[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6745366,"mediaKeyId","2256006-67fc47d682a72d7c7d626f92995d0840","parentId",2256006,"title","Council approves Rincon contract for Wildwood EIR over public objections about omitted easement parcels","audioSeconds",3355,"startMs",1312000,"endMs",4667000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256006-67fc47d682a72d7c7d626f92995d0840&start=1312&end=4667","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256006-67fc47d682a72d7c7d626f92995d0840/thumbnail_1312000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6745366/Solvang/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Council-approves-Rincon-contract-for-Wildwood-EIR-over-public-objections-about-omitted-easement-parcels","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745366-6aeeb55c38d59ecbce781e98359a5b49/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200794&Signature=IULDIDXbUn8mWG9MPt6DN~9uN7hUniemlef6PeoJKufFaMd2WKxBtclaD7~ntTmZD5olhwul2dHpgVVDnWdrw-b8aEk0FlTR9p759gjwXuVDLw~Sq3mRXModd~n3LjYFH0Voy79f9Bd7nl7trkNf1ElWaKrXukMcEWtmUjHjq7neAQb~xnTmk85ozdKM51bP1NcbVWY5v2jvw9MryD7WeXuppPMT64ZsrlBArc7OKEdWMHv4i0CMhUFuHcwNZ2YFKbXEVYk--uZjYnsiHRcvyNYy4CCgZ45MK~8lhbtOhbO6uOO80oM5ZIzK-~gnZzITv1DkNHLwwjd0VAaM6AEb2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Solvang, CA","date","2025-02-11T04:26:02.747Z","article","Solvang's City Council on Feb. 11 approved a contract with Rincon Consultants Inc. to prepare the initial study and environmental impact report for the proposed Wildwood development, despite multiple speakers urging the council to pull the item from consent so the scope would explicitly include easement parcels they say will be materially affected.

Residents told the council the contract's project understanding and Exhibit A did not identify all parcels involved in the application and omitted easement areas that the developer proposes to use for access and parking. \"I don't think the contractor, Rincon, has a good understanding of the scope of the project based upon the packet,\" said Dennis Beebe (resident), who asked the council to discuss the item rather than approve it on consent.

Al Cortese (resident) added that the contract \"does not include the property that represents 20% of the development that is easement property,\" and urged council members to move the item to the discussion calendar. Multiple speakers said the staff report misstates the project acreage and the number of affordable units in recent submissions.

City planning staff told the council the contract before them is to \"prepare a legally adequate CEQA document\" and that the detailed project description, including site access, grading, utilities, phasing and other elements, will be developed during the public scoping phase. Rafael (city staff) said task 3 of the scope requires a project description that will \"include a description of the site and surrounding uses\" and that impacts to additional parcels or easements would be included in the CEQA analysis if the project or its effects would occur there.

Staff explained that the public scoping meeting, tribal consultation under AB 52, peer review and any necessary follow-up technical studies are part of the normal CEQA process; additional technical work can be requested if peer reviewers identify gaps. \"The proposal lists a number of tasks, to get through that process,\" Rafael said, adding that the consultant would typically run the scoping meeting together with city staff.

Several residents warned the council that omitting the easement from environmental review could exclude analysis of traffic, drainage and noise impacts on neighboring properties: \"It will not analyze the dangers of accumulation and drainage of water on the impervious, easement road running downhill to empty onto Hillside Drive,\" said Steve Martin (resident). Others said the staff packet listed only two APNs while the project affects additional parcels.

Councilmembers asked procedural questions, including whether the consent pull or discussion would count as one of the five hearings allowed under the developer's legal pathway; staff replied it would not. Councilmembers also discussed whether the contract's cost included sufficient technical expertise; staff said peer review and additional technical studies can be ordered if needed and the applicant would pay those fees.

After discussion, Councilmember Infante moved to approve the agreement; the motion passed on a roll call vote of four to one. The final tally was: Councilmember Infante, yes; Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Arona, yes; Councilmember Smith, no; Councilmember Elizabeth Arona, yes; Mayor Brown, yes. The contract amount before the council was described as not to exceed $2,252,277 and the city estimated work could take roughly nine months to a year.

Why it matters: Approving the consultant contract begins the formal CEQA process for a high-profile and contested project. The public scoping and EIR phases will determine the specific environmental topics, technical studies and parcels that are included in the legally required impact analysis. Public commenters urged the council to ensure the scope explicitly encompasses easement acreage and appropriate engineering reviews for traffic and geotechnical impacts.

What happens next: City staff and the consultant will hold a publicly noticed scoping meeting, perform tribal consultation consistent with AB 52, and publish draft environmental materials for public review. Staff said it will place technical materials on the city website and notify interested parties via the city's mailing list.

Votes at a glance

- Item: Approve agreement with Rincon Consultants Inc. to prepare an IS/EIR for LUP 23-242 (Wildwood). Motion: Approve contract not to exceed $2,252,277. Vote: 4-1 (Infante yes; Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Arona yes; Smith no; Elizabeth Arona yes; Mayor Brown yes).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Solvang City Council Meeting 02/10/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Solvang's City Council on Feb. 11 approved a contract with Rincon Consultants Inc. to prepare the initial study and environmental impact report for the proposed Wildwood development, despite multiple speakers urging the council to pull the item from consent so the scope would explicitly include easement parcels they say will be materially affected.","taxTitle","Solvang, Santa Barbara County, California","taxId",60283,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6745352,"Council approves Melton Design Group contract for parks master plan, dissent over cost",594,6505000,7099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256006-67fc47d682a72d7c7d626f92995d0840&start=6505&end=7099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256006-67fc47d682a72d7c7d626f92995d0840/thumbnail_6505000.jpg","/articles/6745352/Solvang/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Council-approves-Melton-Design-Group-contract-for-parks-master-plan-dissent-over-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745352-630b3d3c3bce001ef1b60ddb64af3cba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200794&Signature=ANGwenGjuUQUbZ5htUjbLxO9rfpo3xUP~sSuFkniDKi-OstTbtQuHvNniaVfwl9JGM8YZxxnp7JGqadKGh28n5MmdgiCySO7kvd59ODpMjwni-eh1JU4DQzDyutmRPYK1idURnEO6CSqQwI0mo9ONBq71HrHMhVoZP-vRx02WfGJB0IL6YHkPxUxeyTmimlgm3kxsl3VlX~AJmwSQEgSFdHk98KSPOl9D2DW4LoVxomN3SPThJCl582kkyhbBMBix5VR5nolUozNszynwer8lJJjU8VWE15cYECnoxQdVSbIV8OS3KWLYGefTwSxok8zQr2c9bQxEj2gO7sMYtWQWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Solvang City Council voted 4-1 on Feb. 11 to hire Melton Design Group (MDG) to prepare a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Parks and Recreation Director Jenny McClurg said seven firms submitted proposals and the selection committee interviewed three finalists. MDG was chosen for perceived best value, citing its Santa Barbara office and the firm's inclusion of an economic assessment in its scope. The contract sum is $210,825 with a 10% contingency of $21,085 for a total not to exceed $231,910, for work to be completed between Feb. 10, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2026.

Councilmembers discussed the cost versus the city's immediate capital needs; Councilmember Elizabeth Arona said she would vote no because she preferred to invest directly in amenities rather than commissioning a study. \"I just struggle with the cost,\" Arona said. Supporters said an up-to-date master plan is necessary to qualify for grants and to guide long-term improvements to Solvang Park, pickleball discussions and Yulefest infrastructure.

Staff said the plan would cover physical assets and programming and that the MDG proposal includes grant-identification and an economic assessment not present in other submissions. McClurg added the existing parks plan is over 20 years old and a current plan would improve the city's eligibility for outside funding.

The motion to approve the MDG agreement passed on a roll-call vote: Councilmember Infante yes; Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Arona yes; Councilmember Smith yes; Councilmember Elizabeth Arona no; Mayor Brown yes. The contract will be funded from Measure U with a requested budget adjustment noted in the staff report.

Why it matters: A current parks and recreation master plan is the primary planning document that cities use to prioritize capital investments and to meet grant eligibility requirements. The council's vote starts a roughly 12-month process to update priorities, assess facilities and identify funding options.

What happens next: Staff will execute the agreement, begin public engagement and research, and return draft recommendations and grant strategies to the council over the coming year.","Solvang approved a contract with Melton Design Group to prepare a parks and recreation master plan. The agreement is for $210,825 with a 10% contingency for a total not to exceed $231,910; one councilmember voted no citing cost concerns.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6745357,"Council approves midyear budget adjustments, general fund projected to grow by about $693,600",386,6129000,6515000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256006-67fc47d682a72d7c7d626f92995d0840&start=6129&end=6515","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256006-67fc47d682a72d7c7d626f92995d0840/thumbnail_6129000.jpg","/articles/6745357/Solvang/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Council-approves-midyear-budget-adjustments-general-fund-projected-to-grow-by-about-693600","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745357-34326f0cc923702e667ebaefd3adc09e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200794&Signature=FPkHMDeqmU67NVVK92pZeuYMipLzIbYAT~u-UziLoVITDynZWbfFDYVAbLVdgxzFd~JAjC2-KuIcOf9j4NgTR-Qr0SkpvWjsMAlP4LcIGvO086VhFNTzVe4U1xcMcc1ZPlll8nhNOJ5InWr4vWUy6FF4uNRFop7oiVGyabGwdegmMB1hT0RolK0WC9d12GZY1UObqVYIUpckIiCfWqWZfKRi7Dz5NhdMIZzOqAyN22pRhNkNbRFhJZqGTigVLhjbu6Cb4xr1q7zus1jZc5jtE9d51Trl0paxPAUg9CQFsf-fgKGi8tUHp9Rfg2~dEmsGXjTzT2AMxIk0DNmq6IbLsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Solvang City Council unanimously approved midyear budget adjustments for fiscal year 2024'25 at its Feb. 11 meeting.

Finance staff presented revisions that staff said \"true up\" revenue and expense estimates from July through December and that projected the general fund balance to increase by roughly $693,577 if current trends continue. Staff noted changes across restricted funds: a Measure U fund decrease of about $116,000 for Solvang Park adjustments, a water fund decrease of about $138,821, a wastewater increase of about $32,000, and a transit increase of about $5,500. Staff also said the packet includes a budget adjustment to cover legal fees for South Coast Properties totaling $160,000.

The council discussed merchant credit-card fees and a pending fee study to consider recapturing processing costs. After public comment (none on the item) and discussion, Councilmember moved to approve the adjustments as presented; the motion passed by roll call vote 5-0 (Infante yes; Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Arona yes; Councilmember Smith yes; Councilmember Elizabeth Arona yes; Mayor Brown yes).

Why it matters: Midyear adjustments are the city's standard mechanism to align projected revenues and expenditures and to ensure funds do not overspend. The projected general fund increase gives the council more flexibility to consider priorities in the coming budget cycle, while restricted funds reflect program-specific changes.

What happens next: Staff will implement the adjustments, continue monitoring revenues and expenses and prepare budget-to-actual reporting for the year-end cycle and the FY 2025'26 budget process.","Council approved midyear fiscal adjustments for FY 2024'25 that staff said would increase the general fund balance by approximately $693,577, and applied adjustments across several restricted funds. Council voted 5-0 to approve the midyear changes.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6745361,"Council asks staff to return with targeted camera use cases and a surveillance policy",1461,4689000,6150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256006-67fc47d682a72d7c7d626f92995d0840&start=4689&end=6150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256006-67fc47d682a72d7c7d626f92995d0840/thumbnail_4689000.jpg","/articles/6745361/Solvang/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Council-asks-staff-to-return-with-targeted-camera-use-cases-and-a-surveillance-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745361-064eace45aaaeaec2bc1d632253f054a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200794&Signature=MI3Qc6whi4vNpHnaYHwtlYIiZZ9uvzhJgHbK-cQpQOywE9UHsSfkPXTtAVg3rqCbPVQKMqqy6kS~7AzQLlAZ44-nCZrwts3nFv7UJZAy9c61hscCnFNlaGLk-BSUVKdUN7Kc845bMKc5oqJWbe6v2YAwVthQYEYW2X~5JoHc~0bOdnCwWhJtKHJuUZG5QNKm1vX2RraO39B-bwVKwrM9DzPBRsOoU-aBh-ByzIqfHSQv66hjbmP3Pdj3R~6-HzixJbXmHwtqFJBImxPym0h2YkdMwkHsgpuzz5o0iVEhBKTE2c59AKsXXZ1vQeqPswgTzQsF8lk8VUHPOmLHIm5blg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Solvang City Council on Feb. 11 asked staff to return with specific options for upgrading the city's video surveillance systems, including limited pilots and a comprehensive policy that balances public safety and privacy.

Olivia (city staff) told council members that the city has experienced crimes of opportunity, vandalism to public restrooms that cost about $30,000 to repair, thefts and damage to parked vehicles, and incidents affecting tourists. Current cameras often require manual review, have local storage and produce low-resolution footage that is difficult to share with law enforcement. Olivia said the staff packet included model policies from the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) and the Port of San Francisco to guide policy development.

Staff outlined three broad options: a full-scope evaluation (detailed site needs, vendor evaluation, and cost estimates), a targeted pilot in a specific area to test effectiveness and community response, or to maintain the status quo while preparing a future plan. Councilmembers repeatedly emphasized that operational issues are crucial: who monitors footage, how alerts would be handled, and how to coordinate with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

Councilmember Infante suggested starting with narrowly targeted use cases, such as vandalism-prone downtown restrooms and high-volume seasonal locations. \"One great use case'is the vandalism in the bathrooms that happens very frequently,\" Infante said, recommending a pilot in a known hotspot to test effectiveness and operational procedures.

Several councilmembers and staff discussed AI-enabled, cloud-based cameras, license-plate readers and drone cameras as technical possibilities while noting legal and privacy constraints. Staff and the council referenced CJPIA guidance recommending clear public notification, minimal retention limits, access controls and staff training to mitigate legal risk.

Council direction: staff should return with 2'3 scenarios showing proposed locations, number and type of cameras, contract length and rough costs; an operational plan describing monitoring and ties to the sheriff's response; and a draft surveillance policy that addresses privacy, permitted uses, data retention and public notice. The council did not vote on expenditures; it requested a later return with options and public engagement steps.

Why it matters: The council sought to balance local public-safety benefits with privacy and liability concerns. Starting with a targeted pilot gives the city an opportunity to measure effectiveness and community reaction before broader deployment that would require additional operational resources and formal policy protections.","Council directed staff to prepare 2'3 targeted deployment scenarios, cost estimates and a draft policy for video surveillance and AI-enabled systems after a staff briefing on vandalism, theft and limitations of the city's current local storage cameras. Council emphasized starting with narrow pilots and coordinating with the county sheriff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves Rincon contract for Wildwood EIR over public objections about omitted easement parcels

Council approves Melton Design Group contract for parks master plan, dissent over cost

Council approves midyear budget adjustments, general fund projected to grow by about $693,600

Council asks staff to return with targeted camera use cases and a surveillance policy