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
Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Access Road
- Public speakers supported the road restoration project, citing ADA accessibility and beach access needs.
- Supervisors debated the use of Coastal Resource Enhancement Fund (CREF) money, with some suggesting contingency funds instead.
- The board noted the urgency of the project due to the limited construction window before snowy plover season.
- The item was approved by roll call vote.
Budget Principles
- Supervisors discussed whether the document contained specific budget decisions rather than just guiding principles.
- Staff clarified that a $2 million figure reflected a phased increase in ongoing jail operations funding.
- A supervisor requested the inclusion of the financial quarterly update in the budget adoption process.
- The item was approved by roll call vote.
Proposition 4111 Appropriation Limits
- The item regarding appropriation limits for the Fire Protection District and Flood Control and Water Conservation District was pulled for discussion.
- No specific public comments or board debate were recorded prior to the vote.
- The item was approved by voice vote.
Water Softeners Ordinance
- Staff presented an ordinance amending the Santa Barbara County Code regarding water softeners in Laguna County Sanitation Districts.
- A public hearing was required for the first reading of the ordinance.
- The board moved the item forward, including waiving further reading.
- The item was approved by voice vote.
Bagdazarian Appeal
- The item involved an appeal of a Montecito Planning Commission denial regarding a property on East Mountain Drive.
- A motion was made to continue the matter to January 17, 2012.
- The item was approved by voice vote.
Holiday Hours Resolution
- Staff presented a resolution to allow department heads to temporarily reduce hours of operation from December 23 through January 2.
- Supervisors inquired about primary care clinic availability, with staff confirming partial operations and after-hours support.
- A supervisor suggested implementing a triage nurse line for public guidance during the reduced hours.
- The item was approved by voice vote.
Union of American Physicians and Dentists MOU
- Staff presented a memorandum of understanding effective from November 28, 2011, through November 24, 2013.
- The agreement includes a 1.5% wage reduction, elimination of previously negotiated wage increases, and a 40-hour furlough per year.
- Staff estimated total savings of nearly $1.2 million over the term of the agreement.
- The item was approved by voice vote.
No decision 0–0
CREF 2012 Grants
- Staff recommended allocating approximately $643,000 in CREF fees, including $296,497 to the Gaviota Coast Plan and $250,000 to the Guadalupe Dunes Bypass Road.
- Public speakers expressed varying opinions on the allocations, with some opposing the use of funds for the Gaviota Coast Plan.
- Supervisors debated the inclusion of the Santa Claus Lane project, with staff clarifying it would be treated as a funding mechanism.
- The board voted to include the Santa Claus Lane project in the CREF allocation.
Hazardous Materials Program Fee Ordinance
- The Fire Department proposed a 9.9% increase in HAZMAT fees for 2012 to achieve full cost recovery.
- Public speakers opposed the increase, citing the economic downturn and requesting a program audit.
- Supervisors discussed the balance between cost recovery and the economic impact on businesses.
- The item passed with an amendment to waive the reading of the ordinance in its entirety.
Economic Hardship Time Extension Ordinance Amendments
- Planning and Development presented amendments to extend the sunset date of the ordinance from January 12, 2012, to January 12, 2015.
- The amendments allow the Director to grant more than one two-year extension if the permit is due to expire within six months.
- Staff noted that since 2009, 19 of 20 hardship applications were granted, indicating the process is not being abused.
- Both the County LUDC and Montecito LUDC amendments passed.
Hydraulic Fracturing Permit Requirements
- Staff presented amendments to clarify permit requirements for hydraulic fracturing, including the need for an Oil Drilling and Production Plan.
- The code was amended to allow the director to determine environmental impact, enabling broader analysis of air emissions and public safety.
- Public speakers offered mixed feedback, with some supporting the cautious approach and others opposing the method.
- The motion to adopt the recommended actions passed unanimously.
Recognition of Volunteer Foster Markoff
- The Chair recognized Foster Markoff for spearheading the initiative to make Carpinteria the first smoke-free city in the county.
- The ordinance prohibits smoking in all outdoor locations, including parks, beaches, and public streets.
- Markoff credited the Tobacco Prevention Office and the City of Carpinteria’s planning department for their support.
Resolution Honoring Food from the Heart
- Supervisor Wolf introduced Kelly Onan, who described the organization’s work preparing meals for homebound individuals.
- The nonprofit serves approximately 135 clients weekly, 52 weeks a year, free of charge.
- The board adopted a resolution honoring Food from the Heart for their dedication to serving healthy meals.
Resolution Honoring Kids Helping Kids
- Supervisor Wolf introduced representatives of Kids Helping Kids, a student-run nonprofit at San Marcos High School.
- The organization raised over $160,000 last year and over $500,000 total for local charities.
- The board adopted a resolution honoring and commending Kids Helping Kids for their outstanding contributions.
Resolution Recognizing Zavini Khan-Marcus
- Supervisor Farr introduced Zavini Khan-Marcus, the founding director of the UCSB Multicultural Center.
- She has served in this role since 1989, overseeing the center’s growth and cultural programs.
- The board adopted a resolution recognizing her as the 2011 Leadership in the Arts Award recipient.
Employee of the Month Recognition (Sherman Hansen)
- The board recognized Sherman Hansen, Mid-County Operations Manager for County Parks, as the Employee of the Month for December 2011.
- Hansen has been with the department for 21 years and manages Halama Beach Park and Kachuma Lake Recreation Area.
- The board adopted a resolution of commendation for Sherman Hansen.
Santa Barbara County Jail Northern Branch Jail Update and AB 900 Phase 2 Application
- Sheriff Brown recommended applying for an AB 900 Phase 2 grant for a new 376-bed jail facility in North County.
- The Phase 2 proposal offers state funding of up to 90% of eligible costs, reducing the county’s capital match by $4.6 million.
- Staff projected annual operating costs of approximately $17.5 million and discussed the funding mechanism involving General Fund Contributions.
- The board voted to approve the submission of the Phase 2 grant application.
Board Member Report
- The Chair reported that the California State Association of Counties is contemplating an initiative to guarantee funding for realignment obligations.
- This would require a $6 million investment financed by the CSAC Finance Corporation, resulting in increased dues.
- The Chair requested that this item be placed on the agenda for discussion ahead of a January 5th meeting.
Closed Session
- The Chair asked for a report from closed session.
- The board considered three items scheduled for closed session.
- There were no items to report to the public.
Full summary
Opening and Administrative Matters
- The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board approved the minutes of the November 15 meeting by voice vote.
Agenda Item A-11: Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Access Road
- Public speakers, including the Mayor of Guadalupe and a resident, supported the road restoration project, citing ADA accessibility and beach access needs. One speaker supported the project but questioned the use of $50,000 from the Coastal Resource Enhancement Fund (CREF) for a specific component. Supervisors discussed the funding source, with some expressing concern about using CREF funds for this phase and suggesting contingency or strategic reserve funds, while others supported the use of CREF funds as aligning with the fund’s purpose. The urgency of the project was noted due to the limited construction window before snowy plover season. A motion was made to approve Item A-11. The item was approved by roll call vote.
Agenda Item A-16: Budget Principles
- Supervisors discussed the content of the budget principles, with one supervisor expressing concern that the item contained specific budget decisions rather than just guiding principles. Staff explained that a $2 million figure reflected a phased increase in ongoing jail operations funding. Another supervisor requested that the financial quarterly update be included in the budget adoption process and asked for clarification on the "substantial return on investment" requirement for one-time funding requests; staff clarified this refers to financial savings over time. A motion was made to approve the budget principles. The item was approved by roll call vote.
Agenda Item A-41: Proposition 4111 Appropriation Limits
- This item regarding appropriation limits for the Fire Protection District and Flood Control and Water Conservation District was pulled for discussion. No specific public comments or board debate were recorded prior to the vote. A motion was made to approve Item A-41. The item was approved by voice vote.
Agenda Item A-22: Water Softeners Ordinance
- Staff presented an ordinance amending Chapter 29 of the Santa Barbara County Code regarding the regulation of water softeners in Laguna County Sanitation Districts. Staff advised that a public hearing was required for the first reading. A motion was made to move the item forward, including waiving further reading. The item was approved by voice vote.
Public Comment
- Dr. Robert Johns: Spoke regarding opposition to Supervisor Farr serving as Board Chair, citing allegations of racism and election fraud in the Santa Ynez Valley district, and referenced past incidents involving the Santa Ynez Valley Veterans.
- Vincent Armenta: Spoke on behalf of a tribe seeking to bring 1,400 acres of land into trust, presented over 1,300 letters and signatures from Third District residents and over 2,500 countywide residents supporting the effort, and requested the county work with the tribe on a cooperative agreement.
- Dr. Joseph Aragon and Lisa Deutsch: Presented a "Gold Level Fit Friendly Company" award from the American Heart Association to the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department for promoting employee wellness. Dr. Wada accepted the award and discussed the department's health initiatives.
Agenda Item 1: Bagdazarian Appeal
- This item involved an appeal of a Montecito Planning Commission denial regarding a property on East Mountain Drive. A motion was made to continue the matter to January 17, 2012. The item was approved by voice vote.
Agenda Item 2: Holiday Hours Resolution
- Staff presented a resolution to allow department heads to temporarily reduce hours of operation from December 23 through January 2 to implement furlough agreements. Supervisors inquired about primary care clinic availability during this period; staff explained that clinics would be partially open with specific services available and after-hours call support provided. Another supervisor suggested implementing a triage nurse line for public guidance. Staff confirmed that corrections and sheriff’s offices would maintain minimum staffing levels. A motion was made to approve the resolution. The item was approved by voice vote.
Agenda Item 3: Union of American Physicians and Dentists MOU
- Staff presented a memorandum of understanding with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, effective November 28, 2011, through November 24, 2013. The agreement includes a 1.5% wage reduction, elimination of previously negotiated wage increases, a freeze on merit increases, a 40-hour furlough per year, and changes to retirement benefits. Staff estimated total savings of nearly $1.2 million over the term of the agreement. Supervisors expressed appreciation for the cooperative negotiation process and the concessions made by the union. A motion was made to approve the MOU. The item was approved by voice vote.
Agenda Item 4: CREF 2012 Grants
- Staff presented the allocation of approximately $643,000 in Coastal Resource Enhancement Fund (CREF) fees for 2012. Staff recommended allocating $296,497 to the Gaviota Coast Plan and $250,000 to the Guadalupe Dunes Bypass Road construction, with the remainder going to a deferral account. Staff noted that no acquisition requests were received for the current cycle.
- Public speakers included Mayor Alvarez (Santa Maria), who supported the Guadalupe Beach road project; Joanne St. John (Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network), who requested future funding for a larger facility for oiled wildlife response; Andy Caldwell (COLAB), who opposed the use of CREF funds for the Gaviota Coast Plan; and Dr. Johns, who suggested allocating a larger proportion of CREF funds to non-profit organizations serving vulnerable populations.
- Supervisors discussed the allocations. One supervisor moved to support staff’s recommendations but proposed deferring the $96,000 allocation for the Santa Claus Lane project to allow for further review. Another supervisor questioned whether the Santa Claus Lane project was properly included in the packet. Staff clarified that the board is not required to adopt only recommended items. Supervisors expressed varying levels of support for the allocations, with some citing the critical nature of projects in their districts and the temporary nature of the action due to budget deficits, while others expressed dissatisfaction with the process, specifically regarding the late addition of the Santa Claus Lane project and the lack of a competitive application process. Staff clarified that the Santa Claus Lane allocation would be treated as a funding mechanism with a separate Notice of Exemption under CEQA.
- The board voted on the inclusion of the Santa Claus Lane project in the CREF allocation. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 5: Hazardous Materials Program Fee Ordinance
- The Fire Department presented a proposal for a 9.9% increase in Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) fees for 2012 to achieve full cost recovery, attributed to rising salary and benefit costs. The department noted recent cost-saving measures and a reorganization of the HAZMAT unit.
- Public speakers included John McConnell (Independent Automotive Professionals Association), who opposed the fee increase citing the economic downturn and questioning fee usage; and Andy Caldwell (COLAB), who opposed the increase and requested deferral until an audit of the program is completed.
- Supervisors discussed the item. One supervisor supported the staff’s work on cost recovery. Another supervisor opposed the increase, arguing it was inappropriate to impose a 10% increase on businesses facing economic difficulties. A third supervisor reiterated that cost recovery prevents the burden from falling on general taxpayers. A fourth supervisor supported the item, citing the county’s mandate for full cost recovery and the Fire Department’s lean operations.
- A motion was made to approve the item, with an amendment to waive the reading of the ordinance in its entirety and move it to the second hearing. The motion was seconded. The item passed.
Agenda Items 6 & 7: Economic Hardship Time Extension Ordinance Amendments
- Planning and Development presented amendments to extend the sunset date of the Economic Hardship Time Extension ordinance from January 12, 2012, to January 12, 2015. The amendments allow the Director to grant more than one two-year extension, provided the permit is due to expire within six months of the application. The recommendation was to approve the amendments to the County LUDC, Montecito LUDC, Article 2 Coastal Zoning Ordinance, and Montecito Growth Management Ordinance.
- Supervisors discussed the amendments. One supervisor supported the amendments as a nimble response to the economic climate. Another supervisor inquired about the definition of "economic hardship" and the documentation required. Staff explained that applicants must provide an explanation of their situation and efforts to initiate construction, with no rigorous requirement for loan denial proof. Staff noted that since 2009, 20 hardship applications were submitted, with 19 granted and 1 denied (later appealed). The supervisor expressed satisfaction that the process is not being abused.
- Item 6 (County LUDC Amendments): A motion was made and seconded. The item passed.
- Item 7 (Montecito LUDC, Article 2, and Growth Management Ordinance Amendments): A motion was made and seconded. The item passed.
Agenda Item 8: Hydraulic Fracturing Permit Requirements
- Planning and Development presented amendments to the County Land Use and Development Code and Article 2 Coastal Zoning Ordinance to clarify permit requirements for hydraulic fracturing. The amendments require an Oil Drilling and Production Plan for hydraulic fracturing, even if an existing plan is in place, unless modified. The code was amended to change the determination of environmental impact from "as determined during a site visit" to "as determined by the director," allowing for broader analysis including air emissions and public safety. The action is categorically exempt from CEQA under Sections 15308 and 15265. Fire Marshal procedures were also updated to require business plans prior to the storage of hazardous materials.
- Public speakers included Chris Rather (Rancher), who supported the code changes; Andy Caldwell (COLAB), who opposed the approach and argued hydraulic fracturing is an engineering and geological issue; Gayla Schwenko (Citizen), who supported the amendments as a reasonable compromise; Jimmy Dominguez, who expressed concern regarding water pollution and requested baseline water testing; and Nathan Alley (Environmental Defense Center, et al.), who supported the adoption of staff recommendations and emphasized the importance of the Environmental Impact Report process.
- Supervisors discussed the item. One supervisor stated that the board has listened to constituents and that the proposed steps are appropriate and cautious, noting that while supporting the oil industry as an employer, the priority is public health and safety. Another supervisor expressed support for the item, noting that the process provides clear rules for industry and the community and that CEQA reviews geology, water quality, and agricultural resources.
- A motion was made to adopt the recommended actions for the item. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session Report
- The Chair asked for a report from closed session. The board considered three items scheduled for closed session; there were no items to report to the public.
Agenda Item: Recognition of Volunteer Foster Markoff
- The Chair recognized Foster Markoff for his volunteer work in spearheading the initiative to make Carpinteria the first smoke-free city in the county. The ordinance prohibits smoking in all outdoor locations, including parks, beaches, and public streets. Markoff credited the Tobacco Prevention Office and the City of Carpinteria’s planning department. He noted that Carpinteria was the sixth city in California to adopt a comprehensive secondhand smoke ordinance and cited statistics on secondhand smoke deaths and cigarette butt litter.
Agenda Item A1: Resolution Honoring Food from the Heart
- Supervisor Wolf introduced Kelly Onan, who described the organization’s work. Food from the Heart is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that prepares and delivers healthy, home-cooked meals to homebound individuals in need. The organization serves approximately 135 clients weekly, 52 weeks a year, free of charge. The board adopted a resolution honoring Food from the Heart for their dedication to serving healthy meals to those in need. The resolution passed and was adopted.
Agenda Item A2: Resolution Honoring Kids Helping Kids
- Supervisor Wolf introduced Kelly Shara (CEO) and Greg Peterson (CFO) of Kids Helping Kids, a student-run nonprofit at San Marcos High School. The organization, founded in an AP Economics class, raises funds for local charities. They raised over $160,000 last year and over $500,000 total, making them the largest single contributor to the Unity Shop. Funds have supported various causes, including medical needs for students and staff, and international aid. The board adopted a resolution honoring and commending Kids Helping Kids for their outstanding contributions to the community. The resolution passed and was adopted.
Agenda Item A3: Resolution Recognizing Zavini Khan-Marcus
- Supervisor Farr introduced Zavini Khan-Marcus, the founding director of the UCSB Multicultural Center. She has served in this role since 1989, overseeing the center’s growth and the development of various cultural and arts programs, including the World Music Series and Heritage Months. The center serves over 20,000 community members annually. The board adopted a resolution recognizing Zavini Khan-Marcus as the 2011 Leadership in the Arts Award recipient for the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission. The resolution passed and was adopted.
Agenda Item: Employee of the Month Recognition (Sherman Hansen)
- The board recognized Sherman Hansen, Mid-County Operations Manager for County Parks, as the Employee of the Month for December 2011. Hansen has been with the department for 21 years, starting as a ranger trainee. He manages Halama Beach Park and Kachuma Lake Recreation Area. The board adopted a resolution of commendation for Sherman Hansen. The resolution passed and was adopted.
Agenda Item 9: Santa Barbara County Jail Northern Branch Jail Update and AB 900 Phase 2 Application
- Sheriff Brown presented a recommendation to apply for an AB 900 Phase 2 grant for a new jail facility in North County.
- Background: The county has a long-standing need for additional jail capacity. A previous AB 900 Phase 1 conditional award of $56.3 million was received but not utilized due to economic constraints and the 25% match requirement. Criminal justice realignment (AB 109) has increased the jail population with long-term inmates requiring medical and mental health services.
- Phase 2 Proposal: The Phase 2 grant offers state funding of up to 90% of eligible costs. The recommended proposal is for a 376-bed facility (an increase of 72 beds over the original 304-bed plan) including a purpose-built correctional treatment center with 16 medical and 16 mental health beds.
- Financial Comparison: The Phase 2 proposal reduces the county’s capital match by $4.6 million compared to the original plan. It also lowers net operating costs and debt service. The estimated annual operating cost remains in the $17 million range.
- Risks: The application is subject to a pass/fail review. If not recommended for funding, the county can withdraw and retain the Phase 1 award. There is a risk that relinquished Phase 1 funds may not remain in the medium county allocation, though legislative intent suggests they will.
- Recommendation: The Sheriff recommended approving the submission of the Phase 2 grant application, citing the opportunity for state funding, improved public safety, and economic benefits.
- Supervisors asked questions regarding projected net operating costs under Phase 2, which were confirmed to remain in the $17 million range. Another supervisor asked for an estimate of the actual construction cost by the time construction begins, noting that the original project cost had increased by $3 million between 2008 and 2011. Staff indicated that projected cost increases over the next five years are significantly less than those seen previously, and estimated the staffing and services cost for fiscal year 2017-2018 to be approximately $17.5 million.
- Staff presented the estimated capital costs for the new jail project. The county’s share of the capital cost was projected at approximately $15.2 million, a figure that includes escalation to the midpoint of construction (estimated for September 2016). Staff noted that approximately $5.7 million has already been spent, reducing the remaining capital need to slightly less than $10 million. Staff indicated that the Debt Advisory Committee (DAC) had not yet formally reviewed the capacity to issue Certificates of Participation (COPs) for this amount, but staff believed the county had the capacity to issue approximately $11 million in debt, with estimated annual debt service of approximately $960,000.
- Supervisors and staff discussed the ongoing operations and maintenance costs, which are projected to reach approximately $17.5 million annually once the facility is fully staffed and operational, excluding interest costs. Staff explained the proposed funding mechanism, which involves a two-part process: 1. An annual "ongoing General Fund Contribution" (GFC) that increases over time. 2. A cumulative "savings account" or pot of money formed by setting aside one-time funds each year.
- Staff projected that by fiscal year 2017-18, the county would have accumulated nearly $25 million in this savings account, in addition to the ongoing GFC. The plan envisions using the ongoing GFC combined with portions of the accumulated savings to cover operations costs until the GFC alone is sufficient to cover the full operational budget, a point estimated to occur around 2021-2022. Staff noted that this plan relies on the assumption that the general fund will continue to grow at an average rate of approximately 5.37% annually, as seen in the previous 12 years. Staff also mentioned potential additional revenue sources, such as increases in AB 109 state funding or future bond measures, which could offset some of the general fund contributions.
- Supervisors inquired about the legal binding nature of the application and the timeline for final board approval. Staff clarified that the application includes statements indicating the county is prepared to proceed immediately if awarded funds. Legal counsel explained that while the current resolution does not assign final authority to the Sheriff, the state’s Request for Applications (RFA) requires the county to provide assurance of appropriations for construction within 12 to 16 months of a conditional award. Specific follow-on agreements, including a 50-year ground lease and construction agreements, would require board approval and potentially "forfeits" votes if executed outside of regular budget hearings or if financed via COPs. Staff emphasized that the board retains control over these final commitments.
- A Supervisor raised concerns regarding conflicting information in the application regarding the repair of the jail’s sewer system. Staff clarified that the county is currently reviewing proposals to potentially privatize food service to save an estimated $150,000 to $300,000 annually. This review is being coordinated with General Services to determine if the sewer system and kitchen remodel can be completed simultaneously to avoid duplicate costs. Staff confirmed that the sewer repair does not require the new North County Jail to be open first and that the county is not currently in the process of privatizing, but rather evaluating options.
- Public speakers addressed the board:
- A former Deputy Chief Probation Officer supported the jail construction, citing long-standing overcrowding issues and the need for a facility that can handle inmates under AB 109 realignment.
- A former coordinator for family violence prevention suggested developing new economic growth and revenue streams in North County to fund the jail and other services.
- A speaker criticized the board and county officials, attributing the jail overcrowding to racial bias in the justice system and urging the county to focus on reducing incarceration rather than building new facilities.
- A resident with health issues expressed general support for the county’s community services.
- The former chair of the Blue Ribbon Commission recommended approving the application but warned that the jail would become overcrowded quickly without significant investment in recidivism reduction programs.
- A speaker argued against the jail construction, suggesting that funds should be directed toward evidence-based treatment programs for mental health and substance abuse, which they identified as the root causes of jail population.
- A speaker representing the Families Act organization similarly advocated for directing funds toward treatment for mental health and substance use disorders rather than jail construction, citing high recidivism rates.
- A speaker representing the Santa Barbara County Republican Party supported the proposal, noting it does not involve a tax increase and addresses the need for increased jail capacity due to state prison realignment.
- A motion was made to approve the recommendations before the board. The motion was seconded. The board voted on the motion. The motion passed.
Board Member Report
- The Chair reported that the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is contemplating an initiative to guarantee funding for realignment obligations. This would require a $6 million investment financed by the CSAC Finance Corporation, which would result in increased dues for the county board. The Chair requested that this item be placed on the agenda for discussion, noting a meeting in Sacramento on January 5th to discuss the board’s position.
Adjournment and Tribute
- The Chair proposed adjourning the meeting. Before concluding, the Chair offered a tribute to Ray Anderson, who passed away at the age of 92. The Chair noted that Anderson was born in Goleta, moved to Lompoc, and was an athlete who participated in multiple track and field events and baseball on the same day. The Chair stated that Anderson was drafted for a AAA team but served in the military in the Aleutian Islands, and that he is in the Lompoc athletes' Hall of Fame. The Chair thanked Anderson for his life. The meeting was adjourned.