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Buellton council asks staff to explore new website, tree‑canopy code review and playground communication boards
Summary
Council members on Sept. 11 directed staff to prepare an RFP to explore more functional website options, requested a deep-dive on tree canopy and code exemptions, discussed a proposed Native American Month partnership and heard feedback on a multilingual, accessible communication board pilot at Riverview Park.
Council members on Sept. 11 asked staff to explore several outreach, access and planning items aimed at improving city communications and advancing local initiatives.
Council Member Sanchez asked the city manager to prepare a request for proposals to evaluate more functional and responsive website products, saying the current site requires many content updates to be sent to an outside contractor. Sanchez said she had discussed options with the current site manager and estimated replacement costs could range from roughly $10,000 to $20,000, though she recommended staff go out for proposals to see options and exact pricing.
A city staff member confirmed "we'll prepare the RFP at the staff level here. We won't spend any money on the RFP," and the council agreed to have staff explore options.
Members also said they would welcome a council agenda item to examine Buellton's tree canopy requirements and code exemptions, a request tied to the Thousand Trees Initiative and a council member's interest in accelerating local tree‑planting. Council members described that as a potential informational deep dive to clarify current standards and exemptions before any code changes are proposed.
Council members discussed a request from a Chumash tribal group to partner for Native American Month in November, including public art and banners on the avenue; members responded positively and asked staff to add the item for future consideration.
Council members praised a new communication board installed at Riverview Park intended to help nonverbally able residents. Feedback received so far includes requests to make the board multilingual and add braille. Staff said the initial board cost was marginal and within spending limits, and council members expressed interest in piloting similar boards at other playgrounds.
During the meeting council members also reported regional updates: a representative said expanded southbound train service is being planned with a target of 2026 and shuttle coordination for employers, and the Air Pollution Control District is offering low-cost air sensors aimed primarily at schools to fill data gaps in the valley.
The council moved to other business and later convened closed session on real property negotiations under Government Code Section 54956.8.
