The Lompoc City Council refused Tuesday to endorse plans for a tribal housing expansion by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
Councilwoman Cecilia Martner said the city needs to concentrate on issues that are under its jurisdiction.
"I just don't think this is our business," Ms. Martner said. "It's not my decision; it belongs to the people who are directly affected by it, the local people."
The city of Lompoc should have no impact in other local government, and the tribe is a government entity, said Councilwoman Ashley Costa.
"I originally approved to look into this because I needed more information," she said. "Although I did get some today, I don't think that has changed my underlying concern; which is my personal feeling that Lompoc should not impact other governments."
Several Santa Barbara County residents expressed their concern that the tribe will change course and build a second casino instead of housing.
Tribal Chairman Vincent Armenta said the Chumash denied such intention.
"Before I say anything else, I want to say the tribe has no intention nor will the law allow us to build a casino on the land," said Mr. Armenta. "I know it's a major concern, but it's virtually impossible."
The tribe purchased 1,400 acres near the junction of State Routes 154 and 246 a year ago, and has indicated it hopes to build homes for tribal members and descendants there.
Most of the homes on the reservation were built in 1979, Mr. Armenta said. Although the tribe has 138 members living in 100 homes, that number does not include the children and grandchildren of those tribal members.
"There are over 500 descendants now living on tribal land," Mr. Armenta said. "It is my responsibility for the action we take today will benefit not only our tribal members now, but the later generations as well."
Emphasizing the need for more housing, Sam Cohen, the tribe's government affairs representative, said annexations happen constantly.
"The only difference in tribal annexation is it is under federal law," Mr. Cohen said. "It's just as normal as any city doing an annexation in the county."
Lompoc resident David Martinez said his family has lived in the city for three generations and only benefited from the tribe's generous contributions to the community.
"They go way and beyond to help the community and its surrounding cities," Mr. Martinez said.
As a volunteer in several sports organizations, Mr. Martinez said the tribe helped with transportation, equipment and frequent financial support.
"What they are doing benefits the community," he said. "They do nothing but good so we shouldn't hold them back with what they want to do here today."
Solvang resident C.J. Jackson pointed out the need to have more information before a decision could be made.
Recognizing the tribe's contribution to the community, Mr. Jackson said the city needs to organize a staff report and receive legal counsel.
"You are here prematurely to make a decision," he said. "You don't know anything about the impacts this may have. It's complex stuff. You don't have to do it now."
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