M 2022-06-27 CC Regular Meeting 1
June 27, 2022
Monday
6:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
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, Claudia Orona, Jim Thomas
Staff: City Manager Xenia Bradford, City Attorney David Fleishman, City Clerk Annamarie Porter, Public Works Director Jose Acosta
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilmember Clarke
CEREMONIAL ITEMS/COMMENDATIONS - None
PRESENTATIONS
a. Juneteenth Event 2022
Moved to prior to Item No. 8.
PROCLAMATIONS - None
1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS – NON-AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS Michael Cobb reported attending a recent Planning Commission meeting regarding his business, High Roller Tiki Lounge; noted there was a lot of discussion regarding parking and in-lieu fees; felt there seems to be much confusion about the topic and hoped City Council will address and clarify the matter.
Mayor pro tem Infanti reported attending that Planning Commission session; stated he had asked to place the matter on a future agenda and noted he did not see it on the Advance Calendar.
City Manager Xenia Bradford reported there was no clear consensus when Mayor pro tem Infanti first asked to place the topic on the agenda; acknowledged the present consensus and announced the matter will be placed on a future agenda.
There were no other public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed public communications on non-agenda and consent items.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND ADVANCE CALENDAR
City Manager Bradford announced upcoming events including the next General Plan Update Workshop, Fourth of July special events; addressed the Advance Calendar and discussed key staff priorities.
MINUTES
SOLVANG CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
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3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Councilmember Thomas referenced a presentation made during the last City Council meeting by one of the Directors from the Therapeutic Riding Center requesting funding of $5,000 and asked for Council to reconsider the request during a future meeting.
There was City Council consensus approving the request be placed on a future agenda.
Mayor pro tem Infanti reported attending a webinar on Emergency Preparedness where recommendations were made relative to having an Emergency Preparedness Plan and distributing it to residents as well as an evacuation plan and talked about the need to address how to notify staff, businesses and tourists and communicating safe departure routes, ensuring that City water and sewer services are maintained and reviewing procedures periodically. Additionally, he reported attending the recent car show and the PRIDE party in the park.
Mayor Uhrig stated he attended the car show and displayed a poster presented to the City by the organizer.
Mayor pro tem Infanti further reported driving a Jeep in the Flat Fender Jeep Club in the Santa Ynez Parade, commented favorably regarding the PRIDE Party in the park; reiterated his request to place consideration of parking and in-lieu fees on the Advance Calendar.
Councilmember Clarke agreed regarding the need to consider rules regarding parking and in-lieu fees.
Mayor Uhrig discussed the Juneteenth event, the recent Music in the Park program, the recent Movies in the Park, the PRIDE party and parade and addressed the upcoming Fourth of July events and Food Bank distribution statistics.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Orona announced she will not be voting on Item No. 4c. a. Approve Order of Agenda as Presented
b. Approve the Minutes of the City Council meeting of June 13, 2022 Motion by Councilmember Orona, to approve the Consent Items No. 4a and 4b, as presented, seconded by Councilmember Clarke and carried 5-0.
c. Adopt by Title Only for second reading Ordinance 22-0357 Amending Title 11 of the Solvang Municipal Code to address Walk-up Food Service Windows facing Outdoor Patios and Seating Areas on Private Property in the Tourist Related Commercial (TRC) Zone and making a determination of Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke, to approve the Consent Item No. 4c, as presented, seconded by Mayor Uhrig and carried 4-0, with Councilmember Orona, recused.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY OF ORDINANCE NO. 22-0358 AMENDING TITLE 11 OF THE SOLVANG MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ADDRESS FOOD TRUCKS AND OTHER VENDING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF
SOLVANG AND MAKING A DETERMINATION OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Open the Public Hearing, receive Public Comments, Close the Public Hearing, and Introduce Ordinance No. 22-0358
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Councilmember Orona noted a conflict of interest as she is a food-related business owner, recused herself from the item and left the Chamber.
City Manager Bradford introduced the item and provided details of the staff report.
City Attorney Fleishman noted amendments to the existing ordinance.
Mayor Uhrig opened the public hearing.
There being no one wishing to comment, Mayor Uhrig closed the public hearing.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti, to introduce for first reading and adopt, by title only, Ordinance No. 22- 0358 amending Title 11 of the Solvang Municipal Code to address food trucks and other vending on private property in the City of Solvang and making a determination of exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act, seconded by Councilmember Thomas and carried 4-0, with Councilmember Orona, recused
Councilmember Orona returned to the Chambers and took her place on the dais.
6. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER INTRODUCTION FOR FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY OF ORDINANCE 22-0359 MODIFYING CITY OF SOLVANG MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 9 WATER AND SEWER, CHAPTER 3 WATER CODE, ARTICLE D. WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM, 9-3D-3 REGULATIONS DURING DROUGHT CONDITIONS
Open the Public Hearing, receive Public Comments, Close the Public Hearing, and Introduce Ordinance No 22-0359
City Manager Bradford introduced the item and provided details of the staff report.
Utilities Director Acosta pointed out recommended language changes; discussed a contingency plan and mentioned recommended triggers for entering and exiting the stages.
Discussion followed regarding using the benchmark year for commercial and industrial uses, using household averages versus historical numbers for single-family residential uses, recommended triggers for entering and exiting, the City’s policy of a one-time review of water usage and working with residents to mitigate excessive usage related to unique situations and the need for an avenue to address special circumstances.
Mayor Uhrig opened the public hearing.
Jim Richardson spoke about the possibility of relieving residents of penalties related to excess water use in unique circumstances such as leaks.
Nancy Emerson, We Watch, (via Zoom), noted their Water Issues Committee supports the City’s efforts to develop and consistent, understandable policy for water conservation, particularly during drought periods and the criteria for entering and exiting each stage of the regulation; asked about determination of penalties for commercial/industrial water use; wondered what the City is doing to regularly remind residents and tourists of prohibitions and reported additional questions will be forwarded to staff to distribute to City Council.
There being no others wishing to address City Council, Mayor Uhrig closed the public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke, to introduce for first reading and adopt, by title only Ordinance No. 22-0359 modifying City of Solvang Municipal Code, Title 9 Water and Sewer, Chapter 3 Water Code, Article D. Water Conservation Program, 9-3D-3 Regulations during Drought Conditions, seconded by Mayor Uhrig, and carried 5-0.
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7. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 22-1178 ADOPTING NEW WATER AND WASTEWATER CONNECTION FEES.
Open the Public Hearing, receive Public Comment, Close the Public Hearing, and Adopt Resolution No. 22-1178
Utilities Director Acosta introduced the item and the Consultant, Shawn O’Brien, HDR, and deferred to him for a presentation.
Consultant Koorn narrated a PowerPoint presentation with detail of the proposed new water and wastewater connection fees.
Discussion followed regarding paying the incremental difference in costs between meter sizes.
Mayor Uhrig opened the public hearing.
Nancy Emerson, We Watch, (via Zoom), reported their Water Issues Committee supports the City’s proposed adjustments for water and wastewater connection fees and asked about the differences in water (29% increase) and water connection (7.9% increase) fees.
Consultant Koorn noted connection fees reflect the value of the system in place, today; reported connections fees have not been updated in some time; addressed the methodology for determining fees and reported they have their own unique analysis based on the system in place to provide service.
There were no other public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed the public hearing.
Motion by Councilmember Orona, to waive further reading and adopt, by title only Resolution No. 22- 1178, adopting new water and wastewater connection fees, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried 5-0.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to move Presentations prior to Item No. 8, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS
b. Juneteenth Event 2022
Vashti Wilson provided an update on the recent Juneteenth event; thanked the City and Mayor for its support and distributed a hat and shirt to the Mayor and either a hat or shirt to Councilmembers.
REGULAR BUSINESS
8. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-1179 APPROVING THE FY 2022-24 FINANCIAL PLAN
1. Receive Proposed Fiscal Year 2022-24 Financial Plan; and,
2. Approve or deny one-time funding requests summarized in Attachment C,
3. Consider adding to Capital Improvement Program and funding a Wayfinding Project
4. Approve the Proposed Fiscal Year 2022-24 Financial Plan and approve Resolution 22-1179 adopting the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget as presented and authorizing the City Manager to make administrative changes to the document to reflect City Council action taken during this hearing.
City Manager Bradford presented details of the staff report; addressed the process and formation of goals; and discussed one-time discretionary requests.
Mayor pro tem Infanti noted the need to update the net change in financial position narrative language and reported the second payment under the American Rescue Plan is not reflected in the budget.
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City Manager Bradford reported is reflected as grant revenue in FY 2022/2023.
Mayor pro tem Infanti asked about the Marketing contract and City Manager Bradford explained the total includes $300,000 for Marketing and $100,000 for events so the total should be $400,000 and not $600,000. Mayor pro tem Infanti commented on new positions and noted that new positions are not highlighted in the document. City Manager Bradford stated which positions are new. Mayor pro tem Infanti discussed the ground water sustainability plan and funding needed. City Manager Bradford reported that the City is working through the Ground Water Sustainability agency to establish fees to fund the program and and stated there is $20,000 set aside for any immediate incremental expenditures. If more funding is needed, staff will return to City Council for funding, as a separate item.
Mayor Uhrig reported with debt financing, the fund is balanced with the proposed rate increases will pay for debt payments and the fund balance will be maintained at no less than six months of operating expenditures per the City’s newly adopted fiscal policy.
City Manager Bradford discussed one-time funding requests and discussed the grant funding policy for humanitarian events and focusing on senior services.
Councilmember Clarke spoke about raising utility rates, raising a 1% Sales Tax, hiring more staff and current inflation rates; noted that people who help other people do so voluntarily and stated he does not understand the connection where taxpayers are responsible to pay for it. He added that City Council made a commitment to take care of seniors and stated he will vote for funding senior programs but not others.
Mayor pro tem Infanti agreed with Councilmember Clarke; noted the City’s efforts to cover its costs and stated he is inclined to approve some of the requests but not at the levels requested.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
Joe Ola spoke about the new Executive Director for the Santa Ynez Historic Society and Heritage Museum, Marilyn Fisher; talked about the organization promoting activities for youth and requested being added to a future agenda for Council to consider funding.
Tracy Beard, Chamber of Commerce, asked for help with the maps they have been distributing for almost four years; noted they help to ensure there is economic growth in the community; reported $70,000 of their request is for development of commercials and talked about other programs hosted by the Chamber, including Music in the Park.
Ellen Albertoni discussed their request for funding for the Solvang Senior Center including help with transition fees and expenses.
Pam Nico spoke about their new USDA program providing free produce and food for seniors as well as transportation.
Vashti Wilson spoke about their request of $5,000 for Juneteenth through Madi’s Treasure Box in support of the community.
Nancy Emerson (via Zoom) spoke about the City’s personnel costs; suggested including salary and benefits or what percentage of salaries account for benefits and thanked staff and City Council for ensuring the budget is easy to understand.
Ester Jacobsen Bates (via Zoom) thanked the City for is continued support; requested an extension to the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art grant agreement so that it aligns with City Council’s new two-year budget, for another year and spoke about the support provided by the museum to the Visitor Center and the promotional arm of the City.
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Mayor Uhrig stated $35,000 for the upcoming fiscal year has already been approved and $40,000 would be allocated for FY 2023/24.
Vashti Wilson spoke about the Marketing Services contract; noted the chosen vendor’s EIN was not ready when they submitted their proposal; addressed the Marketing Manager position; reported that normally, the Marketing Manager position would be filled, first, so they could have a say in how the Marketing Services contract is awarded and questioned the accuracy of the line items and total breakdown.
There were no other public comments and Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
Discussion followed regarding contracts for services versus requests for grants, Motion by Councilmember Clarke to approve the one-time grant request for $20,000 to Atterdag at Home, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke to approve the one-time grant request for $20,000 to Buellton Senior Center, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried 4-1 by a roll call vote, with Mayor pro tem Infanti, opposed.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to approve the one-time grant request for $5,000 to Santa Ynez Pirate Football, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and failed 2-3 by a roll call vote, with Councilmembers Clarke, Orona and Mayor Uhrig, opposed.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to approve the one-time grant request for $2,500 to Santa Ynez Pirate Football, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and failed 2-3 by a roll call vote, with Councilmembers Clarke, Orona and Mayor Uhrig, opposed.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to approve the one-time grant request for $1,000 to Santa Ynez Pirate Football, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried 4-1 by a roll call vote, with Councilmember Clarke, opposed.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to approve the one-time grant request for $10,000 to Santa Ynez Valley Fruit and Vegetable Rescue, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried 3-2 by a roll call vote, with Councilmembers Clarke and Mayor Uhrig, opposed.
Motion by Councilmember Orona to approve the one-time grant request for $70,000 to Santa Ynez Valley Senior Advisory Council (dba Solvang Senior Center), seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, and carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke to approve the one-time grant request for $5,000 to Solvang Arts and Music Foundation, seconded by Councilmember Thomas, and carried 5-0.
Councilmember Clarke indicated he will make up another $5,000 by assisting with fundraising.
Motion by Councilmember Orona to approve the one-time grant request for $12,500 to People Helping People for FY 2022/2023, seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, and carried 4-1, with Councilmember Clarke, opposed.
City Manager Bradford discussed contracts for services.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to extend the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art agreement at $40,000, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried 5-0.
Councilmember Orona acknowledged the work done by the Chamber of Commerce; referenced the recent award of $150,000 to the Visitor Center and commented on the need to ensure that the City is not funding twice for the same service. She felt the two organizations need to be given the time to work DocuSign Envelope ID: 3F30BDD2-1233-49E1-BDEE-48CBA7A30326 M 2022-06-27 CC Regular Meeting 7
together to see how best to maximize their efforts and opined the item warrants its own presentation.
Mayor pro tem Infanti reported the need to see the Chamber’s revenues; spoke about commercial sponsors for some of the events they host; agreed with funding them for the printed maps and stated he is hesitant to fund more than $75,000 at this time.
City Council concurred to include this item as a separate agenda item for the next City Council meeting.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to fund the Solvang Chamber of Commerce for FY 2022/2023 for $50,000 towards printed maps, seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried 5-0.
Mayor pro tem Infanti spoke favorably regarding the Solvang Festival Theater; commented on expansion of their season and suggested not approving their request at this time and considering whether they need the funds after one year.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke to fund the Solvang Festival Theater for $100,000, for only one-year, next year, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried 5-0.
Regarding the Solvang Senior Center, City Manager Bradford reported the request is for $60,000 in cash and $79,000 for in-kind fee waivers.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to fund the Solvang Senior Center for $139,000, seconded by Mayor Uhrig, and carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke to fund the Solvang Danish Days Foundation for $50,000, seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, and carried 5-0.
Motion by Councilmember Thomas to fund the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club Foundation for $25,000, for the Fourth of July Fireworks Show, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried 5-0.
Discussion followed regarding funding Juneteenth and City Manager Bradford noted it was not included in the agenda as there was no direction from City Council.
Discussion continued regarding the need for general rules and parameters going forward for funding requests.
Vashti Wilson stated she understood the request would be placed on tonight’s agenda and City Manager Bradford reported her presentation was placed on the agenda, but not her funding request and noted there was a misunderstanding in communications.
Mayor Uhrig reported City Council will schedule a discussion on her request when it considers establishing a process for funding requests, going forward.
Ms. Wilson requested an exemption at this time since she felt she did everything she was supposed to do, made changes to her plans to attend tonight’s meeting and thought she should not be penalized for the City having ambiguous processes.
Mayor Uhrig stressed City Council cannot make decisions on items that are not on the agenda.
Councilmember Orona apologized for the error and supported including the matter on a future agenda and there was consensus to do so.
City Manager Bradford narrated a PowerPoint presentation regarding the wayfinding project concept and addressed recommendations on the topic from the Design Review Committee.
Discussion followed regarding electrifying the signs for lighting, costs of maintaining them and changing out the business listings, subsequent review of precise projects, the potential for wayfinding signs to DocuSign Envelope ID: 3F30BDD2-1233-49E1-BDEE-48CBA7A30326 M 2022-06-27 CC Regular Meeting 8
block sidewalks, the possibility of establishing a Business Improvement District (BID) and having the project funded through it and the topic being part of the conversations related to building a Europeanstyle plaza.
Mayor pro tem Infanti stated he would like to pursue forming a BID to identify funding to support the concept.
Councilmember Thomas stated he would like to move forward with replacing street signage.
City Manager Bradford suggested having the Design Review Committee consider replacement of street signage.
City Council concurred to table the item and direct staff to return with a report regarding the possibility of addressing revenue options and formation of a BID to fund wayfinding signs.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to approve the Proposed Fiscal Year 2022-24 Financial Plan and approve Resolution 22-1179 adopting the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget as presented and authorizing the City Manager to make administrative changes to the document to reflect City Council action taken during this hearing, seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried 5-0.
9. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING TAX MEASURE POLL RESULTS FOR THE NOVEMBER 2022 ELECTION BALLOT
1. Adopt the Resolutions to submit to the voters a question relating to updated local funding sales tax measure:
A. Draft Resolution 22-1180 approving ballot measure text relating to locally controlled one cent sales tax to be submitted to the qualified electors of the City at the General Municipal Election to be held on November 8, 2022, as called by Resolution 22-1173, and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis.
B. Draft Resolution 22-1181, setting priorities for filing written arguments regarding the City measure.
C. Draft Resolution 22-1182, providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments for the City measure.
2. Introduce, on first reading by title only, Draft Ordinance imposing a locally controlled one cent transactions and use (sales) tax to be administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, subject to adoption by the electorate.
City Manager Bradford presented details of the report and deferred to the City’s Consultant to present results of the tax measure poll.
Bryan Godbe, Godbe Research, narrated a PowerPoint presentation with details of the survey and resident responses.
Discussion followed regarding the demographics, an overview of the methodology, the approval rate, respondent priorities, the level of tolerance for an increase in sales tax and ensure the public is aware it is a 1 cent for every $1 or a 1% increase.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
Tracy Beard, Solvang Chamber of Commerce, reported the City of Lompoc was able to increase their sales tax working with the community, the Chamber and other organizations.
There being no others wishing to address Council, Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
City Attorney Fleishman discussed the process and next steps.
Motion by Mayor Uhrig to adopt the Resolutions to submit to the voters a question relating to updated local funding sales tax measure: draft Resolution 22-1180 approving ballot measure text relating to DocuSign Envelope ID: 3F30BDD2-1233-49E1-BDEE-48CBA7A30326 M 2022-06-27 CC Regular Meeting 9
locally controlled one cent sales tax to be submitted to the qualified electors of the City at the General Municipal Election to be held on November 8, 2022, as called by Resolution 22-1173, and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis; draft Resolution 22-1181, setting priorities for filing written arguments regarding the City measure, draft Resolution 22-1182, providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments for the City measure and introduce, on first reading by title only, Draft Ordinance imposing a locally controlled one cent transactions and use (sales) tax to be administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, subject to adoption by the electorate, seconded by Councilmember Clarke, and carried 5-0, by a roll call vote.
Motion by Councilmember Clarke to continue the meeting past 9:30 p.m., seconded by Mayor pro tem Infanti, and carried 3-2, with Councilmembers Orona and Clarke, opposed.
10. ADOPT RESOLUTION 22-1183 ESTABLISHING A TICKETS AND PASSES DISTRIBUTION POLICY PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 2 SECTION 18944.1 Adopt a resolution establishing a tickets and passes distribution policy pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 2 Section 18944.1.
City Manager Bradford presented details of the report.
Mayor Uhrig invited public comments.
There being no one wishing to address Council, Mayor Uhrig closed public comments.
Motion by Mayor pro tem Infanti to adopt Resolution 22-1183 establishing a tickets and passes distribution policy pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 2 Section 18944.1, seconded by Councilmember Orona, and carried 5-0.
11. AB1234 REPORT OUT AND COUNCIL CLOSING COMMENTS
Mayor pro tem Infanti reported on his attendance at the Econ Alliance Program and addressed key points discussed.
Mayor Uhrig noted a balanced approach to energy resources is needed.
Tracy Beard commented on existing charging stations in the City and the need to install more to meet with future demands.
Councilmember Clarke announced that his wife’s favorite niece and nephew gave birth to a little boy and congratulated Ludwick and Natalia on the birth of their new son.
12. ADJOURNMENT- Mayor Uhrig adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Annamarie Porter, City Clerk
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