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
Redistricting of Board of Supervisors Districts
- Staff presented a proposed map and ordinance to adjust district boundaries, recommending adoption and a determination that the action is not subject to CEQA.
- County Counsel confirmed that the August 2 hearing satisfied procedural requirements, though noted potential for differing court interpretations.
- The Board discussed the legal defensibility of the process and the specific placement of communities like Guadalupe and Lompoc.
- The Board voted to adopt the redistricting ordinance and determine it is not subject to CEQA.
County of Santa Barbara Redevelopment Agency (RDA) – ABX 126 and ABX 127
- Staff recommended adopting the Enforceable Obligation Payment Schedule (EOPS) and taking no action to opt out of becoming the successor agency.
- The Board clarified that future actions to continue the RDA under ABX 127 would require a four-fifths vote.
- Staff was directed to return in September with a financial analysis comparing the costs of continuing versus dissolving the RDA.
- The Board voted to adopt the EOPS and take no action regarding the successor agency designation.
Grand Jury Report – Local Government Post-Employment Benefits
- Staff recommended agreeing with six findings, partially disagreeing with two, and disagreeing with one finding regarding compensated absences liability.
- Staff advised against implementing any of the four recommendations due to premature GASB standards, collective bargaining obligations, and budget constraints.
- The Board reviewed the rationale for the staff’s recommendations, focusing on data inaccuracies and legal constraints.
- The Board voted to adopt the staff’s recommended responses to the Grand Jury report.
EmpowerSBC Program
- Staff presented a financing initiative for energy and water efficiency projects, including loan terms and a Loan Loss Reserve Agreement.
- Staff recommended approving lending agreements with two credit unions, a grant modification with the Department of Energy, and a privacy policy.
- The Board discussed the importance of maintaining standards for participating contractors and the program’s alignment with state initiatives.
- The Board voted to support the EmpowerSBC program and approve the associated agreements and determinations.
No decision 0–0
Waller Park Master Plan / Don Potter Grove Redesign
- Representatives presented a conceptual master plan for active recreation sports fields with hard costs estimated at approximately $14.5 million.
- Staff recommended conceptual approval and authorization to use $125,000 from Quimby funds and the Orchard Development Fee Fund for environmental review.
- The Board discussed funding sources, maintenance responsibilities, and the project's status in the Capital Improvement Plan.
- The Board voted to conceptually approve the master plan and approve staff recommendations regarding funding and environmental review.
Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA) Contract Adjustment
- Staff presented a tentative agreement that eliminates a 3% wage increase and includes non-safety employees in pension reforms for future hires.
- The agreement extends the contract through February 2015 and initiates discussions for further pension reforms by February 2014.
- Staff estimated the concessions would save approximately $1.4 million in the current fiscal year and $1.7 million in ongoing years.
- The Board voted to ratify the tentative agreement, approve the two-year contract extension, and approve the reopener for future pension negotiations.
Resource Management Plan (RMP) / Bureau of Reclamation Agreement
- Staff presented a management agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation regarding Kachuma Lake that had been in development for several years.
- Staff recommended approving the current agreement and directing staff to pursue amendments for specific uses, such as body contact swimming, through a separate process.
- The Board discussed the timeline and the necessity of the agreement, focusing on the recommendation to approve the current agreement.
- The Board voted to approve the management agreement and direct staff to pursue amendments to the Resource Management Plan.
Ambulance Service (AMR) Performance
- Staff presented an amendment to the AMR agreement to adjust rates after AMR’s pre-tax profit fell below the 6% contractual threshold.
- The amendment provides additional funding to the county, including allocations to the Sheriff’s dispatch, EMS Agency, and County Fire.
- The Board discussed the allocation of additional funds and raised questions regarding the audit process for AMR’s profits.
- The Board voted to approve the agreement.
Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Fund
- The Board discussed the status of the MHSA fund, noting that the county had been holding a large reserve rather than using the funds for services.
- A Supervisor requested a master plan to enhance the delivery of mental health services and to utilize the funds appropriately.
- Staff was asked to clarify the required reserve amount and the plan for using the funds.
- No motion was recorded; the discussion resulted in a directive for staff to provide further information and a plan for utilizing the MHSA funds.
Financial Report and Budget Variance
- The Auditor-Controller’s office presented the June 30, 2011 Financial Status Report, indicating a net change in fund balance of negative $5.4 million for the General Fund.
- Staff explained that this outcome was influenced by one-time capital activities and ARRA funds.
- Staff addressed questions regarding penalty accounts, FTE reductions, and variances in specific departments.
- No motion was recorded; the report was received and filed.
Old Mill Run Project Affordable Housing Amendment
- Staff presented an amendment to the Old Mill Run project agreement requiring the developer to build six affordable units concurrently with 54 market-rate homes.
- The amendment changes the timing of construction for the affordable units, requiring two units prior to the 40th market-rate permit and four prior to the 45th.
- The amendment does not change the number of units or other project conditions.
- No specific vote outcome is recorded in the provided text segments for this item.
Community Service Area 3 Library Special Tax Assessment
- Staff presented a proposal to increase the CSA 3 library special tax assessment by 1.2% based on the Consumer Price Index.
- This increase results in a 25-cent increase to the overall assessment for residential single-family parcels.
- Staff proposed no changes to the benefit assessment rates for CSA 31 (Isla Vista).
- No specific vote outcome is recorded in the provided text segments for this item.
Administrative Agenda Items
- The Board reviewed the administrative agenda, considering items related to the District Attorney, General Services, Housing, Parks, Planning, and Public Works.
- Items 21, 22, 10, 13, and 19 were pulled from the agenda.
- A motion was made to approve the administrative agenda excluding the pulled items.
- The motion passed.
Minutes of August 2, 2011 Meeting
- A motion was made to approve the minutes of the August 2, 2011 meeting.
- The motion passed.
Subdivision/Coastal Zone Entitlement (Item 22)
- The Board considered a professional services contract with Impact Services for a revised EIR for the Paradiso Del Mar project.
- Staff clarified that while the project may be entitled under the Subdivision Map Act, it is located in the coastal zone requiring discretionary review.
- A motion was made to approve the item.
- The motion passed.
Child Support Services (Item 1)
- The Director of the Santa Barbara County Child Support Department presented an update on the benefits of the child support program.
- New tools for parents were highlighted, including an online website for account access and a 24-hour self-service phone line.
- A motion was made to approve the item.
- The motion passed.
Resolution - Clarence Minetti Memorial Road
- The Board considered a resolution designating West Main Street, from the city limit of Guadalupe to the Guadalupe Dunes Park parking lot, as the Clarence Minetti Memorial Road.
- The resolution cited Minetti’s civic leadership and contributions to the community.
- The Board authorized the Director of Public Works to post signs confirming the action.
- The resolution was adopted.
Closed Session
- The County Counsel reported on three items from the previous closed session: initiation of litigation, labor relations, and employee performance evaluation.
- The employee performance evaluation item was continued to the next closed session.
- The Board held the labor relations item.
- The Board unanimously approved the County Counsel’s recommendation not to initiate litigation against the Department of Mental Health regarding $809,000 in denied Medi-Cal reimbursement.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Redistricting of Board of Supervisors Districts
- Staff presented a proposed redistricting map and an ordinance to repeal and reenact Article 2 of Chapter 2 of the Santa Barbara County Code to adjust district boundaries. Staff recommended adopting the ordinance and determining that the action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). County Counsel provided legal analysis regarding the Brown Act, Government Code Section 25131, and Elections Code Section 21-500.1, concluding that the August 2 hearing satisfied procedural requirements for a public hearing prior to approval, though noted that a court could interpret the statutes differently.
- Public comment was received from residents and representatives of the Quama Valley Exchange Club, Lompoc, New Quiama, Guadalupe, Isla Vista, and the Coalition for Local Action and Budget (COLAB). Comments included opposition to moving Quama Valley to District 1, requests for an independent redistricting panel, support for placing Quama Valley in District 1 to address water and development issues, requests to keep Guadalupe in District 4 or 5, and arguments regarding the procedural history and transparency of the map selection process.
- The Board discussed the procedural history, the legal defensibility of the process, and the specific placement of communities such as Guadalupe and Lompoc. A motion was made to adopt the redistricting ordinance and determine it is not subject to CEQA. The motion was seconded. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: County of Santa Barbara Redevelopment Agency (RDA) – ABX 126 and ABX 127
- Staff presented the impacts of state bills ABX 126 (requiring RDA dissolution by October 1, 2011) and ABX 127 (allowing voluntary continuation). Staff recommended that the Board not appeal state-calculated remittance amounts, adopt the Enforceable Obligation Payment Schedule (EOPS), take no action to opt out of becoming the successor agency (allowing the Board to automatically assume the role if the RDA dissolves), and direct staff to return in September with a financial analysis of continuing versus dissolving the RDA.
- The Board discussed the timeline for decisions, noting that a non-binding resolution of intent to continue the RDA must be adopted by September 30 to extend the decision deadline to November 1. Voting requirements were clarified: actions taken at this meeting require a simple majority, while future actions to continue the RDA under ABX 127 would require a four-fifths vote. Public comment was received regarding the impact of RDA dissolution on housing and mitigation funding in Isla Vista.
- A motion was made to adopt the EOPS and take no action regarding the successor agency designation. The motion was seconded. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Grand Jury Report – Local Government Post-Employment Benefits
- Staff presented the county’s response to the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury report titled "Local Government Post-Employment Benefits in Santa Barbara County: Complicated and Costly." Staff recommended agreeing with six findings, partially disagreeing with two findings (regarding GASB reporting standards and individual unfunded liabilities), and disagreeing with one finding (regarding compensated absences liability, citing data inaccuracies). Staff recommended not implementing any of the four recommendations, citing premature timing of GASB standards, collective bargaining obligations, and budget constraints.
- The Board reviewed the specific reasons for the staff’s recommendations, focusing on the timing of GASB standards, collective bargaining constraints, and factual inaccuracies in the grand jury’s data. A motion was made to adopt the staff’s recommended responses to the Grand Jury report. The motion was seconded. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: EmpowerSBC Program
- Staff presented the EmpowerSBC program, a financing initiative for single-family homeowners to fund energy and water efficiency projects. Staff outlined the Loan Loss Reserve Agreement, which provides an unsecured loan product with rates starting at 5.90%, loan amounts ranging from $1,000 to $25,000, and repayment terms of up to five or 15 years. Staff recommended approving financial lending agreements with Coast Hills Federal Credit Union and Ventura County Credit Union, approving a grant modification with the Department of Energy, adopting a privacy policy, and determining the program is not a project under CEQA.
- Public comment was received from the Santa Barbara Contractors Association, Coast Hills Federal Credit Union, and the Energy Upgrade California program, supporting the partnership and discussing the potential for loan growth and workforce development. The Board discussed the importance of maintaining standards for participating contractors and the program’s alignment with state initiatives.
- A motion was made to support the EmpowerSBC program and approve the associated agreements and determinations. The motion was seconded. Vote Outcome: Passed.
No decision 0–0
Agenda Item: Waller Park Master Plan / Don Potter Grove Redesign
- Representatives from the Orchid Sports Commission and the Parks Department presented the conceptual master plan for active recreation sports fields at Waller Park, including the Don Potter Grove redesign. The plan includes circulation improvements, facility renovations, and preservation of memorial trees. Hard costs are estimated at approximately $14.5 million. The project is currently unfunded in the capital program, with a proposed "pay as you go" model where user groups contribute to maintenance and fundraising. Staff recommended conceptual approval of the master plan and authorization to use $125,000 from Quimby funds and the Orchard Development Fee Fund for environmental review.
- Public comment was received from the Orchid Sports Commission Chair, who noted the community’s commitment to funding and maintenance. The Board discussed funding sources, maintenance responsibilities, and the status of the project in the Capital Improvement Plan. A motion was made to conceptually approve the master plan and approve staff recommendations regarding funding and environmental review. The motion was seconded. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA) Contract Adjustment
- Labor Relations staff presented a tentative agreement with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, representing approximately 460 employees. The agreement eliminates a previously negotiated 3% wage increase, includes non-safety employees in pension reforms for future hires, and initiates discussions for further pension reforms by February 2014. The contract extension runs through February 2015. Staff estimated the concessions would save approximately $1.4 million in the current fiscal year and $1.7 million in ongoing years.
- Public comment was received from a representative of Local 620, who expressed concern about the two-year extension and urged the Board to finalize contracts with other bargaining units. The Board discussed the context of the adjustment in relation to other ongoing negotiations and financial constraints.
- A motion was made to ratify the tentative agreement, approve the two-year contract extension, and approve the reopener for future pension negotiations. The motion was seconded. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Resource Management Plan (RMP) / Bureau of Reclamation Agreement
- Staff presented a management agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation regarding Kachuma Lake. The agreement had been in development for several years. Staff recommended approving the current management agreement and directing staff to pursue amendments to the Resource Management Plan for specific uses, such as body contact swimming, through a separate process.
- Public comment was received from COLAB, raising concerns about potential expanded uses and the requirement for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for changes. The Board discussed the timeline and the necessity of the agreement, focusing on the recommendation to approve the current agreement and pursue specific amendments for future uses.
- A motion was made to approve the management agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation and direct staff to pursue amendments to the Resource Management Plan. The motion was seconded. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Ambulance Service (AMR) Performance
- Staff presented an amendment to the American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance transport agreement to adjust rates and provide additional funding to the county. Staff explained that AMR’s pre-tax profit had fallen below the 6% threshold specified in the contract, triggering the right to request a rate increase. Approximately 14% of the payer mix (Medicare and Medi-Cal) pays fixed rates, while private payers would see the rate adjustment. Staff reported that AMR has met performance standards, including a 95% response time rate.
- The Board discussed the allocation of additional funds, including $100,000 to the Sheriff’s dispatch, $200,000 to the EMS Agency, and approximately $150,000 in increased revenue for County Fire. Questions were raised regarding the audit process for AMR’s profits and the allocation of funds.
- A motion was made to approve the agreement. The motion was seconded. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Fund
- The Board discussed the status of the MHSA fund, noting that the county had been holding a large reserve rather than using the funds for services as intended by voters. A Supervisor requested a master plan to enhance the delivery of mental health services and to utilize the funds appropriately. Staff was asked to clarify the required reserve amount and the plan for using the funds. Decision: No motion was recorded; the discussion resulted in a directive for staff to provide further information and a plan for utilizing the MHSA funds.
Agenda Item: Financial Report and Budget Variance
- The Auditor-Controller’s office presented the June 30, 2011 Financial Status Report. The report indicated a net change in fund balance of negative $5.4 million for the General Fund, resulting in a $10 million draw on fund balance when considering total revenues of $749 million and expenses of $757 million. Staff explained that this outcome was influenced by one-time capital activities and ARRA funds. Staff addressed questions regarding penalty accounts, FTE reductions, and variances in specific departments, including Parks and Clerk/Recorder/Assessor. Decision: No motion was recorded; the report was received and filed.
Agenda Item: Old Mill Run Project Affordable Housing Amendment
- Staff presented an amendment to the agreement for the Old Mill Run project in Orchid, which requires the developer to build six affordable units concurrently with 54 market-rate homes. The amendment changes the timing of construction for the affordable units: two units must be built prior to or at the 40th market-rate building permit, and the remaining four prior to or at the 45th permit. The amendment does not change the number of units or other project conditions. Decision: No specific vote outcome is recorded in the provided text segments for this item.
Agenda Item: Community Service Area 3 Library Special Tax Assessment
- Staff presented a proposal to increase the Community Service Area 3 (CSA 3) library special tax assessment by 1.2%, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This increase results in a 25-cent increase to the overall assessment for residential single-family parcels. Staff proposed no changes to the benefit assessment rates for CSA 31 (Isla Vista). Decision: No specific vote outcome is recorded in the provided text segments for this item.
Agenda Item: Administrative Agenda Items
- The Board reviewed the administrative agenda. Items A-10 (District Attorney), A-13 (General Services), A-19 (Housing and Community Development), A-21 (Parks), A-22 (Planning and Development), and A-38 (Public Works) were considered. Items 21, 22, 10, 13, and 19 were pulled from the agenda. Decision: A motion was made to approve the administrative agenda (excluding pulled items). The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Minutes of August 2, 2011 Meeting
- Decision: A motion was made to approve the minutes of the August 2, 2011 meeting. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Subdivision/Coastal Zone Entitlement (Item 22)
- The Board considered a professional services contract with Impact Services for a revised EIR for the Paradiso Del Mar project. Staff clarified that while the project may be entitled under the Subdivision Map Act, it is located in the coastal zone, which requires discretionary review and conditions. Decision: A motion was made to approve the item. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Child Support Services (Item 1)
- The Director of the Santa Barbara County Child Support Department presented an update on the benefits of the child support program, including new tools for parents such as an online website for account access and a 24-hour self-service phone line. Decision: A motion was made to approve the item. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Resolution - Clarence Minetti Memorial Road
- The Board considered a resolution designating West Main Street, from the city limit of Guadalupe to the parking lot of the Guadalupe Dunes Park, as the Clarence Minetti Memorial Road. The resolution cited Minetti’s civic leadership and contributions to the community. The Board authorized the Director of Public Works to post signs confirming the action. Decision: The resolution was adopted.
Agenda Item: Closed Session Report
- The County Counsel reported on three items from the previous closed session: initiation of litigation, labor relations, and employee performance evaluation. The employee performance evaluation item was continued to the next closed session. The Board held the labor relations item. Decision: The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the County Counsel’s recommendation not to initiate litigation against the Department of Mental Health regarding $809,000 in denied Medi-Cal reimbursement, citing a lack of effective remedy.
Adjournment
- The Board adjourned in memory of Bud Neighbors and entered a three-week recess.