Meeting Summary
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
Resolution Honoring the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
- The Board considered a resolution honoring the organization for its wildlife treatment and community education efforts.
- A representative spoke in support, highlighting the group's reliance on volunteers and lack of government funding.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
Resolution Honoring Terry Dressler
- The Board considered a resolution honoring Terry Dressler upon his retirement from the Air Pollution Control District.
- Supervisor Farr spoke in support, citing his 32 years of service and contributions to air quality compliance.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
Resolution Celebrating the 2011 Amgen Tour Return to Solvang
- The Board considered a resolution celebrating the City of Solvang’s fourth year hosting the Amgen Tour of California.
- Supervisor Farr acknowledged the local organizing committee and the event's economic impact.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed.
Corvell Enterprise Company Contract for Workers’ Compensation Services
- Staff presented data comparing current savings with projected savings from switching to Corvell for claims administration.
- The proposal includes a one-time service charge of approximately $302,204 and a contingency-based fee capped at $700,000.
- Supervisor questions focused on service distinctions, documentation of savings, and specific payment terms.
- The motion to approve the contract passed.
FY 2011-12 Agreements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
- The Board reviewed recommendations for agreements covering alcohol and drug, children’s mental health, and adult mental health services.
- Public comment was received criticizing the department for perceived corruption and lack of service.
- No specific vote outcome is recorded for these items in the provided transcript segments.
Budget Revision Requests
- Supervisor Farr raised concerns regarding the loss of funding for the CARES program and reductions in psychiatric staff.
- She requested that the department explore ways to restore support for these services.
- The motion to continue the item to July 5th passed.
Agreement with Family Care Network
- The Board considered an agreement for an independent living program for Child Welfare Services probation youth.
- Supervisor Wolff spoke in support, noting staff qualifications and the transition from a previous vendor.
- Supervisor Farr requested to continue the item to July 5th to allow for further discussion and information gathering.
- The motion to continue the item passed.
Report on Low-to-No Cost Incentives for Landmarking Historic Structures
- The Board considered a report from Planning and Development regarding incentives for landmarking historic structures.
- Public comment expressed frustration with the Planning Department’s handling of historical structures and cultural references.
- Supervisors discussed the need for clarification on the process and suggested consulting directly with Planning staff.
- The motion to return the item as a departmental hearing for further discussion was approved.
Williamson Act Non-Renewal
- The Board discussed a Williamson Act contract where the property owner was non-compliant.
- Staff indicated that non-renewal is the standard course of action and that current tax benefits are minimal.
- Supervisor Farr requested information on the APAC’s authority regarding cancellation processes.
- The item was placed at the foot of the calendar to allow for an Ag Commissioner or representative to provide further information.
Proxen Canyon Road and San Antonio Mesa Road Intersection Realignment
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the construction of the intersection realignment project.
- Supervisor Lavinino spoke on the item.
- No specific vote outcome is recorded for this item in the provided transcript segments.
Agreement with Family Care Network (Independent Living Program)
- Supervisor Wolff spoke in support of the contract, highlighting detailed monitoring provisions and staff qualifications.
- Public comment was received regarding staff education levels and service locations.
- The motion to approve the agreement passed.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
- The Board considered a set hearing for August 2nd to review the recommended community wildfire protection plan.
- Public comment was requested by Jeffrey Bard.
- No specific vote outcome is recorded for this item in the provided transcript segments.
Mission Canyon Community Wildfire Protection Plan
- The Board considered a set hearing for August 2nd to review the Mission Canyon Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
- Public comment was requested by Jeffrey Bard.
- No specific vote outcome is recorded for this item in the provided transcript segments.
Ordinance Amendments for Parks and Tobacco Control Enforcement
- The Board considered amendments to allow enforcement of Parks and Tobacco Control regulations through administrative filing.
- The Interim Parks Director presented amendments to allow the collection of administrative fines to offset enforcement costs.
- Legal counsel confirmed the existing ordinance allows for immediate fines for one-time violations that cannot be corrected.
- The Board continued the item to allow for further consultation and potential clarification of language.
Flood Control Benefit Assessment Program FY 2011-12
- The Board considered proposed benefit assessment rates, including a 3% CPI adjustment.
- Rates average between $3 and $21.85 per house per year depending on the flood zone.
- The item was approved for first reading, with a second reading and final adoption scheduled for July 5.
Flood Control Annual Maintenance Plan FY 2011-12
- Staff presented the 20th annual maintenance plan, which includes inspections and work on 31 creek segments.
- Work is scheduled to begin in August and conclude by December.
- The motion to approve the plan passed.
Comprehensive Fund Balance Policy
- The Board considered a policy to implement GASB Statement No. 54, replacing old fund balance categories with new ones.
- The policy defines the strategic reserve as "committed" fund balance with a target level set at 8% of operating revenue.
- Staff requested approval with the exclusion of special revenue fund provisions, intending to return with revisions in October.
- The motion to adopt the policy as recommended passed.
Conditional Withdrawal of Protest Regarding Chumash Casino Hotel License Transfer
- The item involved a set hearing for July 5th to consider the potential conditional withdrawal of the county’s protest.
- No specific vote outcome is recorded for this item in the provided transcript segments.
Closed Session
- Counsel reported on a closed session matter involving a car accident lawsuit against the County.
- The Board authorized a final settlement of $129,000 in a unanimous vote during the closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item A1: Resolution Honoring the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
- The Board considered a resolution honoring the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network for its work in treating injured wildlife and providing community education. Sue Burroughs, co-president of the Wildlife Care Network, spoke in support, noting the organization’s reliance on volunteers and donors, its lack of governmental funding, and its role in rescuing animals and educating the public. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed.
Agenda Item A2: Resolution Honoring Terry Dressler
- The Board considered a resolution honoring Terry Dressler upon his retirement from the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD). Supervisor Farr spoke in support, highlighting Dressler’s 32 years of service, his role as APCD Control Officer, and his contributions to air quality compliance and community advisory efforts. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed.
Agenda Item A3: Resolution Celebrating the 2011 Amgen Tour Return to Solvang
- The Board considered a resolution celebrating the City of Solvang’s fourth year hosting the Amgen Tour of California. Supervisor Farr spoke in support, acknowledging the efforts of the local organizing committee, specifically Carol Peterson and Max Hamburg, and the economic impact of the event. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed.
Agenda Item A5: Corvell Enterprise Company Contract for Workers’ Compensation Services
- The Board reviewed a contract with Corvell Enterprise Company to provide workers’ compensation claims administration, medical bill review, and state reporting services. Staff presented data comparing current savings from the existing vendor, StrataCare, with projected savings from Corvell. The proposal included a one-time service charge of approximately $302,204 to assume all tail claims and a contingency-based fee of 16% of savings, capped at $700,000, for medical bill review. Staff indicated this would result in the displacement of two current employees and that the break-even point for tail claims administration is approximately one year. Public comment was received from a member of the public who expressed concerns regarding the department’s management and budget. Supervisor questions focused on the distinction between StrataCare and Corvell services, the documentation of administrative savings, and specific contract terms regarding payment. A motion was made and seconded to approve the contract. The motion passed.
Agenda Items A7–A10: FY 2011-12 Agreements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
- The Board considered recommendations for fiscal year 2011-12 agreements for alcohol and drug program services (A7), children’s mental health services (A8), adult mental health services (A9), and adult institutions for mental disease (A10). These items were grouped for public comment. Public comment was received from a member of the public who expressed criticism of the Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services (ADMHS) department, citing perceived corruption, lack of service, and past personal experiences. No specific vote outcome is recorded for these items in the provided transcript segments.
Agenda Item A12: Budget Revision Requests
- The Board considered budget revision requests. Supervisor Farr raised concerns regarding transfers within the ADMHS budget, specifically noting the loss of funding for the CARES program and the reduction in psychiatric staff. She requested that the department explore ways to restore support for these services. A motion was made and seconded to continue the item to July 5th. The motion passed.
Agenda Item A17: Agreement with Family Care Network
- The Board considered an agreement with the Family Care Network to provide an independent living program for Child Welfare Services probation youth. Supervisor Wolff spoke in support, noting the staff qualifications and the transition from a previous vendor. Public comment was received from a member of the public who questioned the educational requirements of the staff and the logistics of serving multiple locations. Supervisor Farr requested to continue the item to July 5th to allow for further discussion and information gathering. A motion was made and seconded to continue the item to July 5th. The motion passed.
Agenda Item A18: Report on Low-to-No Cost Incentives for Landmarking Historic Structures
- The Board considered a report from Planning and Development regarding incentives for landmarking historic structures. Public comment was received from a member of the public who expressed frustration with the Planning Department’s handling of historical structures and Chumash cultural references. Supervisor Farr and another Supervisor discussed the need for clarification on the process and suggested that the supervisors consult with Planning staff directly. A Board member moved to return the item as a departmental hearing to allow for further discussion and prioritization of potential incentives. The motion was seconded and approved.
Agenda Item A20: Williamson Act Non-Renewal
- The Board discussed a situation involving a Williamson Act contract where the property owner was non-compliant. Supervisor Farr inquired about the ability to shorten the 10-year non-renewal period in cases of non-compliance. Staff indicated that the standard process applies and that non-renewal is the standard course of action, noting that the tax benefits of the current status are minimal. Supervisor Farr requested that the Board receive information on the APAC’s authority regarding cancellation processes. The item was placed at the foot of the calendar to allow for an Ag Commissioner or Williamson Act representative to provide further information.
Agenda Item A30: Proxen Canyon Road and San Antonio Mesa Road Intersection Realignment
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the construction of the Proxen Canyon Road and San Antonio Mesa Road intersection realignment project. Supervisor Lavinino spoke on the item. No specific vote outcome is recorded for this item in the provided transcript segments.
Agenda Item A33: Agreement with Family Care Network (Independent Living Program)
- This item appears to be related to the Family Care Network agreement discussed under A17. Supervisor Wolff spoke in support of the contract, highlighting the detailed monitoring provisions and the qualifications of the staff. Public comment was received regarding staff education levels and service locations. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agreement. The motion passed.
Agenda Item A39: Community Wildfire Protection Plan
- The Board considered a set hearing for August 2nd to review the recommended community wildfire protection plan. Public comment was requested by Jeffrey Bard. No specific vote outcome is recorded for this item in the provided transcript segments.
Agenda Item A40: Mission Canyon Community Wildfire Protection Plan
- The Board considered a set hearing for August 2nd to review the Mission Canyon Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Public comment was requested by Jeffrey Bard. No specific vote outcome is recorded for this item in the provided transcript segments.
Agenda Item 1: Ordinance Amendments for Parks and Tobacco Control Enforcement
- The Board considered ordinance amendments to allow enforcement of Parks and Recreation rules (Chapter 26) and Tobacco Control regulations (Chapter 37) through the administrative filing process. The Interim Parks Director presented proposed amendments to Chapter 24A to allow the Parks Department to collect administrative fines, which would offset enforcement costs currently borne by the department and potentially fund additional enforcement staff. Public comment was received from a member of the public who opposed the ordinance, citing concerns about hiring new staff during a budget crisis, and from another member who supported tobacco control measures in parks, citing environmental impacts. Supervisors noted that the ordinance language regarding "owners" and "correction" of violations did not fit well with tobacco citations, which are immediate. Legal counsel confirmed that Section 24A-5B of the existing ordinance allows for immediate fines for one-time violations that cannot be corrected, up to $1,000, and advised that the current language is legally sufficient but suggested monitoring the implementation. The Board continued the item to allow for further consultation and potential clarification of language, with a recommendation to return for final reading on July 5, 2011.
Agenda Item 2: Flood Control Benefit Assessment Program FY 2011-12
- The Board, acting as the Board of Directors of the Flood Control and Water Conservation District, considered recommendations regarding the flood control benefit assessment program for fiscal year 2011-12. Staff presented proposed benefit assessment rates, including a 3% CPI adjustment, with rates averaging between $3 and $21.85 per house per year depending on the flood zone. A motion was made and seconded for a first reading of the Ordinance Amendment. The item was approved for first reading, with a second reading and final adoption scheduled for July 5.
Agenda Item 3: Flood Control Annual Maintenance Plan FY 2011-12
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the fiscal year 2011-12 annual maintenance plan for the Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Staff presented the 20th annual maintenance plan, which includes inspections and work on 31 creek segments, including Adobe Creek and Solomon Creek. Work is scheduled to begin in August and conclude by December. Supervisors asked questions about specific creek maintenance and the scope of work. A motion was made and seconded to approve the plan. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 4: Comprehensive Fund Balance Policy
- The Board considered a hearing to adopt a comprehensive fund balance policy for the County of Santa Barbara to implement Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 54. The Auditor-Controller presented the policy, which replaces "reserved" and "designated" fund balance categories with "non-spendable," "restricted," "committed," "assigned," and "unassigned." The policy defines the strategic reserve (rainy day fund) as "committed" fund balance if specific parameters are adopted, with a target level set at 8% of operating revenue (approximately $50 million). The County will close the books with old categories and open with new categories on July 1. Staff requested approval of the policy with the exclusion of special revenue fund provisions, intending to return with revisions in the first-quarter report (October) after further input from departments. Supervisors asked questions about the classification of specific funds, such as the roads fund and contingency funds, and the implications for the strategic reserve. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the policy as recommended, incorporating the exclusion for special revenue funds. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 842: Conditional Withdrawal of Protest Regarding Chumash Casino Hotel License Transfer
- This item was added to the agenda via an addendum. It involved a set hearing for July 5th to consider the potential conditional withdrawal of the county’s protest regarding a license transfer for the Chumash Casino Hotel and Resort. No specific vote outcome is recorded for this item in the provided transcript segments.
General Administrative Actions
- Minutes: The minutes of the June 7th meeting were approved.
- Agenda Approval: The administrative agenda, as modified (with items A12, A17, A18, and A20 continued or placed at the foot of the calendar), was approved.
- Volunteer Recognition: The Clerk recognized Lisa Hammack and Glenn Zook for their volunteer work with the County Assessor’s office and community groups. No motion or vote was taken.
- Public Comment: General public comment was received, including remarks from a member of the public expressing strong criticism of the Board and specific supervisors, and remarks from Dr. Johns. Additional public comment addressed wildfire protection planning, Diablo Canyon Power Plant legislation, and tobacco control in parks.
- Board Member Reports: Supervisors provided reports on their activities, including attendance at the Gary Awards, UCSB graduation, Rape Crisis Center Shining Star Awards, and the airport terminal opening. Supervisor Farr reported on the passing of Betty Williams, a longtime resident of the Santa Ynez Valley. Supervisor Carbajal stated that responses to public comments on the budget require additional time. Supervisor Loveney clarified that the delay in responding to budget comments was due to workload. Supervisor Wolf recognized the Turducken Dinner fundraiser for the Lompoc Library. Supervisor Long noted the upcoming July 5th meeting date. A Board member publicly thanked the Public Works Department for improvements to a rural intersection.
- Closed Session Report: Counsel reported on a closed session matter involving Maria Aguinega and the County of Santa Barbara, where two plaintiffs sought damages from a car accident. The Board had authorized a final settlement of $129,000 in a unanimous vote during the closed session.
- Foster Care Services Impact: A Board member inquired about the financial impact of a California Supreme Court adjudication regarding foster care services, estimated at $500,000. Staff indicated this would be addressed in future budget discussions.
- Adjournment: Supervisor Farr requested to adjourn the meeting in honor of Toby Parisi, a 36-year resident of Goleta who recently passed away.