Solvang Council Advances Urban Growth Boundary Exploration, Approves Highway 246 Surveillance Camera Expansion

Public Hearings

The city council considered two public hearing items during the evening session. First, the council considered a request for a letter of public convenience or necessity for VIP Tobacco Shop located at 606 Alamo Pintado Road, Suite 6, to acquire a Type 20 off-site beer and wine license due to license overconcentration in the census tract. The council approved the request unanimously on a 5-0 vote.

Next, the council held a public hearing on Resolution No. 26-1331 regarding the issuance of an animal-drawn conveyance license for Horses Entertainment LLC. Council Member Elizabeth Orona recused herself from the discussion and vote due to an interest in the company. Following public comment from several speakers expressing strong support for the horse-drawn trolley, the council approved the five-year license and its administrative provisions.

Regular Business

The Urban Boundary Exploration Committee presented its report following five meetings examining long-term growth and housing obligations. The council voted 5-0 to direct city staff to begin working with LAFCO to explore modifying the city's sphere of influence and codifying the urban growth boundary, including initiating pre-application meetings and developing formal annexation policies.

The council then discussed the Freedensburg Canyon Road Municipal Multi-Purpose Trail public survey results, which generated 693 unique responses showing over 90 percent opposition to converting Freedensburg Canyon Road into a one-way street. The council took no formal vote on the item, discussing instead abandoning the retaining wall and one-way traffic concept and exploring speed reduction alternatives using remaining funds.

For public safety infrastructure, the council considered an amendment with XIT Inc. DBA XIT Solutions for a surveillance camera contract. The change order covered solar power components and pole installation for the three remaining camera locations along Highway 246, increasing the total contract value by $40,481 to an amount not to exceed $187,889. The council approved the amendment.

In municipal infrastructure, the council reviewed Resolution No. 26-1333 accepting the Alamo Pintado Road Rehabilitation Project as complete and authorizing a notice of completion. City reports indicated the project was completed totaling $2,912,000 compared to original estimates of $3,687,000, while also incorporating additional rehabilitation work on Oak Street, Freedensburg Canyon, and Chalk Hill. The council approved the resolution unanimously on a 5-0 vote.

Consent Calendar

The council approved consent items A through G with a modification to table agenda items 8F and 8G. The vote was unanimous at 5-0.

Public Comment

Several members of the public addressed the council. Steve Palmer presented a commemorative Declaration of Independence from the Solvang Rotary Club honoring the nation's 250th anniversary. Valerie Kle provided an update on the Solvang Library summer reading program and community activities. Dennis Beattie raised concerns regarding potential wastewater pipeline connections from Los Alamos and general plan compatibility. Several speakers spoke in strong support of renewing the horse-drawn trolley license, while Nancy Emerson and Hank Hamburg commented on the EUBEC report, emphasizing the importance of small-town character and infrastructure priorities.

Closed Session

The council adjourned to closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding existing litigation in Edward St. George v. City of Solvang, anticipated litigation, real property negotiations for 478 Fourth Place and 425 First Street, and labor negotiations. Upon returning to open session, the Mayor reported that no reportable action was taken on any closed session items.

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