Meeting Summary
Present: Rouse, Parodi, Lee · Absent: Mosby
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
State of Good Repair Funding Allocation
- Staff clarified that North County agencies voluntarily declined their funding shares, redirecting them to Santa Maria.
- Director Brown raised concerns regarding the lack of allocation for Lompoc and Solvang before receiving this explanation.
- The board approved the funding allocation plan following the staff clarification.
Highway Call Box Program Update
- Staff reported a significant decline in call box usage due to cell phone adoption and high maintenance costs per assist.
- Board members discussed repurposing infrastructure versus maintaining boxes in areas with poor cell coverage like Highway 166.
- The board requested staff return with options ranging from status quo to complete removal or alternative fund uses.
VMT Mitigation Programs
- Staff presented three potential models for Vehicle Miles Traveled mitigation under Senate Bill 743, including a regional exchange.
- Discussion focused on development cost implications, calculation methodologies, and conflicts with affordable housing goals.
- The board received the report but noted that funding sources for establishing a program remain unknown.
REAP Grants Interest Earnings Allocation
- Staff reported approximately $72,000 to $85,000 in interest earnings available for three active regional projects.
- The board debated splitting funds equally versus allocating them proportionally based on original grant amounts.
- A motion passed to distribute the earnings equally among Santa Maria, UCSB, and Lompoc.
Executive Director's Report
- Updates were provided on broadband last-mile connections by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Surfnet.
- The report highlighted community outreach for the San Ynez Valley Trail and an upcoming EV charger project celebration.
Caltrans Report
- Representatives detailed a temporary Highway 192 closure, completed US 101 drainage repairs, and upcoming grant workshops.
- Board members raised safety concerns regarding sight lines at Santa Rosa Road following recent improvements.
Committee Reports
- Director Patino noted continued support for Senate Bill 1087 despite the removal of a CEQA exemption provision.
- The CalVans report highlighted fiscal challenges and delays in Proposition 4 funding while emphasizing their role in farmworker transport.
- Director Parodi reported on extending the LOSSAN management agreement with OCTA while exploring long-term rail options.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Consent Calendar
- The board addressed the consent calendar. Director Brown requested to pull Item 4B from the calendar for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to approve all remaining items on the consent calendar (Items A through M, excluding B). The motion passed.
Agenda Item: 4B – State of Good Repair Funding Allocation
- Staff presented a report regarding the allocation of state of good repair funds. Director Brown questioned why no funds were allocated to Lompoc or Solvang despite their eligibility. Staff explained that the North County transit agencies (COLE and San Ynez Valley Transit) voluntarily elected not to receive funding, directing those shares to Santa Maria instead. Following this clarification, a motion was made and seconded to approve Item 4B. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: 5A – Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) Highway Call Box Program Update
- Staff presented an update on the highway roadside call box program, noting a significant decline in usage due to widespread cell phone adoption and rising maintenance costs. The presentation highlighted that approximately 80% of calls are incidental or maintenance-related, with a cost per verified assist estimated at $2,500. Staff noted that peer agencies statewide have removed most call boxes and discussed potential alternatives for the funding, such as addressing cell phone dead zones or other safety initiatives. Board members discussed the feasibility of repurposing the infrastructure, the necessity of maintaining boxes in areas with poor cell coverage (specifically Highway 166), and the potential to reallocate the approximately $400,000 annual revenue generated by the DMV fee. The board requested that staff return with options regarding system status quo, targeted reduction, complete removal, or alternative uses for the funds. No formal action was taken; the item was received and filed for future discussion.
Agenda Item: 5B – Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Mitigation Programs
- Staff provided an overview of VMT mitigation programs resulting from Senate Bill 743, which shifted transportation impact assessment from congestion levels to vehicle miles traveled. The presentation described three potential models: a single-jurisdiction impact fee program, a regional mitigation exchange, and a single-jurisdiction mitigation bank. Staff noted that while the state is establishing a voluntary statewide exchange, a regional option would ensure mitigation occurs within Santa Barbara County. Board members discussed the implications for development costs, the methodology for calculating VMT, the potential conflict between mitigation fees and affordable housing goals, and the need for inter-departmental coordination. The board expressed interest in further exploring these options but noted that funding sources for establishing such a program were currently unknown. No formal action was taken; the item was received and filed.
Agenda Item: 5C – Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) Grants Interest Earnings
- Staff reported that the REAP program had generated approximately $72,000 to $85,000 in interest earnings on reserved funds. The board discussed how to allocate these earnings among three active projects: the City of Santa Maria (for downtown pedestrian improvements), UCSB (for additional bicycle counting equipment), and the City of Lompoc (for reimbursement of past eligible projects). Two motions were considered regarding the allocation method: one to split the funds equally (one-third each) and another to allocate proportionally based on the original grant amounts. The motion to split the funds equally was made and seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed. Consequently, the board authorized the Executive Director to execute necessary amendments to distribute the interest earnings equally among the three jurisdictions and to approve related scope changes for Lompoc and UCSB.
Agenda Item: 6 – Executive Director's Report
- The Executive Director provided updates on broadband initiatives, including progress by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Surfnet on last-mile connections in priority areas. The report also covered community outreach events for the San Ynez Valley Trail and an upcoming celebration for the Eastside Library EV Charger Project. No formal action was taken.
Agenda Item: Caltrans Report
- Caltrans representatives reported on a temporary closure of Highway 192 near Carpinteria for water main installation, the completion of emergency drainage repairs on US 101 at Castillo Street, and upcoming workshops on the Sustainable Transportation Grant Program. Board members provided feedback regarding safety concerns related to sight lines at Santa Rosa Road following recent improvements. No formal action was taken.
Agenda Item: Committee Reports (CalCOG, CalVans, LOSSAN)
- CalCOG: Director Patino reported on Senate Bill 1087, noting that while a CEQA exemption provision was removed, the board continues to support the bill for its other improvements to regional transportation planning.
- CalVans: The report highlighted fiscal challenges and management changes within CalVans, including delays in receiving Proposition 4 funding. The organization's role in transporting farmworkers and generating federal funds for local jurisdictions was emphasized.
- LOSSAN: Director Parodi reported on the future of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, including a review of coordination for passenger rail service and the decision to extend the management agreement with OCTA for three years while exploring long-term options.
- No formal action was taken on committee reports. The meeting was adjourned.