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Council adopts Neighborhood Services work program; library relocation and homelessness services highlighted
Summary
Council approved the Neighborhood Services Department’s FY 2025–26 priorities, including management of the temporary library site during the Goleta Valley Library remodel, continued homelessness outreach and supportive-housing efforts, parks projects (splash pad, Matilija, Stow Grove master plan) and emergency preparedness.
The City Council unanimously adopted the Neighborhood Services Department’s FY 2025–26 work program after Director Erin Plummer outlined staff accomplishments and next-year priorities for parks and recreation, homelessness services, grant programs, emergency readiness and libraries.
Plummer described department staffing and recent accomplishments: the Beaulaton (Builton) Library opening in February, completion of a community garden and phase work at Armidos Park, and ongoing supervision of the Goleta Community Center (GCC). She said the department will manage temporary library programming and a “Library Express” while the main Goleta Valley Library is closed for renovation; staff plan phased programming at the community center and in parks during the closure.
Neighborhood Services oversees the city’s City Assist case-management program for residents in need. Plummer reported case counts rising—68 open City Assist cases at the time of the meeting, up from about 35 a year earlier—and said staff are reviewing tools and reporting procedures to improve timeliness and outcomes. Council members asked about mobile access to City Assist forms; staff confirmed web access works but said the reporting interface needs work for easy mobile submission, and the department will evaluate alternatives.
Parks-and-recreation items included completion of Johnny D. Wallace neighborhood-park improvements and remaining work on a splash pad project. Plummer said contractors and vendors would be on-site the following day to troubleshoot jets that were not meeting design spray heights; the city has not yet accepted final completion for the splash pad.
Homelessness Services Manager Chuck Flax reviewed the city’s continuing implementation of the homelessness strategic plan, including outreach, encampment coordination, and housing placements. Plummer said staff had supported transition of 46 people into supportive housing during the reporting period and that the city will coordinate with county partners for updates on sites such as Buena Tierra.
Council members and staff also discussed Evergreen Park master-planning, Stow Grove master plan funding needs, and the need to standardize volunteer management and low-cost community programs. The council adopted the department work program on a roll-call vote: Smith — yes; Kyriaco — aye; Reyes Martin — aye; Mayor Pro Tempore Kasdan — aye; Mayor Perotti — aye.
