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 Casa del Herrero
- Supervisor Alvarez presented a resolution honoring the site's designation as a National Historic Landmark.
- The Executive Director of the Casa Del Herrero Foundation accepted the resolution on behalf of the board and volunteers.
- The Board approved the resolution.
Resolution Proclaiming Red Ribbon Week
- Supervisor Carbajal presented a resolution proclaiming October 23–31 as Red Ribbon Week in Santa Barbara County.
- The Executive Director of the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse spoke in support of the drug prevention campaign.
- The Board approved the resolution.
Resolution of Commendation for Stephen D. Underwood
- Supervisor Gray presented a resolution commending Chief Assistant County Counsel Stephen D. Underwood for his 28.5 years of service.
- Mr. Underwood addressed the Board regarding his upcoming retirement and intention to become a law professor.
- The Board approved the resolution.
Resolution Proclaiming National Disability Employment Awareness Month
- Supervisor Wolfe presented a resolution proclaiming October 2011 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
- A representative from the Risk Management Division highlighted the county's "Back to Work" program for employees with temporary disabilities.
- The Board approved the resolution.
Resolution of Commendation for a Sheriff’s Deputy
- The item was withdrawn from the agenda at the request of Supervisor Gray.
Recommendations Regarding Disabled Persons Parking Zones
- The item was withdrawn from the agenda at the request of Public Works.
Appointment to Mosquito and Vector Management District
- The item was withdrawn from the agenda at the request of Supervisor Farr.
Resolution in Support of Old Town Orchid Gateway Monument
- The item was withdrawn from the agenda at the request of Public Works.
Grant to Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center
- Supervisor Farr moved to add an ex-parte agenda item to approve a $20,000 grant to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center.
- County Counsel confirmed the request met the standard for a four-fifths vote to add the item to the agenda.
- The Board voted to add the item to the agenda.
Report on Lost City Guadalupe Dunes Archaeology Project and Financial Assistance
- The Board received a status report on the archaeology project and discussed a $20,000 financial assistance measure for the Dunes Center.
- Public commenters raised concerns regarding the project's cultural significance, economic impact on local jobs, and financial losses due to delays.
- Board members debated whether to structure the assistance as a grant or a loan to mitigate precedent concerns.
- Supervisor Farr moved to approve a $20,000 loan from the general fund contingency fund, which passed.
HUD Continuum of Care Grant Application (Lompoc Shelters)
- Staff recommended submitting a renewal application for HUD funding for the Marks House and Bridge House shelters.
- Concerns were raised regarding the financial stability of the current operator, Lompoc Housing & Community Development Corporation.
- Supervisor Wolf moved to direct staff to submit a new application for the shelters in the name of the County of Santa Barbara.
- The motion passed.
Chapter 21 Appeals and Certificates of Compliance Ordinance Amendment
- Supervisor Lavagnino raised a concern that the ordinance lacks a specified timeframe for surveyors to determine certificate requirements.
- Staff explained that the California Subdivision Map Act does not impose time limits for these specific certificates.
- The board agreed to consider adding a timeframe in the future but did not take action on the ordinance amendment at this time.
Agreement with City of Santa Barbara for Commingled Recyclables
- A public commenter questioned the methodology of averaging market values over a three-year period and requested historical data.
- The board acknowledged the comment regarding the agreement for processing and sharing revenues and costs.
Administrative Agenda Approval (Items A-12 and A-14)
- A motion was made to approve the administrative agenda items, specifically referencing A-14 and A-12.
- The motion passed.
Bagdasarian Appeal
- The board considered an appeal from Planning and Development.
- A motion was made to continue the item to December 6th.
- The motion passed.
Response to Grand Jury Report on Truancy Program
- Staff recommended against funding a single full-time position in the District Attorney’s office for an enforceable truancy program.
- Staff recommended re-engaging with school districts to form a partnership for funding and administration.
- A motion was made to accept and file the response to the grand jury report, including the recommendation to continue dialogue with school districts.
- The motion passed.
Public Defender Remodel Project Progress Report
- Staff presented a progress report indicating the project is approximately 70% complete and on schedule for late February 2012.
- The presentation highlighted improvements in circulation, accessibility, and the preservation of historic elements.
- Staff noted that unforeseen conditions required the use of the construction contingency, but the project remains within the $5.8 million budget.
- The board received and filed the report.
Closed Session
- The board entered closed session to discuss two real property negotiations and one labor negotiation.
- The board completed deliberations on all three items.
- There were no reportable actions.
Full summary
Agenda Item A1: Resolution Honoring Casa del Herrero
- Supervisor Alvarez presented a resolution honoring Casa del Herrero for its designation as a National Historic Landmark, commending the Steadman and Bass families and community volunteers for their preservation efforts. Molly Barker, Executive Director of the Casa Del Herrero Foundation, accepted the resolution on behalf of the board of trustees, family members, volunteers, and staff. The Board approved the resolution. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item A2: Resolution Proclaiming Red Ribbon Week
- Supervisor Carbajal presented a resolution proclaiming October 23–31 as Red Ribbon Week in Santa Barbara County. Penny Jenkins, Executive Director of the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, spoke in support, outlining the campaign’s focus on drug prevention education and mentioning upcoming events, including a summit in Montecito. The Board approved the resolution. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item A3: Resolution of Commendation for Stephen D. Underwood
- Supervisor Gray presented a resolution commending Chief Assistant County Counsel Stephen D. Underwood for his 28.5 years of service and upcoming retirement. Mr. Underwood addressed the Board, thanking colleagues and discussing challenges facing public employees, and announced his intention to continue working as a professor of law. The Board approved the resolution. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item A4: Resolution Proclaiming National Disability Employment Awareness Month
- Supervisor Wolfe presented a resolution proclaiming October 2011 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Bob Nesbitt, from the Risk Management Division, spoke in support, highlighting the county’s "Back to Work" program and its success in returning employees with temporary disabilities to work. The Board approved the resolution. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item A5: Resolution of Commendation for a Sheriff’s Deputy
- The item was withdrawn from the agenda at the request of Supervisor Gray. Vote Outcome: N/A (Withdrawn).
Agenda Item A15: Recommendations Regarding Disabled Persons Parking Zones
- The item was withdrawn from the agenda at the request of Public Works. Vote Outcome: N/A (Withdrawn).
Agenda Item A16: Appointment to Mosquito and Vector Management District
- The item was withdrawn from the agenda at the request of Supervisor Farr. Vote Outcome: N/A (Withdrawn).
Agenda Item A18: Resolution in Support of Old Town Orchid Gateway Monument
- The item was withdrawn from the agenda at the request of Public Works. Vote Outcome: N/A (Withdrawn).
Ex-Part Agenda Item X1: Grant to Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center
- Supervisor Farr moved to add an ex-parte agenda item to approve a $20,000 grant to the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center; Supervisor Lavagnino seconded the motion. Supervisor Wolfe raised a point of order regarding Brown Act requirements for ex-parte items. County Counsel confirmed the request met the standard for a four-fifths vote to add the item to the agenda. The Board voted to add the item to the agenda. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item A19: Report on Lost City Guadalupe Dunes Archaeology Project and Financial Assistance
- The Board received a report from Planning and Development regarding the status of the Lost City Guadalupe Dunes Archaeology Project. Supervisor Wolfe requested a correction to the summary text to clarify that the CEO, not the Board, directed staff to return with a report on an expedited process; CEO Waller confirmed this distinction.
- Public commenters included Dr. Robert Johns, who criticized the Planning Commission’s handling of the project’s cultural significance; Sam Cohen, representing the San Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, who reiterated the tribe’s offer to monitor excavations at no cost; John Jostis, representing the Restoration Subcommittee, who highlighted the Dunes Center’s educational impact and funding declines; Mayor Alvarez of Guadalupe, who expressed concern over lost jobs and economic impact, requesting preservation of the filming site and expedited permits; Frances Romero, Interim Executive Director of the Dunes Center, who explained the center lost $20,000 in contract income due to project delays and detailed financial constraints; Robin Hayhurst, a Dunes Center board member, who stated the financial impact was due to county procedural errors; and George Alvarez, who urged the Board to respect the Mayor of Guadalupe and acknowledged the economic importance of the dunes.
- Board discussion centered on providing $20,000 from the general fund contingency fund to offset the Dunes Center’s lost revenue. Supervisor Farr explained the funds were intended to offset lost revenue due to delays outside the center’s control. Supervisor Wolfe expressed concerns about setting a precedent and noted a lack of documentation proving the center would close without the funds. Supervisor Carbajal expressed support, framing the issue as a correction for a process failure. Supervisor Gray suggested structuring the assistance as a loan rather than a grant to mitigate precedent concerns. County Counsel noted that a loan would require specific findings and further research, whereas a grant was the current staff recommendation. Supervisor Farr agreed to explore the loan option if feasible.
- Supervisor Farr moved to approve a $20,000 loan to the Guadalupe Nipomo Dune Center from the general fund contingency fund. The motion passed. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item A-10: HUD Continuum of Care Grant Application (Lompoc Shelters)
- Staff recommended submitting a renewal application for HUD Continuum of Care funding for the Marks House and Bridge House shelters in Lompoc, currently operated by the Lompoc Housing & Community Development Corporation (LHCDC). Concerns were raised regarding the financial stability and operational status of LHCDC. Staff explained that submitting a renewal application guarantees the funding, whereas a new application would be competitive. Staff proposed securing written commitments from HUD that funds would not be dispersed without county and city agreement on a successor organization, or submitting a new project application under the county’s name if such commitments could not be secured within 10 days.
- Supervisor Wolf moved to direct staff to accept all parts of the application except those designated for LHCDC, and to submit a new application for the two shelters in the name of the County of Santa Barbara. The motion passed. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item A-12: Chapter 21 Appeals and Certificates of Compliance Ordinance Amendment
- Supervisor Lavagnino raised a concern that the ordinance lacks a specified timeframe for surveyors to determine if an application requires a conditional or unconditional certificate of compliance. Staff explained that the California Subdivision Map Act does not impose time limits for these specific certificates, noting the review process is investigative and iterative with an average turnaround of approximately 60 days. Supervisor Lavagnino suggested the board consider establishing a timeframe in the future. The board agreed to consider adding a timeframe in the future but did not take action on the ordinance amendment at this time.
Agenda Item A-14: Agreement with City of Santa Barbara for Commingled Recyclables
- Public comment was provided regarding the agreement for processing and sharing revenues/costs for commingled recyclables. The commenter questioned the methodology of averaging market values over a three-year period and requested historical cost/revenue data. The board acknowledged the comment.
Administrative Agenda Approval (Items A-12 and A-14)
- A motion was made to approve the administrative agenda items, specifically referencing A-14 and A-12. The motion passed. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item D-1: Bagdasarian Appeal
- The board considered an appeal from Planning and Development. A motion was made to continue the item to December 6th. The motion passed. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item 2: Response to Grand Jury Report on Truancy Program
- The board reviewed the response to the grand jury report titled "Where Is The Truancy Program in Santa Barbara County?" Staff recommended against funding a single full-time position in the District Attorney’s office to administer an enforceable truancy program, citing that the previous program required four full-time equivalents. Instead, staff recommended re-engaging with school districts to form a partnership for funding and administration. The District Attorney’s office expressed commitment to reestablishing a truancy program to identify root causes of truancy and keep children out of the juvenile justice system, noting the previous program cost approximately $500,000 annually. Public commenters offered varying perspectives on the role of law enforcement versus educational approaches.
- A motion was made to accept and file the response to the grand jury report, including the recommendation to continue dialogue with school districts. The motion passed. Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item 3: Public Defender Remodel Project Progress Report
- Staff presented a progress report on the Public Defender Remodel Project in the Santa Barbara Courthouse. The project is approximately 70% complete, on schedule for completion in late February 2012, and within budget. The presentation highlighted improvements in circulation, accessibility, and the preservation of historic elements. Staff noted that unforeseen conditions required the use of the construction contingency, but the project remains on track to meet the $5.8 million budget. The board received and filed the report. No vote was required.
Closed Session
- The board entered closed session to discuss three items: two real property negotiations (1026 Santa Barbara Street and Corralitos Ranch Property) and one labor negotiation. The board completed deliberations on all three items. There were no reportable actions.
Public Comment / Remarks
- Steve Lavagnino provided remarks regarding Russ Connors, noting his involvement in various charities and personal interactions. Lavagnino stated that Connors would be missed and hoped his wife, Sylvia, would continue to visit. No motion or decision was recorded.
Unidentified Speaker Remarks
- An unidentified speaker stated that they were told to meet someone in a lab. No motion or decision was recorded.
Q&A / Clarification
- Andy Caldwell addressed the group, referencing "Busch Gardens Williamsburg" and asking if the location was where roller coasters are created. Sam Cohen responded that scientists and engineers create roller coasters. No motion or decision was recorded.