Buellton Council Approves Children's Museum Funding Disbursement, City Manager Salary Update

Ordinances and Public Hearings

The city council considered the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 26-07, pertaining to the adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code as adopted and amended by Santa Barbara County. City officials noted the measure is necessary to maintain county-provided fire protection services. The council approved the ordinance with a 5-0 vote.

Administrative and Staff Reports

The council reviewed a staffing change regarding the recreation center. Officials authorized the reclassification of the recreation center coordinator to the existing recreation coordinator classification and adopted a revised salary schedule. The fiscal impact was estimated at $2,570, with a budget amendment scheduled to be brought forward in the fall. The council approved the measure 5-0.

Under subsequent agenda business, the council discussed funding assistance requested by the Buellton Chamber of Commerce for the rehabilitation of the northbound city identification billboard located south of the city. The council voted 4-0 to authorize city staff to pay for up to half of the estimated repair, not to exceed $20,000.

The council also reviewed potential future rehabilitation and municipal code changes concerning the southbound city identification billboard to permit updated messaging. No formal vote was taken, but a consensus was reached to form an ad hoc committee consisting of Council Members John Sanchez and Carla Mead to meet with stakeholders and report back.

Discussions regarding proposals for a drone show for the December Winterfest event took place under Item 9. Due to a lack of immediate consensus, the council voted to continue the item to a future meeting without taking a final vote.

The council considered a progress report and a request for the disbursement of the second installment of funding approved for the Santa Ynez Valley Children's Museum. The museum requested $300,000 from a previously approved $1 million funding agreement. The council approved the disbursement of the funds.

Finally, the council reviewed Resolution No. 26-23 regarding the sixth amendment to the city manager employment agreement. The amendment provides a 3.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment and a 2.6 percent merit-based increase for City Manager Scott Wolfe, resulting in a total annual fiscal impact of $16,979. The council approved the resolution.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent calendar items one through five.

Public Comment

Steve Palmer thanked the council for participation in the Solvang Fourth of July parade and presented a commemorative Declaration of Independence. AJ Tarman spoke regarding meeting times, campaign spending limits, city management compensation, and infrastructure conditions. Dr. Wendy Davis and another speaker addressed community building, tourism promotion, and regional issues.

Closed Session

The council adjourned to closed session to discuss the potential initiation of litigation and existing litigation involving Morari versus the City. Upon returning to open session, the Mayor reported that there was no reportable action.

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This recap was prepared by an AI system based on the official meeting recording and reviewed by a human editor before publication.