April 16, 2026 — Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG)

Meeting Summary

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Staff proposed a 3% merit increase for the Executive Director effective July 1.
A public commenter requested an independent audit before approving compensation changes.
The board voted to approve the staff recommendation for the work program and budget.

Staff presented findings on freight tonnage, economic value, and infrastructure bottlenecks.
Board members discussed potential incentives for off-hour trucking and rail infrastructure needs.
Staff indicated that government control over freight infrastructure remains limited compared to private industry.

Staff outlined funding options totaling approximately $1.1 million available from previous cycle repayment.
Public comment argued that active transportation projects lack proven efficacy and divert funds.
The board voted unanimously to support a countywide call for projects split between regions.

Meeting: SBCAG Board Meeting Date: April 16 Location: Santa Barbara/Santa Maria (Hybrid/Zoom)

The meeting was called to order by Chair Bob Nelson. Roll call was conducted, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

One speaker, Scott Wentz representing Cars Are Basic, addressed the board regarding the Metropolitan Transit District (MTD). The commenter criticized MTD's performance, cited ridership loss, and advocated for the privatization of public transportation. A second speaker, Angelina Dedamoni, expressed concerns regarding SBCAG's effectiveness in maintaining regional infrastructure. She requested an independent audit of the organization to ensure transparency and accountability regarding tax revenue spending on roads and bridges.

The Clerk announced that no items were pulled from the consent calendar. An announcement was made regarding Item 4G prior to action.
Motion: Director Brown moved to approve the balance of the consent calendar.
Second: Director Silva.
Outcome: The motion was voted on via roll call and passed.

The Clerk summarized the compensation change for the Executive Director. The recommendation included a 3% merit increase effective July 1, raising the annual salary.
Public Comment: Angelina Dedamoni requested an independent audit of the agency before approving pay increases, citing public safety and deferred maintenance on roads as priorities. Chair Nelson noted the existence of a Measure A oversight board.
Motion: Director Hartman moved to approve the staff recommendation.
Second: Director Patino.
Outcome: The motion was voted on via roll call and passed.

Staff, joined by a representative from the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG), presented findings from the 2024 Central Coast Sustainable Freight Study. The presentation covered freight tonnage, economic value, bottlenecks, safety data, and the potential for shifting freight from truck to rail.
Discussion: Board members inquired about specific bottlenecks on Highway 101 versus rail infrastructure projects, bridge clearance requirements for double-stacked containers, and the potential for economic incentives to encourage off-hour trucking. Staff indicated that government control over freight infrastructure is limited and that private industry drives most freight decisions.
Outcome: No formal action was taken; the item was for information and discussion.

Staff presented draft guidelines and funding options for the Active Transportation Program. Due to loan repayment from the previous cycle, approximately $1.1 million was available for the current call for projects. Options included updating the Regional Active Transportation Plan, funding regional improvements, or a countywide or geographic split of project funding.
Public Comment: Scott Wentz spoke against the funding of active transportation projects, arguing they lack proven efficacy and divert funds from other priorities.
Discussion: Board members discussed the costs of planning versus implementation, equity between North and South County, and the need for visible network improvements.
Motion: Director Patino moved to support Option D, a countywide call for projects split between North and South regions.
Second: Director Julian.
Outcome: The motion was voted on via roll call and passed unanimously.

Executive Director Report: Director Kern reported that Congressman Salud Carbajal selected the Highway 101-135 Interchange and Rincon Trail projects for federal appropriations consideration. The announcement of the Cyclemania calendar and the Train to Work Employer Forum was also made.
Caltrans Report: District Director Scott Eads provided updates on emergency repairs following storms, capital project construction including roundabouts, and lane closures on Highway 101 south of Buellton. Information regarding the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant opportunity was provided.
CalVANS Report: Chair Nelson reported that gas price volatility had eliminated the commuter van program, shifting focus to agricultural vans. Leadership changes at CalVANS were noted, along with the agency's continued status as a 100% cost recovery model.
One-Minute Reports: Director Brown promoted a Lego Masters event in Solvang. Director Rouse noted an upcoming State Street Master Plan. Director Parodi reported positive public reception regarding new roundabouts and announced an upcoming "Street Talks" event in Goleta.