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
Smart Meter Installation (PG&E / Southern California Edison)
- Public comment raised concerns regarding health risks, privacy, and the lack of a no-cost opt-out option.
- Utility representatives presented benefits and security measures, noting installations are CPUC-mandated.
- Staff indicated the Board lacks legislative authority to mandate a ban or moratorium.
- A motion to approve staff’s recommendation regarding the smart meter issue failed.
Alcohol Beverage Control / Chumash Casino Hotel & Resort License Transfer
- Public comment was divided, with opponents citing safety and traffic concerns and supporters highlighting tribal safety standards.
- Staff detailed 18 negotiated conditions, including restrictions on gaming floor sales and happy hours.
- A board member moved to continue the protest, arguing conditions did not adequately address district criteria.
- A motion regarding the conditional withdrawal of protests passed.
Human Resources – Confidential Employees Wage/Benefit Rescission
- Staff recommended rescinding a 2.5% wage increase and a $20 cash benefit allowance for confidential employees.
- The resolution would result in $203,000 in annual ongoing savings.
- Discussion addressed the classification consistency between "Confidential" and "620" employee categories.
- A motion to adopt the resolution rescinding the increases passed.
Human Resources – Firefighters Local 2046 Side Letter Agreement
- The agreement delays previously negotiated wage increases for one year and extends the contract term.
- Staff estimated savings of $1.4 million in the current fiscal year and $1.7 million in 2012-13.
- The Board expressed appreciation for the cooperation of labor organizations and staff.
- A motion to adopt the side letter agreement passed.
Human Resources – Engineers and Technicians Association (ETA) Contract
- The two-year contract includes a new retirement tier, a merit freeze, and elimination of specific pay increases.
- Staff estimated annual savings of $842,000, comprising ongoing and one-time reductions.
- A board member described the agreement as a model for future negotiations and financial health.
- A motion to approve the ETA contract passed.
General Services – Courthouse Legacy Foundation Gift / Spirit of the Ocean Fountain
- Staff presented a request to accept a $731,000 gift for the restoration of the "Spirit of the Ocean" Fountain.
- The Courthouse Legacy Foundation noted the project adheres to National Historic Landmark requirements.
- The Board’s financial contribution constituted approximately 25% of the total funding.
- A motion to accept the gift passed.
Parks and Recreation – July 2011 Proclamation
- A resolution was presented to proclaim July 2011 as Parks and Recreation Month.
- The resolution highlights the benefits of parks to community health, safety, and cultural unity.
- A board member introduced the resolution, citing various summer activities in county parks.
- The resolution was adopted.
Public Health – EHR Core Project Team Recognition
- A resolution was presented to recognize the Electronic Health Record Core Project Team.
- The team was commended for leading the implementation of a system to improve patient care.
- The team was designated as the Santa Barbara County Employees of the Month for July 2011.
- The resolution was adopted.
Public Works – Benefit Assessments Hearing Date
- Staff requested to change the hearing date for County Service Areas 3 and 31 to August 9.
- The new hearing location is Santa Maria.
- The Board agreed to include this change in the administrative agenda.
- The date change was approved.
Administrative Agenda / Minutes
- The Board reviewed minutes from the budget hearing, special hearing, and regular meeting.
- Motions were made to approve the minutes and the remaining administrative agenda.
- Both motions passed.
Continuation of Items A8 and A16
- Discussion occurred regarding Agenda Items A8 and A16.
- A motion was made to continue both items to the August 9 meeting.
- The motion passed.
Item D3
- Discussion and questions were directed to staff regarding Item D3.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the item.
- The motion passed.
Item D4
- Discussion and questions were directed to staff regarding Item D4.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the item.
- The motion passed.
Providence Landing Parks Association
- A Supervisor requested continuation due to concerns about the accountability of a new nonprofit operator.
- The Supervisor noted the need to review bylaws and accountability structures with staff.
- A related assessment item is also scheduled for August.
- A motion to continue the item to August passed.
Sheriff’s Department Funding
- A Supervisor questioned the Sheriff regarding staffing and funding for patrols in the San Luis Obispo Valley.
- Discussion focused on five deputy positions funded by retroactive Indian Gaming Benefit revenues.
- The Sheriff responded to questions regarding current funding status and state budget impacts.
- No motions were moved or decisions recorded in this segment.
Supervisor Reports
- Supervisors provided reports on activities including a Surveyor’s Office tour and a flag raising at Orcutt.
- Reports included a partnership with the UCSB Coastal Fund for beach stairway repairs.
- Supervisors noted participation in the Solvang Parade and Grand Jury orientation.
- No motions were moved or decisions recorded in this segment.
Adjournment
- The Board concluded the public testimony.
- A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.
- The motion passed.
Closed Session
- The Board met in closed session to discuss existing litigation and confer with labor negotiators.
- The Board approved the settlement of all current and future claims in the amount of $112,000.
- The approval was unanimous.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Smart Meter Installation (PG&E / Southern California Edison)
- Discussion: Public comment was received regarding the installation of smart meters by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Speakers raised concerns regarding health risks (including electromagnetic radiation, potential carcinogenic effects, and interference with medical devices), privacy violations, data security, and the lack of a no-cost opt-out option. Several speakers requested a moratorium on installation or the adoption of an ordinance halting deployment.
- Utility Presentations: Representatives from PG&E and SCE presented information on the benefits of the smart meter system, including hour-by-hour usage visualization, energy alerts, and operational efficiencies. PG&E stated that smart meters are part of the smart grid mandated by the California Energy Commission and CPUC. SCE described its "Edison Smart Connect" program as a CPUC-approved initiative, noting that installations in Santa Barbara County were scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2012. Both utilities addressed security measures, meter accuracy, and customer notification protocols.
- Staff/Board Input: Staff indicated that jurisdiction over smart meters lies exclusively with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), suggesting the Board lacks legislative authority to mandate a ban or moratorium. Staff noted that local agencies have filed petitions with the CPUC, which may have influenced the CPUC to direct utilities to develop opt-out provisions. A board member moved that the Board send a letter to the CPUC requesting a free opt-out option for customers in Santa Barbara County and that the legislative committee review related state and federal legislation.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made to approve staff’s recommendation regarding the smart meter issue.
- Vote Outcome: The motion failed (2-3).
Agenda Item: Alcohol Beverage Control / Chumash Casino Hotel & Resort License Transfer
- Discussion: Public comment was received regarding the conditional withdrawal of the County’s protests against the transfer of alcoholic beverage licenses held by the Santa Barbara-Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians at the Chumash Casino Hotel & Resort.
- Opposition: Speakers representing various community groups expressed opposition to the withdrawal of the protest, citing concerns regarding public safety, traffic impacts in the San Ynez Valley, and the financial burden on taxpayers for law enforcement and emergency services. One speaker argued that the process appeared predetermined and that public opposition was discouraged. Another speaker questioned the enforceability of conditions given Sheriff’s Department staffing levels.
- Support/Context: A speaker representing COLAB argued that the tribe’s resort maintains high standards of public safety and that restrictions on alcohol service would treat the establishment unequally compared to other resorts. A representative for the tribe presented a diagram clarifying areas where alcohol would be sold and served versus non-licensed areas (gaming floor).
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented the details of the conditional withdrawal. The item involves a premises-to-premises transfer of a Type 47 license (sale and consumption at a bona fide eating establishment) resulting in the surrender of a Type 70 license (hotel license). The county, Sheriff’s Department, and ABC Board negotiated 18 conditions, including: no alcohol on the gaming floor; no off-premises consumption; no happy hours; alcohol in the showroom permitted only when meals are served (with at least 80% of floor space used for meal service); no bottle sales; and sales hours between 9 a.m. and midnight. Staff explained that withdrawing the protest ensures the negotiated conditions are incorporated into the final permit by the ABC Board, whereas maintaining the protest would proceed to an administrative hearing, creating uncertainty regarding enforcement.
- Board Discussion: A board member discussed the impact of alcohol license concentration in the third district, referencing criteria such as proximity to schools and law enforcement impacts. The member stated that the proposed conditions did not adequately address these criteria and expressed concern over potential funding shortfalls for law enforcement. The member moved to continue the board’s protest to the ABC license expansion.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made regarding the conditional withdrawal of protests.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed (3-2).
Agenda Item: Human Resources – Confidential Employees Wage/Benefit Rescission
- Discussion: Staff presented a recommendation to rescind previously adopted wage and benefit increases for confidential, unrepresented employees. This included eliminating a 2.5% wage increase and a $20 per pay period unit cash benefit allowance scheduled to take effect on June 27, 2011. Staff noted that adopting this resolution would result in $203,000 in annual ongoing savings. Discussion occurred regarding the classification of certain employees under "Confidential" versus "620" categories, with a speaker noting a concern about consistency in how these positions are treated.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made to adopt the resolution rescinding the increases.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Human Resources – Firefighters Local 2046 Side Letter Agreement
- Discussion: Staff presented a side letter agreement with the Santa Barbara County Firefighters Local 2046. The agreement delays the implementation of previously negotiated wage increases (approximately 14%) for one year and extends the contract by one additional year. Staff estimated one-time savings of $1.4 million in the current fiscal year, $1.7 million in 2012-13, and $750,000 in 2013-14. The Board expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the labor organizations and staff in reaching these agreements during difficult economic times.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made to adopt the side letter agreement.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Human Resources – Engineers and Technicians Association (ETA) Contract
- Discussion: Staff presented a two-year contract agreement with the Engineers and Technicians Association (ETA). Key provisions include a new retirement tier, elimination of vacation conversion for pension increases, a freeze on merit increases for two years, elimination of a 2.5% pay increase, elimination of a $20 benefit increase, and elimination of employer offset for current employers. Staff estimated annual savings of $842,000, comprising $535,000 in ongoing savings and $307,000 in one-time savings. A board member commented that the agreement was a "model building block" for future negotiations and critical for the county's financial health.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made to approve the ETA contract.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: General Services – Courthouse Legacy Foundation Gift / Spirit of the Ocean Fountain
- Discussion: Staff presented a request to accept a gift of $731,000 from the Courthouse Legacy Foundation (CLF) for the restoration of the "Spirit of the Ocean" Fountain at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. A representative from the CLF presented the reconstructed fountain, noting that the project was coordinated by a CLF board member and architect and adhered to National Historic Landmark requirements for exact replication. The CLF President thanked the Board of Supervisors for their financial contribution, which constituted approximately 25% of the total funding. The presentation outlined the CLF’s mission to preserve the courthouse and stated that the next step is the completion of a Historic Structures Report.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made to accept the gift.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Parks and Recreation – July 2011 Proclamation
- Discussion: A resolution was presented to proclaim July 2011 as Parks and Recreation Month, highlighting the benefits of parks to community health, safety, and cultural unity. A board member introduced the resolution, highlighting various summer activities available in county parks.
- Motions/Decisions: The resolution was adopted.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Public Health – EHR Core Project Team Recognition
- Discussion: A resolution was presented to recognize the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Core Project Team as the Santa Barbara County Employees of the Month for July 2011. The team was commended for leading the implementation of a system to improve patient care and efficiency.
- Motions/Decisions: The resolution was adopted.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Public Works – Benefit Assessments Hearing Date
- Discussion: Staff requested to change the hearing date for establishing benefit assessments for County Service Areas 3 and 31 from July 12th to August 9th in Santa Maria.
- Motions/Decisions: The Board agreed to include this change in the administrative agenda.
- Vote Outcome: Approved.
Agenda Item: Administrative Agenda / Minutes
- Discussion: The Board reviewed the minutes from the budget hearing, special hearing, and regular meeting.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. A motion was made and seconded to approve the remaining administrative agenda.
- Vote Outcome: Both motions passed.
Agenda Item: Continuation of Items A8 and A16
- Discussion: Discussion occurred regarding Agenda Items A8 and A16.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made and seconded to continue both items to the August 9 meeting.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Item D3
- Discussion: Discussion and questions were directed to staff regarding Item D3.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made and seconded to approve the item.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Item D4
- Discussion: Discussion and questions were directed to staff regarding Item D4.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made and seconded to approve the item.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Providence Landing Parks Association
- Discussion: A Supervisor requested that an item related to the Providence Landing Parks Association be continued to August. The Supervisor cited concerns about the accountability of a new nonprofit entity acting as an operator and the need to review bylaws and accountability structures with staff. The Supervisor noted that a related assessment item was also scheduled for August.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made and seconded to continue the item to August.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Sheriff’s Department Funding
- Discussion: A Supervisor questioned the Sheriff regarding staffing and funding for patrols in the San Luis Obispo Valley. The discussion focused on five deputy sheriff positions funded by Indian Gaming Benefit revenues, which are often retroactive. The Supervisor clarified that the $675,000 figure covered only five positions, not all nine public safety positions, and that full funding would not address increased needs. The Sheriff responded to questions regarding the current funding status and the impact of the state budget on these positions.
- Motions/Decisions: No motions were moved or decisions recorded in this transcript segment.
Closed Session Report
- Discussion: The Board met in closed session to discuss existing litigation (Grove v. County of Santa Barbara, Workers' Comp Case No. AD-J716370) and confer with labor negotiators.
- Decision: The Board approved the settlement of all current and future claims in the amount of $112,000.
- Vote Outcome: Unanimous Approval.
Supervisor Reports
- Discussion: Supervisors provided reports on various activities, including:
- A tour of the Surveyor’s Office to review electronic mapping processes.
- The raising of a flag by veterans at Orcutt, approved by Caltrans.
- Partnership with the UCSB Coastal Fund for repairs to the beach stairway in Isla Vista.
- Participation in the Solvang Parade.
- Attendance at the Grand Jury orientation and the Day Reporting Center graduation.
- A reminder of the upcoming GVPAC hearing regarding a draft document.
- Motions/Decisions: No motions were moved or decisions recorded in this transcript segment.
Adjournment
- Discussion: The Board concluded the public testimony.
- Motions/Decisions: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.