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
Joe Centeno Facility Dedication
- The Board temporarily adjourned to participate in an outdoor dedication ceremony.
- The ceremony celebrated the naming of the facility after Joe Centeno.
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month Resolution
- Patricia Solorio of Future Leaders of America spoke in support of the resolution.
- The Board approved the resolution proclaiming September 2011 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
Vandenberg Village Association Resolution
- Supervisor Farr presented the resolution highlighting the association’s history of community service.
- The Board approved the resolution honoring the Vandenberg Village Association.
Peace Week Resolution
- Representatives from Marion Medical Center and People for Nonviolence described the upcoming event series.
- The Board approved the resolution proclaiming September 24–30, 2011, as Peace Week in the Santa Maria Valley.
Raimundo Montes de Oca Commendation
- The item honored the Santa Barbara County Public Defender for dedicated service.
- The Board approved the resolution of commendation for Raimundo Montes de Oca.
Get Connected Campaign Resolution
- Supervisor Farr expressed support for improving communication infrastructure in underserved communities.
- The Board approved the resolution to join the California Emerging Technology Fund for the "Get Connected" campaign.
2012 Health Insurance Program Renewal
- Supervisor Farr requested the item be pulled from the agenda for further review.
- The Board deferred the item to allow staff to analyze cost-effectiveness and break out clinic costs.
2011 Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Staff presented an update to the 2005 plan focusing on natural hazards and repetitive damage history.
- The Board adopted the plan with directions to clarify specific items and form an ad hoc committee.
- Staff committed to bringing back a strategic plan with timelines and priorities.
Terrace Villas Project
- Staff presented the Planning Commission’s recommendation for approval following required changes.
- The Board approved the project, noting improvements to access and open space.
Historic Structure Incentives
- Dr. Russell recommended the Certified Local Government program over the Mills Act due to revenue constraints.
- The Board directed staff to proceed with the CLG program and add public acknowledgment as an incentive.
- The Board declined to pursue additional fee reductions or expanded staff work at this time.
Realignment Report
- The Chair reported on concerns regarding the realignment of prisoners back to the county.
- The Chair requested a monthly report detailing the county’s impact from realignment.
Cuyama Utility Services
- Supervisor Lavagnino noted that the CPUC had ignored previous letters regarding limited internet access.
- The Board adopted a resolution to address the issue and contact state legislators.
Volunteer and Community Recognition
- The Board presented resolutions honoring volunteers and community members for their service.
- Specific recognitions were given to Supervisor Farr, Sister Janet, and Juvenile Justice Mental Health Service volunteers.
9/11 Remembrance
- The Board observed a moment of silence in honor of the victims, volunteers, and heroes of the September 11 attacks.
Closed Session
- The Board approved the addition of an ex-agenda item regarding threatened litigation.
- The Board heard items regarding exposure to litigation and existing cases without taking reportable actions.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Special Recognition
- The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board temporarily adjourned to participate in an outdoor dedication ceremony celebrating the naming of the facility after Joe Centeno.
Administrative Agenda (A-Items)
- A1: Resolution Proclaiming September 2011 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
- Discussion: Patricia Solorio of Future Leaders of America spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing prevention. Dr. Johns requested to speak but was not present; the Chair noted the resolution was read into the record.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed.
- A2: Resolution Honoring the Vandenberg Village Association
- Discussion: Supervisor Farr presented the resolution, noting the association’s history of community service, including environmental planning, water policy, and community events. A representative from the association thanked the Board.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed.
- A3: Resolution Proclaiming September 24–30, 2011, as Peace Week in the Santa Maria Valley
- Discussion: Representatives from Marion Medical Center and People for Nonviolence described the week-long event series, which includes cultural diversity celebrations, community concerts, and educational programs. Speakers highlighted the goal of promoting nonviolence and community engagement. Supervisor Lavagnino introduced Mayor Pro Tem Alice Patino and Sister Janet Corcoran and referenced the duration of the week in the context of Peace Week.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed.
- A4: Resolution of Commendation for Raimundo Montes de Oca
- Discussion: The item honored the Santa Barbara County Public Defender for dedicated service. Dr. Johns requested to speak but was unavailable.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed.
- A6: Resolution to Join California Emerging Technology Fund for "Get Connected" Campaign
- Discussion: The item involved joining a public awareness campaign promoting high-speed internet access. Supervisor Farr expressed support for improving communication infrastructure in underserved communities like Los Alamos and Cuyama, suggesting a two-pronged approach involving utility providers and political advocacy.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution.
- Outcome: Passed.
- A7: 2012 Health Insurance Program Renewal
- Discussion: Supervisor Farr requested this item be pulled from the agenda for further review. She raised concerns about the low limits of the self-funded dental program, which had not been increased in over a decade, and suggested staff analyze the cost-effectiveness of the self-funded model versus other options. She also requested that the costs of health clinics be broken out separately from the insurance renewal costs and suggested that such issues be brought to the Board before the Health Oversight Committee to allow for Board input.
- Action: The item was pulled from the agenda.
- Outcome: Deferred/Removed from current agenda.
Departmental Agenda
- Item 1: 2011 Santa Barbara County Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Discussion: Michael Harris and Richard Abrams from the Office of Emergency Management presented the plan, an update to the 2005 FEMA-approved plan. They described it as a living document focusing on natural hazards (wildfire, flooding, earthquakes, landslides, dam failures) and repetitive damage history. Staff noted the plan uses federal HAZUS data (2006) but that local experts provide more accurate risk profiles. Adoption does not obligate the county or cities to implement specific projects but positions the county to access federal hazard mitigation funds after disasters. The plan does not impact insurance rates. Specific projects mentioned include the Santa Maria levee, Goleta Beach/Pier, and the Tecolote Tunnel. A new section on agriculture and pests was included.
- Supervisor Inquiries: Supervisor Wolff questioned why nuclear plants were not listed as a potential threat. Supervisor Farr asked about the prioritization of water infrastructure, specifically the State Water Pipeline and the Glen Annie Canyon road access, and questioned why dam failure was ranked as "limited" rather than "significant" and why drought/water supply was excluded from hazard profiling. Supervisor Carbajal asked for a prioritized plan of action with a coordinated funding strategy and suggested marking emergency-related projects in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for visibility. Supervisor Fuller raised concerns about the pipeline from the Glen Annie water treatment plant and the State Water Pipeline.
- Staff Response: Staff confirmed they would bring back a strategic plan with timelines and priorities, working with cities and non-profits. They also confirmed they would work with General Services to highlight at-risk buildings in the CIP. Staff clarified that the plan is a "living document" that will be updated annually, with a responsible agency now identified for review.
- Action: Supervisor Wolff moved to adopt the report and direct staff to clarify two specific items (Tucker’s Grove Park and Goleta Beach Park abutment protection) in the document. Supervisor Farr seconded the motion. The Board also directed an ad hoc committee, consisting of Supervisors Wolff and Farr, to work with staff to address other county-specific issues and potential omissions.
- Outcome: Passed (with direction to staff to clarify specific items and form an ad hoc committee).
- Item 2: Terrace Villas Project (Stillwell Road, Orcutt)
- Discussion: Planning and Development staff presented the Planning Commission’s recommendation for approval. The project was previously sent back by the Planning Commission to make changes to find it in the public interest. Changes included adding open space, a play area, barbecue areas, improved access (straighter cul-de-sac), better street parking, and an improved grading plan. The applicant elected to pay in-lieu fees for affordable housing. Staff noted the main public improvement was the safety of access onto Stillwell Road and that a new retardation basin was included in the open space design.
- Supervisor Inquiries: Supervisor Wolff questioned the basis for the initial denial by staff and the changes made to the project. She asked about the public benefit of the project, noting that the benefits seemed primarily for residents rather than the general public. She expressed concern about the implications for future development and rezoning standards regarding "public benefit." Staff responded that the public benefit is open to interpretation and that the residents are part of the public.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the project.
- Outcome: Passed.
- Item 3: Low- and No-Cost Incentives for Landmarking Historic Structures
- Discussion: Dr. Russell presented options for incentives, including the Mills Act (property tax reduction), permit fee waivers, and the Certified Local Government (CLG) program. He recommended the CLG program, noting the county is 80-90% of the way there, which would allow the county to determine state-level significance and access modest grants. He advised against the Mills Act due to current revenue constraints.
- Supervisor Inquiries: Supervisors discussed the levels of landmarking (interior vs. exterior) and the appropriateness of expedited permitting for complex projects. Supervisor Farr asked about grant programs for low-income owners, to which staff responded that grants are limited and loans are the primary option, though strict standards may make rehabilitation difficult for lower-income owners. Supervisor Hawthorne expressed support for Mr. Russell’s recommendations but opposed pursuing the Mills Act at this time due to current economic conditions. Supervisor Maldonado expressed caution regarding the Mills Act property tax abatement, preferring other incentives such as reduced permitting fees, code relief, and public acknowledgement. He asked how the program would affect specific projects like the Bryce Beach Cabana. He opposed property tax write-offs, suggesting they would benefit affluent neighborhoods. He preferred incentives that involve increased staff time rather than tax reductions. He asked if landmarked projects would receive expedited processing. The Board discussed the "slippery slope" of tax incentives and agreed to focus on non-tax incentives.
- Action: Supervisor Wolff moved to proceed with Dr. Russell’s recommendation for the Certified Local Government program and to add public acknowledgment as an incentive. Supervisor Farr seconded the motion. The Board declined to move forward with other concepts such as additional fee reductions or expanded staff work at this time. The Board directed the Historical Landmark Commission (HLAC) to continue discussions and report back with additional ideas.
- Outcome: Passed (motion to proceed with CLG program and public acknowledgment incentive).
Other Business and Reports
- Realignment Report
- Discussion: The Chair reported on concerns regarding the realignment of prisoners and offenders back to the county, including discussions about potential litigation and constitutional amendment elections.
- Action: The Chair requested that Ms. Waller work with the Chair to establish a monthly report detailing the county’s impact from realignment, such as the number of prisoners returned and probation placements, to inform the public of the county’s additional responsibilities.
- Outcome: No vote recorded; request made.
- Cuyama Utility Services (Follow-up)
- Discussion: Supervisor Lavagnino noted that the CPUC had ignored previous letters regarding limited internet access in the Cuyama area. He suggested contacting state legislators to apply pressure on the CPUC.
- Action: Supervisor Lavagnino moved to receive the report and adopt a resolution. The motion was seconded.
- Outcome: Passed.
Public Comment
- Alcohol and Drug Recovery
- An unidentified speaker criticized the Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Department (ADMHS) for allegedly failing to serve homeless individuals in violation of state law. The speaker also made accusations of racism and discrimination against Supervisors Carbajal, Farr, and others, referencing specific incidents and statements.
- John Richards, Chair of the advisory board on alcohol and drug programs, thanked the Board for supporting National Recovery Month. He reported that Santa Barbara County serves approximately 6,000 people annually in prevention, intervention, and treatment programs. He noted that the county is in the top 15% of the state for accessing Medi-Cal funds for substance abuse treatment and has secured $4.5 million in national grants over the past three years. He emphasized the importance of promoting prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.
- Utility Services in Cuyama
- An unidentified speaker reported that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) had not responded to previous letters regarding underserved communities. The speaker suggested contacting the CPUC via a conference call, potentially involving consultant Sue Buskey, to address concerns about underserved areas.
- An unidentified speaker reported a meeting with Cuyama constituents regarding the need for cell phone and cable enhancements. The speaker proposed a two-pronged approach: working with state legislators and contacting existing service providers (e.g., Verizon, T-Mobile, Comcast, Cox) to assess the feasibility of extending services. The speaker requested that future correspondence explicitly name Los Alamos and Cuyama as underserved communities.
Volunteer and Community Recognition
- Resolution No. 1: Supervisor Carbajal presented a resolution honoring volunteers and community members.
- Supervisor Farr: Recognized for sponsoring a project that improved parking lots and the farmer’s market area.
- Sister Janet: Recognized for her work with a community event. The Chair suggested nominating this event for a CSAC award.
- Juvenile Justice Mental Health Service Volunteers: The Board honored a team of 17 students and practitioners (including marriage and family therapist interns, clinical psychologists, and pre-doctoral/post-doctoral students) who volunteer their services at Juvenile Hall, Las Paredes Boys Camp, and the Forensic Evaluation Unit. The Chair noted that these volunteers, recruited from accredited graduate programs in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties, have provided services since 2006 under the supervision of licensed professionals.
9/11 Remembrance
- The Board observed a moment of silence in honor of the victims, volunteers, and heroes of the September 11 attacks.
Closed Session
- Ex-Session Item: Sam Cohen requested the addition of an ex-agenda item regarding threatened litigation to the closed session agenda. The Board approved the addition by a four-fifths vote.
- Closed Session Items: The Board heard items regarding exposure to litigation, existing litigation (Sheppard v. County of Santa Barbara, Rockville v. County of Santa Barbara), and a conference with the real property negotiator. No reportable actions were taken.