified by the ABC by August 31, 2022.
Tracy Beard, Chamber of Commerce, reported the Chamber will be hosting three classes in June for Chamber businesses.
Councilmember Clarke discussed a resident scientific survey to determine what is important to residents of Solvang and asked for support from Council colleagues.
There was Council consensus to direct staff to place consideration of a scientific survey for Solvang residents on an upcoming agenda.
Mayor pro tem Infanti asked about the fire insurance rating increasing and asked the City Manager to look into the matter.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approve Order of Agenda as Presented.
b. Approve the Minutes of the City Council meeting of May 9, 2022 c. Award a Contract with Roadrunner Management Services, Inc for day-to-day operations of the Santa Ynez Valley Transit program in the amount not to exceed, $3,676,681 for the term July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2027, with option to extend five additional years d. Receive and file SBC Sheriff’s Office March 2022 Monthly report e. Approve Revised Regional Broadband Strategic Plan for the Santa Barbara Co Region MOU Motion by Councilmember Clarke, to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried with a roll call vote of 4-0, with Councilmember Orona, absent.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
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REGULAR BUSINESS
5. PIERCE-ARROW CAR SHOW SPECIAL EVENT
Review and approve Pierce Arrow Car show special event application City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the Pierce-Arrow Car Show special event application.
Ben Oakes, Pierce-Arrow Society, discussed the organization and their proposed event.
Discussion followed regarding the number of vehicles to be displayed.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments. There being no one wishing to address City Council, Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti, to approve the Pierce-Arrow Car Show special event application, as presented, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried with a roll call vote of 4-0, with Councilmember Orona, absent.
6. WATER AND WASTEWATER CONNECTION FEES PRESENTATION
a. Receive a presentation on proposed water and wastewater connection fees; and b. Set a Public Hearing for June 27, 2022, for consideration of changes to the City’s water a wastewater connection fees
Utilities Director Acosta introduced the item and deferred to the consultant, HDR Engineering, for a presentation.
Shawn Koorn, HDR Engineering, narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding water and wastewater connection fees.
Discussion followed regarding incremental increases in fees for existing customers.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments. There being no one wishing to address City Council, Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti, to set a Public Hearing for June 27, 2022, for consideration of changes to the City’s water and wastewater connection fees, seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried with a roll call vote of 4-0, with Councilmember Orona, absent.
7. PRELIMINARY FISCAL YEAR 2022-24 FINANCIAL PLAN
Receive Preliminary Fiscal Year 2022-24 Financial Plan and provide with policy direction for any desired modifications to be included in the final Financial Plan presentation to Council for approval on June 27, 2022.
Consider:
a. Funding requests including:
• Grant Funding applications per the Grant Funding Policy • Senior Center
• Solvang Festival Theater
• Danish Days
• Fourth of July Fireworks
• People Helping People
b. Operating plan including proposed significant changes c. Capital Improvement Program
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation of the City’s Preliminary Fiscal Year 2022- DocuSign Envelope ID: 084A8971-4425-4903-9B29-69476E38EA82 M 2022-05-23 CC Regular Meeting 4
24 Financial Plan and requests for funding for various organizations in the City.
Utilities Director Acosta continued with the presentation with details of Utility CIP projects for FY 2022-
24. Mayor pro tem Infanti discussed a program that will help the City purchase an electric tractor. In response to his question, Utilities Director Acosta reported that Well 7A has been updated and is back in place.
Public Works Director Olds presented details of Public Works CIP projects for FY 2022-24.
City Manager Bradford addressed additional CIP program considerations.
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Uhrig called for a recess at 9:00 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:10 p.m. with all Councilmembers, present, except Councilmember Orona.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
Pam Gnekow, Santa Ynez Valley Senior Citizen’s Foundation and Santa Ynez Valley Community Outreach, thanked Council for its past support and shared a success story in helping a Solvang Veteran.
Judith Dale, President, Buellton Senior Center, discussed aid provided to Solvang residents; asked the City to help with $20,000 with $15,000 going towards their transportation program and $5,000 going towards their food program.
Brynda Messer, Santa Ynez Pirate Football Club, thanked the Mayor and Councilmember Clarke for paying for their banner; provided information regarding the organization; discussed fundraising and requested $10,000 to help pay for equipment and field costs.
Terry Delaney, Veggie Rescue, thanked the City for its past support; discussed food insecurity in the community and requested help to continue nurturing the community.
Ellen Albertoni, Solvang Senior Center, spoke about their programs and services, thanked the City for its past support and requested $70,000 to take care of their growing needs.
Jody Williams, President, Solvang Arts and Music Foundation, discussed their mission, classes and services and requested funding to expand their programs and curriculum.
Esther Jacobsen Bates, Elverhoj Museum, thanked the City for its prior support; discussed their programs and contributions to the City and asked for $35,000 for this year and $40,000 for a one-year extension of the contract.
Tracy Beard, Solvang Chamber of Commerce, thanked the City for its prior support; asked to renew their contract with the City; discussed their maps and guides; hoped to continue their partnership with the City and requested $250,000 for each of two years.
Alan Hit and Henry Haugse, Solvang Senior Center, spoke about their campaign for construction of the new Senior Center; noted they need a space for 1 1/2 years to cover the transition into the Vet’s Hall during construction, $60,000 and a waiver of $79,000 in fees.
City Manager Bradford discussed the funding request for the Solvang Theater Fest, the Solvang Danish Days Foundation and the Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People.
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Greg Pensa, Santa Ynez Rotary Club Foundation (Fourth of July), spoke about the event; thanked the City for it prior support; spoke about benefits to various non-profits and discussed increased expenses.
Mayor Uhrig opened public comments.
Tara Wood, Board of Directors, Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, referenced Lot 72; stated it does not meet the requirements of the lease; noted the lease was obtained for the sole purpose of protecting the property and offered to respond to questions.
Anne Petersen (via Zoom) discussed the lease for Lot 72; talked about proposed improvements to Lot 72; felt that proposed plans for the lot should be discussed with them, as tenants and asked that the project be removed from the City’s financial plan.
Michael Imwalle (via Zoom) noted Lot 72 is a contributing element to the National Historic Landmark District and asked that the project be removed from the City’s financial plan and that Council not consider the property for City parking expansion.
Warren Small expressed concerns with the proposed expansion and improvements of Lot 72 and noted it does not comply with the lease agreement.
Arthur George expressed concerns with the proposed expansion and improvements of Lot 72; noted it does not comply with the lease agreement and stressed that it must remain open space.
There were no other public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed public comments for this item.
City Manager Bradford reported there is no action to be taken tonight on the funding requests; stated the item will return for Council’s consideration on June 27, 2022 and asked for Council’s feedback and comments in order to incorporate them into recommendations for final review.
Councilmember Clarke requested a review of and vote for each request individually.
City Manager Bradford confirmed City Council will vote for each request, individually, when it returns on June 27th and requested input and comments, now.
Discussion followed regarding why Lot 72 was included in the CIP, exploring parking options in the City, the need to adhere to the original agreement and leave it as it is, and removing Lot 72 considerations from the CIP.
Councilmember Clarke spoke about People Helping People hiring a Diversity Coordinator who claimed there is a problem in Solvang with increases in hate crimes and discrimination and stated he will not support a group that claims those things regarding Solvang, where there is none according to the Sheriff. He added that if there are such issues in Solvang, the Sheriff’s Office should know about it.
Mayor Uhrig mentioned issues related to the high school and did not believe those issues exist in Solvang.
Discussion followed regarding organizations that bring business into the City and support local businesses and the need to carefully review the Chamber of Commerce request.
Tracy Beard reported the last funding received from the City was $35,000; commented on prior requests and funding amounts and spoke about increased costs.
City Manager Bradford reported the items will return to City Council for consideration and votes at the next City Council meeting.
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Discussion followed regarding the utility CIP projects, portable emergency generators, CIP studies, the possibility of partnering with Caltrans with respect to the Mission Drive pedestrian and vehicle corridor study, playground replacements, the HCA multi upgrade project and pump track, the possibility of getting funds from SBCAG, facilities, streets and traffic CIP, scaling down pedestrian signs, wayfinding for vehicles and design costs for creation of a European Plaza.
City Manager Bradford discussed proposed significant operating changes including recommendations relative to reinstatement and new positions.
Brief discussion followed regarding the RFP for marketing services.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti, to extend the meeting after 9:30 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried with a roll call vote of 3-1, with Councilmember Clarke, opposed and Councilmember Orona, absent.
8. CODE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 Consider enhancing Code Enforcement Program by hiring two-part time Ambassador (civilian patrol and visitor support) positions to provide oversight within the downtown area during peak hours. The Ambassadors would work less than 20 hours per week and will not be entitled to benefits.
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the proposed Code Enforcement program modifications.
There were no public comments on this item.
Motion by Councilmember Thomas, to enhance the Code Enforcement Program by hiring two-part time Ambassador (civilian patrol and visitor support) positions to provide oversight within the downtown area during peak hours. The Ambassadors would work less than 20 hours per week and will not be entitled to benefits, seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, and carried with a roll call vote of 4-0, with Councilmember Orona, absent.
9. AB1234 REPORT OUT AND COUNCIL CLOSING COMMENTS - None
10. ADJOURNMENT- Mayor Uhrig adjourned the meeting at 11:20 p.m. in memory of Ken Palmer.
Respectfully submitted:
Annamarie Porter, City Clerk
DocuSign Envelope ID: 084A8971-4425-4903-9B29-69476E38EA82