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Buellton council approves contract for library/field parking lot, will build in two phases
Summary
The Buellton City Council approved awarding the contract for the library/field parking lot project, authorizing both Phase 1 construction and a later Phase 2 that is contingent on environmental review and permits. Councilors debated timing and cost before voting unanimously to proceed.
The Buellton City Council on April 24 voted to award the contract for the library/field parking lot project, approving construction of Phase 1 immediately and reserving Phase 2 pending environmental clearances.
Councilors said the parking will serve the library, a future children’s museum and other uses on the lower portion of the property. The council approved the award after a brief debate about whether to delay construction until demand increases.
Supporters said waiting would likely increase costs. “I’d rather spend the money we have now to build a parking lot that we know we’ll eventually need than spend $4,000,000 to build it a few years from now,” Mayor David Silva said during the discussion. Council member Hudson expressed reservations about spending so much before demand is proven: “My reservation is just that, it’s a lot of money to be building a parking lot before we have the demand for the parking lot.”
City staff explained the project will be built in two phases: Phase 1 covers the bulk of the lot and will proceed after award; Phase 2 includes a drainage extension and an access road across a drainage culvert and is contingent on environmental review and permits. Staff said the award will cover both phases but that Phase 2 construction will not begin until the required permits and environmental clearances are obtained.
Council members also discussed cost estimates presented by staff. The council referenced a preliminary estimate of roughly $1.27 million and a current estimate that staff described on the record as about $2.47 million. Councilors emphasized the project is already in the adopted budget and that delaying may increase future costs and worsen neighborhood parking and street congestion.
Action and vote: the council voted to approve the contract award for the library/field parking lot project. The motion carried with councilors voting Aye: Council Member Sanchez; Mayor David Silva; Council Member Hornick; and Vice Mayor Alicia Lewis. Staff said Phase 1 will commence after award and Phase 2 will follow when environmental permits are secured.
The council moved on to other agenda business after the vote; staff said they would return with construction details and timelines as permitting for Phase 2 progresses.
