Montecito Association Meets

At this month’s Montecito Association Board of Directors meeting, the Board had a lively discussion regarding retail chains in Montecito’s Upper Village. Spurred by the impending opening of RH (i.e. Restoration Hardware) in the Old Firehouse, a discussion ensued as to whether the MA board should be at the forefront of a future ordinance regulating “formula
businesses.” 

Several communities around the country have tackled similar propositions and it was decided that the MA would survey its membership to gather feedback on this topic. The purpose of a proposed ordinance would be to maintain Montecito’s unique, special, semi-rural neighborhood character, vitality, and the quality of life of its residents. Whether the MA should help formulate the language for such an ordinance will likely be discussed at future meetings.

Also at the meeting, community reports were given by Santa Barbara Sheriff Lieutenant Butch Arnoldi, who reported on a recent theft of $19K in tools and equipment on La Vereda. Montecito Fire Chief David Neels reported on his agency’s current defensible space project at Westmont College, and John Weigold, GM of Montecito Sanitary District, reported that the District is still working on repairing infrastructure from storm damage earlier this year. Weigold also reported that there have been issues with Montecito’s wastewater system due to foreign objects being flushed down toilets and washed down sinks. These items include cooking grease, coffee grounds, rice and grains, eggshells, paint, dental floss, flushable cat litter, diapers, and more. For information on how to keep the sewer system healthy, visit www.montsan.org. 

The meeting was the last meeting with Executive Director Sharon Byrne at the helm. The MA Board is seeking her replacement. 

The next Montecito Association Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8. Visit www.montecitoassociation.org.