Meeting Summary
Present: Rouse, Peroti, Patino, Mosby, Mead, Lee, Lavagnino, Julian, Hartman, Clark, Nelson
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Highway 101 Public Information Services
- Staff justified the $715,000 budget as necessary for complex ramp closures and specific outreach volume beyond Caltrans' capacity.
- Directors discussed procurement concerns and the inability to reallocate these earmarked funds to local road paving.
- The board approved the staff recommendation to authorize the Executive Director to execute the agreement up to the specified amount.
San Ynez Valley Railroad Trail
- Staff presented a project update including a $1.4 million federal grant transfer from the San Ynez Chumash Tribe to advance construction.
- Discussion focused on safety enforcement, maintenance costs, and the requirement to allocate funds for community engagement.
- The board approved the Memorandum of Understanding with the Tribe and the agreement to receive the federal grant funds.
2025-2060 Regional Growth Forecast Estimates
- Staff presented final projections estimating 75,000 new residents and 48,000 new jobs by 2060 to support the next Regional Transportation Plan.
- Directors questioned whether the data adequately reflects anticipated growth from Vandenberg Space Force Base and SpaceX.
- The board approved the forecast estimates while noting the need for future updates and acknowledging data limitations.
Caltrans Director Report
- Caltrans apologized for miscommunication regarding recent Buellton ramp closures and confirmed signage corrections.
- Updates included the resumption of drainage work, upcoming pavement projects, and a speed limit reduction at Robinsons Bridge.
- Staff agreed to review requests for additional signage and cameras to manage traffic and parking during construction.
Committee Reports
- CalCOG reported on legislative engagement regarding SB 1087 and federal reauthorization updates.
- CalVans discussed fiscal challenges, gas price impacts, and pending Prop 4 allocations for electric van deployment.
- LOSAN provided updates on the Ortega Siding design progress and approved marketing service RFPs.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order with members present in Santa Maria and remotely in Santa Barbara. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was conducted, establishing a quorum with ten members present. Director Kaps was noted as absent.
Public Comment
- The public comment period for items not on the agenda was opened. One written comment was submitted by Doreen White and included in the agenda packet. No members of the public appeared on Zoom to speak. The Chair closed the public comment period.
Consent Calendar
- The Consent Calendar was reviewed. Item 4C was pulled from the consent agenda by Director Lee for separate discussion. A motion was made to approve the balance of the administrative agenda (items A through T, excluding 4C). The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Item 4C: Highway 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara Segments for D&E Public Information Services
- This item was discussed separately after being pulled from the consent calendar. Director Lee questioned the necessity of spending $715,000 on a public relations firm, noting the project is largely planned and the community is informed. Staff explained that the Highway 101 project involves approximately $200 million in remaining work with two to three years of construction left, including complex ramp closures at the Cabrillo interchange. Staff stated that while Caltrans has a Public Information Office, it cannot handle the specific volume and granularity required for this project. The proposed budget represents a reduction from previous years and is required under the cooperative agreement with Caltrans.
- Discussion ensued regarding the procurement process. Director Mosby expressed concern that setting a specific dollar amount in the authorization might influence contractor bids. Staff clarified that the amount is a "not-to-exceed" authorization based on historical scope and current needs, but the actual contract will be awarded through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Staff noted that the current contractor could not agree to the reduced scope, necessitating a new bid. Director Lee suggested renegotiating with Caltrans to bring the work in-house to redirect funds toward local road paving. Staff responded that the funds are specifically earmarked for the Highway 101 project and cannot be reallocated to other purposes without a new policy. Director Hartman and Director Rouse supported the staff recommendation, citing the complexity of the project and the value of specialized public outreach. The Chair expressed concern regarding the high cost relative to public perception but acknowledged the necessity of the service.
- A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation to authorize the Executive Director to execute the agreement up to the specified amount. The motion was seconded. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.
Item 5A: San Ynez Valley Railroad Trail
- Staff presented an update on the San Ynez Valley Railroad Trail project, which aims to create a multi-use trail approximately nine miles long, extending from Riverview Park in Buellton to the intersection of Highway 246 and Highway 154. The presentation covered project objectives, including connecting communities, fostering economic development, and providing recreational opportunities. Staff outlined the project structure, divided into segments based on funding sources and alignment certainty. Segment A (Buellton) is well-defined with a two-year timeline to reach construction-ready status to meet State Parks grant requirements. The remaining corridor requires further alignment studies and public outreach. Staff announced the receipt of a $1,426,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration's Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIP), originally awarded to the San Ynez Chumash Tribe, which is being transferred to SB CAG as the primary recipient.
- The recommended actions included receiving the staff presentation; approving and authorizing the Executive Director to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the San Ynez Chumash Indians; approving and authorizing an agreement with the FHWA to receive the ATIP funds; and providing direction on using ATIP funding to advance project work and augment the existing contract with SOMAS.
- Directors discussed various aspects of the project, including easement acquisition, the potential for equestrian use versus hard-surface bike paths, and safety concerns regarding trail maintenance and enforcement. Director Mosby raised concerns about safety and the cost of maintaining trails, citing issues with encampments and theft on other local trails. Staff and other directors noted that safety and enforcement strategies would be part of the planning process. Director Hartman highlighted the collaborative effort required to secure funding and the project's potential to define the valley.
- Discussion continued regarding the project's funding, specifically the allocation of approximately $200,000 to $300,000 (roughly 10% of the total grant) for community engagement and outreach. Staff explained that this engagement is a requirement of the grant and is necessary given past controversies and the lack of defined alternatives. The Chair expressed concern regarding the use of project percentages as a metric for outreach costs, suggesting a time-and-materials approach instead to ensure public funds are not over-allocated to contractors. Supervisor Hartman requested that staff explore the potential of the trail serving as an alternative evacuation route during fires.
- Public comment was received from Sarah Iannarone, Executive Director of Move Santa Barbara County. She expressed strong support for the project and the Tribe's leadership but highlighted a gap in front-end engagement regarding public safety, ADA access, and multi-stakeholder coordination. She recommended the formation of a public safety and access stakeholder working group involving law enforcement and various user groups to address maintenance and safety concerns before construction begins.
- Director Mead made a motion to approve recommended items 1 through 4 on Item 5A. Director Hartman seconded the motion. Following discussion, the motion was put to a vote and passed.
Item 5B: 2025-2060 RTP/SCS Regional Growth Forecast Estimates
- Staff presented the final regional growth forecast estimates for population, households, and employment to support the development of the next Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Community Strategy. The forecast projects countywide population growth of approximately 75,000 (17%), household growth of 38,000 (25%), and employment growth of 48,000 (21%) between 2025 and 2060. Staff noted that household growth is outpacing population growth due to smaller household sizes and new housing development. The estimates are higher than the Department of Finance projections but lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic forecast.
- Board members raised concerns regarding the accuracy of the data, particularly concerning growth projections related to Vandenberg Space Force Base. Director Mosby and Director Patino argued that the current numbers do not reflect the anticipated influx of jobs and housing demand from the base and SpaceX, potentially underestimating future infrastructure needs. Director Mead requested access to decade-by-decade breakdowns by city, which staff confirmed are available in the technical appendix. Director Mead also noted the report's indication that Vandenberg is not currently planning to build housing, placing the burden on local jurisdictions.
- Discussion also covered the forecast's impact on the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). Staff clarified that the state Department of Housing and Community Development typically uses Department of Finance data for the regional housing number, meaning the board's adoption of these specific estimates may not directly alter the regional RHNA floor. However, the board retains discretion over the methodology used to allocate that regional number to individual jurisdictions, where these employment and population figures could be utilized.
- Director Hartman made a motion to approve the 2025-2060 RTP/SCS Regional Growth Forecast Estimates. Director Brown seconded the motion. Following further discussion regarding the data's limitations and the need for future updates, the motion was put to a vote and passed.
Executive Director's Report
- The Executive Director reported that no SBCAG board meetings or subregional meetings are scheduled for July, consistent with the adopted calendar. The Director noted that a lunch event would be co-hosted by the Air District.
Caltrans Director Report
- Aaron Hinkle, Deputy District Director of Traffic and Maintenance, provided an update on several items:
- Buellton Ramp Closures: Caltrans apologized for a miscommunication regarding recent ramp closures where signage was incorrect and proper notice was not given. Signage has been corrected, and staff are coordinating with the City of Buellton and Supervisor Hartman's office regarding future construction notices. Temporary cameras are being considered to manage signal operations.
- Drainage and Pavement Work: Drainage work is resuming, and pavement work between Holguin Grade and Buellton is expected to start in July.
- Speed Limit Reduction: A speed survey at Robinsons Bridge on Highway 246 resulted in a decision to lower the speed limit from 50 mph to 45 mph. Signs are being ordered.
- Signage and Cameras: Director Mosby inquired about RV parking signage and cameras for the bridge area. Caltrans indicated that city ordinances are required for parking signage and offered to review specific requests regarding cameras.
- Public comment was received from Megan Dietenhofer, staff for Supervisor Hartman, requesting a sign indicating businesses are open during construction near the Santa Rosa Road exit. Caltrans agreed to look into the request.
Committee Reports
- CalCOG: Director Patino reported on the June 3rd meeting and legislative day, highlighting engagement on SB 1087 (related to SB 375) and updates on state legislation and federal reauthorization.
- CalVans: Director Kern provided an update on fiscal changes, challenges with gas prices, and increased van deployment for the harvest season. The committee is awaiting Prop 4 allocation in the state budget to support long-term solvency and electric van deployment.
- LOSAN: Director Parodi reported on a community outreach meeting in Montecito regarding the Ortega Siding project, which is currently 30% in design. The June 15th board meeting covered fiscal reports, ridership data, and approval of marketing services RFPs. Director Kern clarified that LOSAN is the lead agency for the Ortega Siding project, which involves adding a passing lane to the single-track railroad corridor.
One-Minute Reports
- Director Lee: Invited the public to a World Cup watch party at the Santa Barbara Main Library.
- Director Brown: Announced 4th of July events in Solvang, including parades and fireworks.
- Director Patino: Promoted July 3rd events at the Maldonado Center in Santa Maria and the Santa Barbara County Fair dates.
Adjournment
- The Chair announced the next regularly scheduled meeting would be held on August 20th in Santa Barbara. The meeting was adjourned.