Led by a newly elected mayor, the Lompoc City Council didn’t waste time looking to make changes by submitting a laundry list of items they want to revisit.
On Tuesday night, Mayor James “Jim” Mosby took the oath of office alongside Councilman Steve Bridge, who served on the city Planning Commission, and Councilman Jeremy Ball.
Ball began his second four-year term this week after not facing a challenger in his re-election bid.
Mosby, who previously served on the council with the time marked by public spats with staff, won with nearly 40% of the vote in the Nov. 5 election, where he faced two others.
At the end of his first meeting wielding the gavel, Mosby asked staff to return with several items in a push to overturn actions undertaken by the prior council.
For instance, he sought an item to review impact fees. Cities and other jurisdictions implement impact fees to help pay for the costs associated with development.
He referred to a recent court ruling regarding impact fees.
“I think we need to bring them back to see what aligns with the Supreme Court ruling or if they don’t align,” Mosby said, adding that the panel should assess whether to pause those fees. “Maybe we need to revisit suspending the impact fees for the economic development.”
He also suggested revisiting recent changes made by the council regarding city commissions, with Bridge saying he provided a redline copy of recommended changes.
Other council request items for future discussion include carbon credit rebates and revival of the Fourth of July fireworks show.
The panel also said farewell to Jenelle Osborne, who lost in a three-way race for mayor, and Gilda Aiello, who chose not to seek another term.
The changes mean the Lompoc panel, which includes Councilmen Dirk Starbuck and Victor Vega, lacks any female members.
The three councilmen who served alongside Osborne and Aiello remained mum, not offering any comments to their departing colleagues.
Aiello, who works in the hospitality industry, was appointed to the council in 2019.
The departing mayor presented Aiello with a certificate of appreciation that read, “with sincere gratitude for the years of service, kindness, and professionalism and dedication you gave to the city of Lompoc as a council member.”
“And that’s not enough,” Osborne told Aiello. “You have done way too much, and I certainly appreciate it and will miss working with you on this dais moving our community forward.”
Aiello recognized city staff for their efforts.
“Through it all, you guys were amazing,” Aiello said.
City Manager Dean Albro recognized Osborne for her leadership and dedication, and presented her with a plaque and a key to the city.
“We honor you, we trust you,” Albro said. “It’s been a pleasure working with you.”
Osborne recounted the investments made to the city’s public safety, parks and more thanks to millions of dollars in federal funding.
“I came here 25 years ago, bought a house and you guys embraced me,” she said, adding that she plans to stay involved.
She recalled previously likening Lompoc to a gemstone in a rock.
“It has been polished. It’s ready for setting. We need to keep it going,” Osborne said. “Hold this incoming council accountable. They have every tool to continue to make this community succeed and build on that success, so don’t let them tear it down.”