Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Welcome to the meeting of the City of Goleta Planning Commission for June 8, 2026. Please rise and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice,

Okay, could we get a roll call of the Planning Commission, please?

Commissioner Penniman? Here. Commissioner Maynard? Here. Commissioner Fullerton? Absent. Vice Chair Sorokin? Here. And Chair Miller?

Here. We now move to the public forum. At this time, the public shall have the opportunity to comment on any non-agenda item relevant to the jurisdiction of the city. Do we have any public comment from public forum?

Thank you, Madam Chair. I've not received any speaker slips. If attendees on the webinar wish to speak to public forum, please use the raised hand feature, and I will call upon you. Madam Chair, I'm seeing none.

OK. Do we have any amendments or adjustments to the agenda?

Madam Chair, we have no amendments or adjustments.

Okay. Moving right on then to item B1. Could you please read that into the record?

Yes, that is item B1, Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2026 and 2027, Finding of Conformity with the General Plan.

All right. And do we have a staff presentation, please?

Chair Miller and commissioners, tonight's item that's before you is one that we do every year. And I'm introducing the team, and that's Molly Cunningham in planning and Autumn Glazer in public works. And I'm migrating over to the audience on this, because you have the pros up there. But I just wanted to flag that there is an errata. Four items are included in the capital improvement program that you'll hear about a little bit more. And that's it. I just wanted to say, introduce the team. Thank you. Oh, and I'm Ann Wells if I didn't introduce myself. Thank you.

Good evening. My name is Molly. I'm an assistant planner in advanced planning. And it's my pleasure to introduce the Capital Improvement Program conformance findings with the general plan for the fiscal year 2026 to 2027. This item was a joint planning and public works effort. And I'll be introducing it. But Autumn Glazer, assistant public works director, will be doing the majority of the presentation. And then Anne, who was just up, is here for any planning questions that you may have that may come up. So the general plan or Sorry. As noted in the staff report packet, the commission is required under government code section 65401 to review the capital improvement projects, which we'll call CIP going forward, just to shorten it a little, for conformity with the general plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The government code section requires that you make this finding in advance of the city council adopting the upcoming fiscal year budget. As a reminder, the CIP is a budgeting and strategic planning tool used to assess the infrastructure needs of the community. We reviewed the fiscal year 2026 to 2027 list of CIP projects and found them in conformance with the general plan. The last budget, the last bullet on the slide flags the fact that the fiscal year 26-27 CIP list is consistent with the public works annual work plan and the five-year CIP budget. The general plan conformance matrix in exhibit one of the PC reso includes a list of projects for the upcoming fiscal year, including recently completed CIPs and future projects, which are just there for informational purposes. The actions before the commission tonight, however, are just for 26-27 fiscal year as required by the government code. And now I'll pass it over to Autumn to talk about the projects.

Good evening. I'll just quickly go over our CAP project delivery process. We have four main phases, conceptual design, environmental review, design, which also includes right-of-way if necessary. and construction. So you'll find a number of our projects in different phases throughout their CIP history. We have a number of projects in active final design or construction, as you've probably seen. There's a lot of construction going on throughout Goleta. This is just a partial list, but I was going to touch on a few of them. Project Connect is going strong. We're more than 2 thirds of the way through and should be wrapping up the completion early next year, end of this year. Mitigation plantings have begun today out at Elwood Mesa, and then later in the season they'll start at Lake Los Caneros as well. The roundabouts are in, which hopefully you've all gotten a chance to try them. They will continue finishing the infrastructure work, curb and gutter and all of that, too, and final striping by the end of the year as well. Another big one for us is San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path. That project also kicked off construction, and they are working on the southern end at the 217, which is near the completed Caltrans 217 bridge. Caltrans built our tunnel. And we will be connecting to the tunnel and over San Jose Channel to Kellogg. So that work is currently underway with our contractor, as well as some construction along Cuyahoga at Kellogg, where it will connect to the work that Caltrans did under the 101. The train station is also well underway, and we're looking forward to that opening this year as well. And then let's see, the 2026 arterial and residential pavement projects are in design and should be going out to construction early next year. And then I'll just touch on a couple others. The traffic signal upgrades project, there are 36 I believe it's 36 traffic signals getting upgraded throughout the city. So most of the ones that we own with things like ADA push buttons, reflective backing, dilemma detection zone. So it basically extends the yellow light if they see somebody who's not going to stop. So it does a little bit. So it's more safety. It's all safety related. And it is a highway safety improvement grant that we received from Caltrans that is funding that work. Let's see. And then the San Jose Creek Channel Fish Passage Modification Project is also in design. A portion of it is tied into Project Connect underneath the Hollister Avenue Bridge. So it will be built in phases. So that part will go to construction first, and then the remainder will be constructed probably next season, next dry season. Next slide. We do have a number of projects that are headed into design or conceptual design. Our Vision Zero plan, we just kicked off at Council with a $364,000 federal grant that we received to do a Vision Zero action plan. And so we awarded that to TGG Engineering, and they'll be creating a dashboard for the public, toolkits for us to use in design, and also for the public's information when it comes to Vision Zero design and implementation. Our Old Town South Fairview Avenue high-flow trash capture devices, we're still working towards full trash capture by 2040. 2030, sorry. So that work is also in design. And then Elwood Beach Drive drainage repair, again, another storm drain infrastructure repair project that is currently in conceptual design as we navigate the design needs on that project. And then we do have our annual pavement rehabilitation. And then the annual concrete is usually done as part of our annual pavement. The 2026 is currently in design, as I mentioned. Next page. Sorry, slide. And then recently completed, we're very excited about the Johnny D. Wallace Splash Pad, as are a lot of kids in the southern community, or South County of Santa Barbara. My kids included, they have tried it. So that project is completed. The Splash Pad is active. It's open six days a week. and ready for the summer. And then we also just wrapped up the 2025 arterial and residential paving projects as well in the Berkeley neighborhoods. With that, the Planning Commission recommendation is as shown in the packet and also on screen. And I'm available for questions.

OK, thank you for that. Do we have any questions from the commissioners? Commissioner Penniman.

Yeah, I'm just kind of learning about this process a little bit. So naive question. By approving this list, does that mean that these projects will not come before the Planning Commission, like the new ones that aren't approved yet? Or will they still come before the Planning Commission? the ones that are conceptual.

CHRISTIE WOODARD- I'll try and answer that question. Each project has its own permit path. So some projects, if there's an environmental document and a permit to be issued that needs to go to the Planning Commission, you'll consider them. Other projects that don't, then they will go to either the city council or whatever body is issuing the permit. If there's a permit to be issued, many permits are exempt for certain capital improvement projects. And some of these bigger projects were already permitted with environmental documents, some from the Coastal Commission, et cetera.

All right. So I'm just trying to get a gist of what we're approving and what it's for. I know that there's the title, 65401, that says we're supposed to do this. But it's not really blanket approving these for like, hey, we approve these, go for it. It's just more of a sanity check saying, yeah, this list looks good for the city council? Or what is the overall purpose?

It's very specific to are these contemplated in the general plan? Does the general plan, that way it's a double check to make sure that our budget is being used for what's envisioned in our general plan. And so that's what you're doing, and that's why you have a partnership here with Public Works and Planning. So we work with them just to make sure that everything is lining up with our general plan, and you're affirming that in order for the city council to then adopt the budget for the CIPs.

Got you. Thank you very much.

Any other questions from commissioners? No. OK. I have a couple of questions. If we could go back to the first slide where you list the, yeah, that's the one, the active projects. The Cathedral Oaks crib wall repair. I wonder if you could just briefly explain what a crib wall is, what it is... What's the process of doing the crib wall? Is it a temporary measure? Is it a permanent measure? Can you just expand on that a little bit for us?

Absolutely. I'll start with there's two existing crib walls that were put in when that development along Cathedral Oaks was constructed. A crib wall is basically an open structure that is staggered. so that you can either grow something through it or it's used a lot in landscaping. So it's still a wall, a structural wall, but it does have open features. And the idea, I believe the idea and the intent was that being open would allow for drainage to come through. So you do certain types of, material behind the wall so that it filters out and basically your stormwater can run through the wall versus holding it back. Unfortunately, the crib wall itself that were installed also allowed the material to funnel through, and so they created voids So the crib walls now have voids behind them, which is what caused the bike path to be closed. So from the top, you almost actually can't tell there's a wall because they're below grade. You have to go to the edge and look down, and there's a slope and then the top of wall. But at the highest point, they're about 40 feet tall. So it's a pretty substantial wall that's there holding up Cathedral Oaks Roadway. And... So far, the voids are under the bike path, which is why that's closed off. We've done extensive research and what we can from above grade on the roadway and have not found similar voids. So it's just at the wall and the bike path. So the goal is to actually reconstruct them. And we are not going to use a crib wall. That is a type of wall. So we won't go back with a crib wall. We're exploring our alternatives along with there's actually quite a bit of right-of-way there. So we're exploring with where we may be able to grade it out and not use a wall and then use a wall in just those areas. highest point and different types of walls. So we're currently in design and working on a coastal development permit with the Coastal Commission for the replacement of the wall. And I'll add it's not temporary. The goal is to put back a permanent wall that is kept there.

Okay. So in other words, this truly is something that is in the exploratory phase? Or has it gone a little bit past that? Or can you be more specific as to where the city is in the process?

The city is in final design.

Final design. And so does that mean that you have an idea of what the cost is going to be at this point?

We're working out the cost with our consultants, yeah.

Okay. And at one time there was a lot of talk about getting grants or how this was going to be funded. Are we any closer to the answer to that question?

Yeah, so there's not really grants that are going to fund this type of work. So the city council did authorize a general obligation bond, and that is what's funding this project.

Okay. Okay, great. All right, and then another question I have is on the pavement. Every time I drive to the airport, so the fair view between Hollister and the airport is quite a bumpy, crazy road. What is the plan for repaving that?

So that section is, so we have recently uploaded to our website the five-year paving plan. And I believe that's in 2028 listed on there. And we are working closely with the city of Santa Barbara because the jurisdictional boundaries actually split the roadway in certain parts. So we're working with them on a combined approach.

But nothing will be done until 2028, is that correct?

That is the program for design right now, yeah.

For design. So it's just going to continue to degrade? I mean, is there any plan for perhaps doing some patching or whatnot or some maintenance repair of some sort?

So we're currently working with the city of Santa Barbara to do a bridge gap repair. But we also are in the middle of Project Connect. So we don't want to go in and start digging out the roadway when the project will dig it out again. So we're coordinating those two efforts.

OK. Any other questions from? OK. Go ahead, Commissioner Sirotkin.

The first question I have is the errata sheet that we were given. Where do these things, you know, I mean, they're all just conceptual at this point. So they're not really, you know, it's not anything that's going to be worked on in the near future.

So those projects came about, the city's in the process of updating the development impact fee studies, and these projects are listed in that for our five-year plan. So the idea was that we would capture them as well here for the general plan compliance. But yes, they are all in conceptual design and have not been started at this point.

I noticed you have Hollister and Cannon Green Drive, which is not a major intersection. But is there no, what, I'm still thinking about Stork. This is my hang-up. Is Stork the exit from the 101 and Stork and that traffic jam every night is ridiculous. And the same thing in the morning. That whole intersection is a nightmare. And I'm worrying we've approved, what, 56 new housing units going up across from the high school. And if anything else goes up, I mean, I really think it's a fatal accident waiting to happen. And we're talking about a small intersection that doesn't see that much traffic.

Well, one thing I would add is that the development impact fee program is just one source of revenue. So it doesn't necessarily negate from other projects and other fee sources. But I know our public works director may have.

And while we're at it, if I can add the other one that is a pet peeve. because it's such a nightmare, is Calle Real between Los Carneros and Fairview.

So the DIF report touches on some of those projects. But based on the traffic model, some of them don't, we call them, light up to where you need to add any improvements there, even with the new development in the county. So I would suggest when that development impact fee is released, potentially in the next 30 days, you're more than welcome to take a look at it and see all the projects we have listed. This is for the five-year purpose to lay out what next development projects we see coming down the pipeline, and that's why these projects have been placed on the five-year list.

Even though they are clearly a risk now to people's health and safety.

So we look at the traffic model, and that tells us where there's congestion and what projects that light up that we need to develop, and those did not come up on the list.

Okay.

I find that hard to believe, but.

And then I will add, I think, Kyrielle, you were discussing paving. Is that the one? So that is on the 2026 plan. Thank God. So it's currently being designed.

The whole road is coming apart.

Yeah. Okay. Any final questions from planning commissioners? No. Do we have any public comment on this item?

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have not received speaker slips. And if attendees on the webinar wish to speak to this item, please use the raised hand function and I will call upon you. Madam Chair, I have none.

Thank you. So we can begin deliberations on this matter. Anybody want to start with that? Commissioner Maynard.

I'll keep my comments brief but just to say I always this is one of my favorite meetings of the year because I get to hear about so many different projects that the city's working on and I'm just continually impressed of the work of our city and the staff that keep that running getting to see projects like the San Jose Creek project which we've been looking forward to for so long and our new train station coming in, the work that you're doing to support our creek systems and the salmon passing as well. It's just really exciting to see all these great projects. So thank you for the work that you do and I'm excited to support this today.

Commissioner Penniman.

I agree. You guys do a lot for the city and we appreciate it. So thank you very much. One, just constructive criticism on the report. I spent a lot of time looking for the projects and details of the projects. And it would have been helpful to have just links for the projects. I did find most of them on the website. But some I spent a while digging around for like the Nectarine Park project, just to find some details about it. And so I kind of went on a goose chase. So constructive criticism, if there's a possibility to put links or say there's no project page for it, that would be helpful. But no, it all looks good. Thank you.

I would also, I was impressed. It is a lot of work and clearly a lot of detail and attention to detail. So thank you.

Yes, and I would just like to echo my support of this, of all these projects. It is amazing. There is a lot of construction going on in the city of Goleta, and you can really see a lot of improvements. And I'm so excited and happy with the Elwood Mesa and the plantings that are going to – occur there and then go and then start in Stowe Park. I think that's just tremendous for our city, our jewels to, you know, become even brighter. So thank you for all the work that you've done. So do we, can I hear whether we have a motion for the resolution?

Yep, I move that I read this whole thing off right. We adopt a resolution number 26- entitled a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Goleta, California finding the fiscal year 2026-2027 capital improvement program is in conformance with the Goleta general plan, coastal land use plan pursuant to section 65401 of the government code and that such finding is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.

And then did you want to add the errata to that?

Thank you. And adding the errata.

OK. Do we have a second?

I'll second the motion.

Okay. So can we get a roll call vote, please?

Yes, of course. Commissioners, please do remember to lock in your votes, please. Roll call vote beginning with Commissioner Maynard.

Aye.

Thank you. Commissioner Penniman. Aye. Vice Chair Sorokin.

Aye.

And Chair Miller.

Aye.

Thank you.

Okay. Okay. Director Imhoff, any additional comments for tonight?

Yes. Thank you, chair and commissioners, and good evening. I do have a couple of announcements. First up, our next meeting will be on June 22nd this month. And we have a big project. The Anthem Church Project will be coming to you for review and action. Then next, I wanted to alert you, in case you're not already aware, that World Cup Mania is heating up here in Goleta with Team Austria, which we are hosting, having arrived in Goleta. There was a wonderful community practice session and event that occurred at UCSB last Friday, which was very well attended. And Team Austria's first game is on Tuesday next week in Santa Clara against Jordan. There are also other exciting World Cup events going on this Friday, June 12th at 6 p.m. at the Goluda Community Center. You can come watch the USA play Paraguay in a World Cup match. And everyone is invited. That is just one of several World Cup events. Others you can find on the calendar on the city's website. And there was also a presentation to council on May 5th that outlines all those events. Then, looking ahead, there are a number of wonderful July 4th events coming up to celebrate Independence Day, including a family-friendly, old-fashioned 4th of July at the Stowe House from 11 to 4, hosted by the Goleta Valley Historical Society, where Goleta residents and others can come enjoy live music as well as food trucks and tractor rides, ranch yard, face painting, games, and new this year, pony rides. included with the price of admission, and tickets can be purchased on the city website or at the door. Then in the evening, there will be a drone light show, which was very fun and impressive last year. The city is hosting another one at Dos Pueblos High School Stadium beginning at 6 p.m., so make note of those and plan ahead. It should be a wonderful celebration, and that is all I have.

Thank you. Lots going on. OK. Do any of the commissioners have any final comments they'd like to make? OK. Can we get a motion to adjourn? A motion to adjourn.

I'll second.

Roll call vote, please.

Commissioner Maynard?

Aye.

Commissioner Penniman? Aye. Vice Chair Sorokin? Aye. And Chair Miller?

Aye. Thank you. Meeting adjourned.