City Council

City Manager Review: SW Council Agenda Item No.: 1 CITY OF BUELLTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Special Meeting of Saturday, March 6, 2021 – 9:00 a.m. 202 Dairyland Road (Willemsen Barn) Buellton, California CALL TO ORDER Mayor Sierra called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Present: Council Members Ed Andrisek (arrived 9:40 a.m.), Dave King, Elysia Lewis, Vice Mayor John Sanchez, and Mayor Holly Sierra Staff: City Manager Scott Wolfe, Public Works Director Rose Hess, Planning Director Andrea Keefer, Finance Director Shannel Zamora, Recreation Supervisor Kyle Abello and City Clerk Linda Reid PUBLIC COMMENTS None BUSINESS ITEMS 1. City Council Assessment of City Function SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION: The City Council discussed the following issues:  Mayor and Vice Mayor’s roles and communication with the City Manager  Vice Mayor being a one year or two year term  Committee assignments going forward  Agenda format  Add additional open forum meetings a couple times a year  Community Engagement with residents and young people. Having an annual joint School District/City Council meeting to encourage more connection with Council Members  Scheduling a second Crab Fest dinner Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 March 6, 2021  More communication between staff and Council Members related to planning issues and other important issues that may be of interest to the public  Preferred method of communication with each Council Member  Reclassification of some staff positions and salary increases for lowest paid staff to attract and retain employees  Hybrid telework schedule after COVID-19 has passed DIRECTION: The City Council agreed by consensus to have staff bring back job reclassifications and pay increases for certain staff members for consideration by the Council in April 2021. 2. Development of City Council Manual SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION: The City Council discussed creating a City Council Manual for new Council Members and the contents to be included in the manual. DIRECTION: The City Council agreed by consensus to have staff create a City Council Manual in the next few months to be considered for adoption by the City Council at a regular meeting. 3. Develop 2021 City Council Priorities SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION: The City Council discussed the following issues:  Funding for pickleball courts, bocce courts, and exercise stations at River View Park  Instituting business licenses for Buellton businesses  Scheduling town hall meetings, including Caltrans, Sheriff’s Department, and Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) as resources for attendees. DIRECTION: The City Council agreed by consensus to the following to the list of potential goals for 2021 for adoption at a future meeting of the City Council:  Funding outdoor activities at River View Park, including pickleball courts, bocce courts, and exercise stations  Holding schedule several town hall meetings in 2021 and including Caltrans, Sheriff’s Department, and Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) as resources for attendees.  BREAK FOR LUNCH Mayor Sierra reconvened the meeting at 1:00 p.m. Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 March 6, 2021 4. Walking Tour of Willemsen Property Council Members and City Manager Wolfe provided a walking tour of the Willemsen property to the public in attendance. 5. Presentations of Proposed Uses of Property SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION: Steve Benson, Francisca Escobar, Tony Cano, Buellton, all spoke about the potential impacts to residents surrounding the Willemsen property. Bill Cirone, spoke about using the Willemsen property for Zaca Center Preschool. David Gay, Solvang, spoke about adding pickleball courts on the Willemsen property and submitted numerous letters supporting pickleball courts from Valley residents. Ashley Jenkins, Buellton, spoke about using the Willemsen property for the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum. Diane Byington, Solvang, discussed the Solvang Conservatory and holding musical recitals at the Willemsen property. Kristin Merz, Buellton, discussed using the Willemsen property as a multi-use arts and cultural center. Thom Chamberlain, Buellton, spoke about using the Willemsen property for a public archery range. 6. Discussion of Options and Direction to Staff to Bring the Matter for Further Discussion at a Future Meeting SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION: The City Council discussed the proposed presentations on how best to use the Willemsen property to serve the public. DIRECTION: The City Council agreed by consensus to hold another public meeting regarding uses for the Willemsen property and bring it back for Council discussion at a regular City Council meeting in the future. Special City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 March 6, 2021 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Sierra adjourned the special meeting at 2:30 p.m. The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. ________________________________ Holly Sierra Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________________ Linda Reid City Clerk