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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD OF SUPERVISORSAugust 14, 2012

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BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 August 14, 2012

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Meeting Summary

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At a glance

Agenda Changes

  • Staff added Item 840 to approve a side letter delaying a 2.5% wage increase for Firefighters Local 2046.
  • Public Works withdrew Item A-24 regarding Phase 3 recycled water distribution recommendations.
  • The withdrawn item is scheduled to return to the Board at a later date.

Resolution Recognizing Old Town Market

  • The Board presented a resolution recognizing Old Town Market as the 2012 Business of the Year.
  • The award cited the business’s support of the community and local events.
  • The resolution was adopted by the Board.

Resolution Recognizing AYSO Lompoc Nationals

  • The Board presented a resolution recognizing the AYSO Lompoc Nationals Under 12 Boys soccer team.
  • The resolution detailed the team’s victory in the national championship game.
  • The resolution was adopted by the Board.

Budget Revisions

  • The Board requested to continue one specific budget revision (0002421) for one week.
  • A motion was made to approve Item A11 excluding the specified budget revision.
  • The motion passed, allowing the remaining revisions to proceed.

Child Support Awareness Month Report

  • Staff presented a report regarding Child Support Awareness Month activities.
  • A representative discussed program goals, office locations, and extended hours for August.
  • The item was received and filed by the Board.

Countywide Library System Agreement

  • Staff presented recommendations for the 2012-2013 agreement for the countywide library system.
  • Representatives from the Lompoc Public Library System and Zone 3 libraries provided input.
  • The item was approved as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.

Cathedral Oaks Village Subdivision

  • Staff presented a resolution to vacate county interest in the Cathedral Oaks Village subdivision.
  • Speakers opposed the vacation, arguing it would relinquish resources for future utility and fire access.
  • The Board noted the Planning Commission’s unanimous vote to move forward with the vacation.
  • The item was approved as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.

Oil and Gas Properties Overview

  • Staff explained the legal framework for taxing oil and gas properties, distinguishing surface and mineral rights.
  • Staff reported a 270% increase in recorded oil and gas documents from 2010 to 2011.
  • The Board received and filed the report, noting the need for additional resources for the mineral program.

Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services RFP Contract Award

  • The Board awarded a contract to Health Management Associates for Project 1 of a four-part analysis.
  • The contract amount is not to exceed $115,000, with a stipulation to prioritize work product over travel expenses.
  • The motion carried with one dissenting vote.

Grand Jury Report on CARES Crisis Residential North

  • Staff presented a Grand Jury report identifying the 12-bed facility as an underutilized mental health asset.
  • The Board emphasized utilizing the facility for local residents before prioritizing outreach to neighboring counties.
  • The Board adopted the response letter with modifications to reflect local utilization priorities.

FAA Building D Addition Construction Contract Award

  • Staff determined the low bid from KJ Kane Incorporated was non-responsive due to missing fire alarm subcontractors.
  • The Board approved the award of the contract to the second low bidder, DeAnne Building Corporation.
  • The motion to find the low bid non-responsive and award the contract passed.
Failed 0–3

Appeal of Abandoned Vehicles (925 Ballard Canyon Road)

  • The Board continued the item to allow for a site visit to determine vehicle operability.
  • The property owner agreed to meet with staff at the property within the 15-day window.
  • The motion to continue the item to the September 11 hearing passed.

Implementation Status of the County’s Air Support Unit

  • The Sheriff and Fire Chief provided an update on the Consolidated Air Support Unit operations.
  • The Board noted an estimated annual savings of $250,000 to $270,000 from the consolidation.
  • The Board requested a status update in six months to review progress toward full mission capability.

Quarterly Assembly Bill 109 Public Safety Realignment Impacts Report

  • Staff presented the third operational quarter report on AB 109 impacts for the Sheriff’s and Probation Departments.
  • Jail population increased by 6.5% compared to the first half of 2011, primarily due to AB 109.
  • The Board received and filed the report, noting ongoing efforts to fill service gaps in counseling and employment.

Appeal of Brown Grading and Horse Arena Project

  • Staff recommended denying the land use permit due to inconsistencies with hillside and watershed protection policies.
  • The Board upheld the appeal and denied the project de novo with required CEQA findings.
  • The motion passed 3-2, with one Supervisor abstaining.

Grand Jury Report on Reducing Truancy Throughout the County

  • Staff presented the Board’s response to the Grand Jury report on truancy reduction.
  • The Board clarified that estimating money lost to truancy is not within its jurisdictional authority.
  • The motion to approve the responses passed.

Grand Jury Report on LHCDC Oversight

  • Staff explained that auditing all organizations receiving over $100,000 is not reasonable due to volume.
  • The Auditor-Controller proposed a risk-based model for sampling audits and reporting annual expenditures.
  • The Board accepted staff’s recommendation for the response to the Grand Jury.

Closed Session

  • The Board reported out of closed session regarding the matter of Susan Klucker v. County of Santa Barbara.
  • The Board approved a settlement in the amount of $75,000 for all current and future medical claims.
  • The settlement was approved with one vote in favor and one vote against.

Full summary

Meeting Overview

  • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors convened for its regular meeting on August 14, 2012. The Board called the roll, with all members present, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A report was provided from a closed session security briefing requested by the Sheriff’s Department.

Approval of Minutes

  • A motion was made to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2012 meeting. The motion was seconded and passed.

Agenda Changes

  • Staff reported two changes to the agenda: 1. Item 840 (Added): An administrative item from the County Executive Office requesting approval of a side letter agreement with Santa Barbara County Firefighters Local 2046 to delay a previously negotiated 2.5% wage increase. 2. Item A-24 (Withdrawn): A request from Public Works to withdraw the item regarding recommendations for a Phase 3 recycled water distribution project in the 4th District. Public Works stated it would return the item to the Board at a later date.

Administrative Agenda – Resolutions

  • Item A1: Resolution Recognizing Old Town Market
  • A resolution was presented recognizing Old Town Market as the recipient of the Orchid Lions Club 2012 Business of the Year award, citing the business’s support of the community and local events. The resolution was adopted.
  • Item A2: Resolution Recognizing AYSO Lompoc Nationals
  • A resolution was presented recognizing the AYSO Lompoc Nationals Under 12 Boys soccer team as national champions, detailing their victory in the national championship game. The resolution was adopted.

Administrative Agenda – General Items

  • Items A11, A12, A13, and A17 (Initial Motion)
  • The Board requested to pull Items A11, A12, A13, and A17 for individual discussion. A motion was made to approve the balance of the administrative agenda items not yet discussed. The motion passed.
  • Item A11: Budget Revisions
  • A request was made to continue one specific budget revision (0002421) for one week. A motion was made to approve Item A11 excluding the specified budget revision. The motion passed.
  • Item A12: Child Support Awareness Month Report
  • Staff presented a report regarding Child Support Awareness Month. A representative from the Child Support Program discussed the program’s goals, office locations, and extended hours for August. The item was received and filed.
  • Item A13: Countywide Library System Agreement
  • Staff presented recommendations regarding the 2012-2013 agreement for the operation of the countywide library system. Public comment was provided by representatives from the Lompoc Public Library System and Zone 3 libraries. The item was approved as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.
  • Item A17: Cathedral Oaks Village Subdivision
  • Staff presented a resolution to vacate county interest in the Cathedral Oaks Village subdivision in the 2nd District.
  • Public Comment: Two speakers opposed the vacation of the county interest, arguing it would relinquish a county resource necessary for future utility loops, fire access, and transportation connections.
  • Board Discussion: A Supervisor noted that the Board had previously considered this item during the original plan approval and that the Planning Commission had unanimously voted to move forward with the vacation as recommended by the Board.
  • Decision: The item was approved as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.
  • Recognition of Volunteers
  • A Supervisor recognized Robert Dickerson for his reappointment to the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and thanked another Supervisor for organizing a luncheon for commissioners in the 4th and 5th Districts.
  • Final Administrative Agenda Motion
  • A motion was made to approve the balance of the administrative agenda items. The motion was seconded and passed.

Public Comment

  • Fifteen speakers addressed the Board. The majority of speakers requested that the Board appoint a special prosecutor to investigate and indict former District Attorney Thomas Sneddon and his staff for alleged fraud and evidence fabrication during the 2005 Michael Jackson trial. They submitted affidavits and statements supporting their claims. One speaker made allegations of racism against the Board and the District Attorney’s office. The Board did not take action on these requests during this segment.

Departmental Agenda – Item 1: Oil and Gas Properties Overview

  • Staff from the County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor presented an overview of the county’s oil and gas properties, explaining the legal framework for taxing property, distinguishing between surface rights and mineral rights, and detailing valuation methodologies based on Proposition 13 base values or market value. Staff referenced the Department of Conservation’s Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) website for public production data and noted the use of petroleum engineers to analyze complex sales and reserve estimates. Staff reiterated their request for Board support to hire petroleum attorneys and engineers to assist with outstanding assessment appeals.
  • Discussion on Reserves and Valuation: Staff explained the definitions of "proved reserves" under different regulatory frameworks, noting that California Property Tax Rule 468 requires assessors to include probable and possible reserves in taxable value.
  • Information Requests and Compliance: Staff discussed the process of obtaining data from oil companies, noting that approximately 50% of information requests are resolved informally, while legal involvement occurs in fewer than 50% of cases.
  • Appeal Statistics and Process: Staff reported that less than 3% of filed appeals proceed to a hearing, with 97% resolved by assessor staff. Complex cases involving values of $30 million or more typically take three to four years to resolve.
  • Assessment Timing and Impounds: Staff clarified that assessments are based on a specific lien date (January 1), and appeals address the value at that specific point in time. The Auditor-Controller’s office sets aside impounds for significant pending appeals.
  • Industry Activity: Staff presented data indicating a 270% increase in recorded oil and gas documents from 2010 to 2011, including over 200 new leases and transfers of over 20,000 acres. Staff requested additional resources for the mineral program due to increased activity.
  • Public Comment: A representative for CoLab stated that the county has significant remaining oil reserves and requested that the board invite industry representatives to present their views on reserves and economic potential.
  • Board Comments: Supervisors expressed appreciation for the staff’s presentation. One Supervisor noted that while oil prices increased by approximately 500% from 2002 to 2012, county property tax revenue from the sector increased by only 39%. Another Supervisor inquired about the possibility of staff providing scaled-down presentations to local organizations.
  • Motion and Vote: A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded and carried.

Agenda Item 2: Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services RFP Contract Award

  • The County Executive Office presented a recommendation to award a contract to Health Management Associates (HMA) for Project 1 of a four-part analysis of alcohol, drug, and mental health services. The scope includes reviewing the psychiatric inpatient care facility (PUF), crisis residential services, and institutions for mental disease (IMDs), and recommending service delivery models.
  • Selection Process: Eight firms responded to the Request for Proposal (RFP). A review team evaluated proposals using a weighted system. HMA was selected for Project 1 due to its experience in health systems restructuring and behavioral healthcare.
  • Contract Structure and Cost: The total budget for all four projects is $250,000. The current motion covers Project 1 with a contract amount of $115,000.
  • Team Introduction: HMA introduced key team members, highlighting their experience in California and other states.
  • Board Questions and Concerns: Supervisors asked how findings from different contractors would be integrated, if the team had reviewed the state audit report of the PUF, and raised concerns about the $23,000 allocation for "travel time." Staff explained that this is a not-to-exceed amount and committed to tracking these costs. Supervisors expressed concern about past restructuring efforts and requested specific examples of what HMA might recommend.
  • Public Comment: A representative for CoLab criticized the decision to hire an out-of-state consultant, arguing that the county should hire local management or learn from other counties.
  • Motion and Vote: A motion was made to award the contract to Health Management Associates for Project 1, not to exceed $115,000, with a stipulation directing staff to renegotiate the allocation of funds to prioritize work product over travel expenses and travel time. The motion was seconded and carried with one dissenting vote.

Agenda Item 3: Grand Jury Report on CARES Crisis Residential North

  • Staff presented an overview of the Grand Jury report titled "CARES Crisis Residential North, An Underutilized Mental Health Asset." The report identified the 12-bed facility as an efficient and effective post-acute transitional resource but noted low utilization. Key findings included that the medical community is not fully aware of the facility, and emergency room physicians are often reluctant to admit patients due to lack of patient history and administrative burdens.
  • Board Comments: Board members expressed concern about prioritizing outreach to neighboring counties before fully utilizing the facility for Santa Barbara County residents. It was suggested that the response letter should emphasize utilizing the asset for local residents first and include recommendations for working within the existing county system to improve referrals.
  • Motion: A motion was made to adopt Attachment A (the response letter) with modifications to reflect the Board’s comments regarding local utilization and internal system coordination, and to authorize the Chair to sign and forward the revised document to the presiding judge.
  • Vote: The motion was seconded and passed.

Agenda Item 4: Joseph Centeno Federal Aviation Administration Building D Addition – Construction Contract Award

  • Staff presented a hearing regarding the award of a construction contract for a $950,000 addition and remodel to the FAA building. Five bids were received. The apparent low bid was from KJ Kane Incorporated ($841,000), and the second low bid was from DeAnne Building Corporation ($905,000). Staff identified a defect in KJ Kane’s bid: the failure to list fire alarm and fire protection subcontractors, which is required by California contracting law if the work exceeds 0.5% of the total bid. Staff determined KJ Kane’s bid was non-responsive and recommended awarding the contract to the second low bidder, DeAnne Building Corporation.
  • Appellant Statement: A representative for DeAnne Building Corporation supported the staff recommendation, citing the unfair advantage created by KJ Kane’s non-compliance with public contract codes.
  • Low Bidder Statement: A representative for KJ Kane Incorporated argued that the plans were ambiguous regarding the scope of fire alarm work, stating they had budgeted for it in general conditions and provided bids for sprinkler systems. They suggested the project should be rebid.
  • Staff Response: Staff clarified that bidders had the opportunity to submit questions during the bid period and that the second low bidder’s bid included the necessary fire protection work for the entire project.
  • Motion: A motion was made to approve items A through G as recommended by staff, finding the low bid non-responsive and awarding the contract to the second low bidder.
  • Vote: The motion was seconded and passed.
Failed 0–3

Agenda Item 5: Appeal of Hearing Officer Decision – Abandoned Vehicles (925 Ballard Canyon Road)

  • Staff presented a hearing regarding an appeal of a decision to abate inoperable vehicles at 925 Ballard Canyon Road. The ordinance prohibits inoperable vehicles from being in plain view. Staff reported that despite notices and a hearing officer’s decision requiring the owner to remove the vehicles or prove operability, the vehicles remained. Staff recommended affirming the hearing officer’s decision and directing the owner to remove the vehicles or prove operability within 15 days, failing which the County would abate the vehicles and bill the owner.
  • Appellant Statement: The property owner, John Heumann, argued that the vehicles were not "plainly visible" as defined by the law (free from obstruction) and cited previous approvals for camping on the property. He stated he was willing to work with staff but maintained his legal position.
  • Board Discussion: Board members discussed the visibility of the vehicles based on photographs and site visits. Staff clarified that if the vehicles are operable, they may remain in view; if not, they must be screened or removed. The Board explored the possibility of moving the vehicles to a screened location on the property.
  • Resolution: The Board decided to continue the item to allow for a site visit to determine vehicle operability. The property owner agreed on the record to meet with staff at the property on a specific date (next Tuesday at 9 a.m.) within the 15-day window.
  • Motion: A motion was made to continue the item to the September 11 hearing, closing the public hearing portion of the case and allowing time for the site visit and potential resolution.
  • Vote: The motion was seconded and passed.

Closed Session Report

  • The Board reported out of closed session regarding the matter of Susan Klucker v. County of Santa Barbara. The Board approved a settlement in the amount of $75,000 for all current and future medical claims. The settlement was approved with one vote in favor and one vote against.

Agenda Item 6: Implementation Status of the County’s Air Support Unit

  • The Sheriff and Fire Chief provided an update on the Consolidated Air Support Unit, which has been in operation since July 1. They highlighted a recent rescue on Santa Cruz Island where the unified unit transported a patient to a cath lab and then responded to a wildland fire. They noted ongoing challenges related to mechanical maintenance and staffing/training but expressed confidence in the unit's progress toward becoming fully mission-capable.
  • Asset Status: As of the presentation, four helicopters were available for immediate deployment, while Copter 309 was out of service for repairs and Copter 3 was undergoing refurbishment. The unit operates out of a single hangar at San Ynez.
  • Personnel and Training: The unit consists of sheriff and fire employees, including four pilots and two mechanics. Challenges remain in cross-training personnel across different aircraft types and maintaining currency for "carting" (qualifications for flying in CAL FIRE and U.S. Forest Service jurisdictions).
  • Administrative Progress: A joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed, and a combined policies and procedures manual is being updated. The unit has adopted a new logo and motto, "Simul Nos Suicidant" (Together We Succeed).
  • Financials: The board noted an estimated annual savings of $250,000 to $270,000 resulting from the consolidation.
  • Board Questions: Board members asked questions regarding the timeline for "carting" qualifications, the availability of aircraft for immediate response, and the logistics of pilot licensing and maintenance. A Supervisor requested that future updates include specific timelines for action items. Another Supervisor suggested a follow-up status update in six to nine months.
  • Motion: A motion was made to receive the presentation describing the implementation status of the County Air Support Unit and to request that the Sheriff and Fire Department return to the board for a status update in six months.
  • Second: A Supervisor seconded the motion.
  • Vote: Passed.

Agenda Item 7: Quarterly Assembly Bill 109 Public Safety Realignment Impacts Report (April–June 2012)

  • Representatives from the Executive Office, Probation Department, and Sheriff’s Department presented the third operational quarter report for AB 109 Public Safety Realignment.
  • Sheriff’s Department Update:
  • Jail Population: The average daily population increased by 6.5% compared to the first half of 2011, primarily due to AB 109 impacts. However, compared to 2010, the increase was only 3.5%.
  • GPS Monitoring: The number of inmates on GPS monitoring rose by 65% compared to the first half of 2011, averaging approximately 120 per month. Conformance rates with GPS conditions remained stable or improved despite the increased caseload.
  • Early Releases: Early releases increased by 75% compared to the first half of 2011. However, historical data showed that 2011 had multi-year lows in early releases, making the 2012 numbers comparable to or lower than 2009 and 2010 levels.
  • Staffing: Recruitment efforts are ongoing to fill vacant custody deputy positions. In the last 12 months, 19 custody deputies were hired from 879 applicants.
  • Data Reporting: The department is working on an IT solution to better separate and track different categories of AB 109 inmates (e.g., parole violations vs. new charges).
  • Probation Department Update:
  • Supervision Numbers: As of July 31, there were 332 Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) offenders under probation supervision, exceeding projections by 7%. There were 48 Post-Sentence Supervision (PSS) offenders, which is higher than the initial projection of 37 but considered a positive trend for case management.
  • Service Gaps and New Initiatives:
  • Counseling: Contracts for sex offender treatment are in place; domestic violence counseling contracts are pending in North County and being negotiated in South County.
  • Employment: Funding for job development was added in Year 2 (starting July 1), with services expected to be in place by the next quarterly review.
  • Housing: Contracts for clean and sober beds and detox beds are being expanded in both North and South County.
  • Mental Health: An AB 109 mental health clinic, staffed by ADMHS personnel and housed at the Probation Department, began operations on July 1.
  • Operational Changes: PRCS offenders were redirected from the Sheriff’s Day Report Center to Probation Report and Resource Centers (PRRCs) on July 1, resulting in rent savings and improved access to services.
  • Collaborative Response Teams: These teams, involving Probation and Sheriff’s deputies (with additional deputies joining in October and January), are designed to enhance monitoring and apprehend absconders. Santa Barbara County’s absconding rate (5.7%) was higher than the state average (4%), while the rate of offenders failing to report to probation (4.3%) was lower than the state average (7.1%).
  • Board Discussion: Board members discussed the timing for filling service gaps in counseling and employment, the utilization of budget rollovers, and the specific needs for housing and treatment capacity. A Supervisor emphasized the importance of including timelines in future reports. Another Supervisor expressed appreciation for the inter-agency collaboration.
  • Motion: To receive and file the quarterly AB 109 Public Safety Realignment Impacts Report.
  • Vote: Passed.

Agenda Item 10: Appeal of Brown Grading and Horse Arena Project (Out of Order)

  • The board took up Agenda Item 10 out of order at the request of a Supervisor, to allow parties to attend without waiting until the end of the meeting. The item is a hearing to consider recommendations regarding the appeal filed by John Salentine against the County Planning Commission’s de novo approval of the Brown Grading and Horse Arena project on Franklin Road in the Gleda area.
  • Ex Parte Communications: Board members disclosed communications since the previous hearing, including site visits and phone conversations with the applicants and appellant.
  • Hearing Format: The board outlined the format for the hearing: a five-minute staff presentation, followed by up to three minutes each for the appellant and the applicants, public comment, up to three minutes each for rebuttal, and then discussion by staff and the board.

Agenda Item: Salentine Appeal of the Brown Grading and Horse Arena Project

  • Staff presented findings recommending the denial of the land use permit on appeal. The presentation noted that the project is inconsistent with Goleta Community Plan policies regarding hillside and watershed protection, specifically citing the alteration of site topography, grading on slopes greater than 20%, and encroachment into the 50-foot buffer of the Franklin Creek environmentally sensitive habitat area. Staff stated that because the property owner is pursuing a land use permit to rectify violations, no Notice of Determination of Fines has been issued. Staff recommended that the Board approve the appeal, overturn the Commission’s previous denial, make the required findings for denial including CEQA findings, and deny the project de novo.
  • Appellant Statement: The appellant, Mr. Salentine, stated he was in agreement with the staff findings and hoped the Board would accept them.
  • Applicants Statement: The applicants, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, apologized for past mistakes and argued that the current land use permit should be finalized to resolve the issue quickly, noting that a new application would cause further delays and impacts. They stated they were willing to lower the arena elevation and reduce its size to accommodate the neighbor.
  • General Counsel Statement: Richard Capella, General Counsel for COMB, addressed a recent letter exchange with the Browns. He clarified that COMB’s responsibility under the emergency permit was limited to removing overburden from the South Coast conduit, while the placement of the excess fill was the responsibility of the Browns or their contractor. He stated that COMB had previously notified the Browns of the overburden threat.
  • Motion: A Supervisor moved to uphold the appeal, make the required findings for denial of the project including CEQA findings, and deny the project de novo. The motion was seconded.
  • Abstention: A Supervisor abstained from the vote, citing new information regarding the emergency permit and fill placement that he did not have a firm grasp on.
  • Vote: The motion passed 3-2.

Agenda Item 8: Grand Jury Report on Reducing Truancy Throughout the County

  • Staff presented the Board’s response to the Grand Jury report titled "Reducing Truancy Throughout the County, A Prudent Investment." The report commended the Board’s truancy subcommittee and supported the $170,000 budget investment approved in June. The report noted that truancy rates increased from approximately 20% to 30.76% after the previous program was defunded. The proposed response indicated that the Board would not implement the recommendation to estimate money lost to truancy or track results, as the Board lacks jurisdiction over school boards to compel such reports, though it would welcome the information if provided.
  • Board Discussion: A Supervisor suggested clarifying the language to state that the action is "not within our jurisdictional authority" rather than simply "not implemented," to avoid implying the schools would not act. Staff confirmed that the schools and the District Attorney are also required to respond separately to the Grand Jury.
  • Motion: A Supervisor moved to approve the responses A and B. The motion was seconded.
  • Vote: The motion carried.

Agenda Item 9: Grand Jury Report on Failure of Oversight in Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corporation (LHCDC)

  • A Supervisor recused herself from this item.
  • Staff presented the proposed Board response to the Grand Jury report titled "A Failure of Oversight in Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corporation." The report recommended that the Auditor-Controller conduct annual audits of all organizations receiving county funds in excess of $100,000. Staff explained that this recommendation was not implemented as written because it was not reasonable; the Auditor-Controller made payments over $100,000 to approximately 365 organizations in FY 11-12, and the cost of auditing all would be disproportionate. Instead, the Auditor-Controller proposed a risk-based model for sampling audits and reporting annual expenditures over $100,000 to the Board.
  • The report also recommended withholding funding from organizations that fail to supply complete records. Staff stated this would not be implemented as written because the reasonableness of withholding depends on the specific funding source laws and the severity of the non-compliance.
  • Board Discussion: Discussion focused on contract compliance and monitoring. A Supervisor asked about requiring annual financial submissions from contracting agencies. Staff explained that while contracts require financial statements, enforcement has been inconsistent, and the Auditor-Controller is working with the CEO’s office to form a contract committee to evaluate contract language and monitoring processes. Another Supervisor suggested implementing a "red flag" policy where agencies missing deadlines are immediately flagged for compliance review. The CEO stated that the responsibility for monitoring contracts lies primarily with the departments, and the new committee aims to clarify these responsibilities and improve communication between county departments.
  • Motion: A Supervisor moved to accept staff’s recommendation for the response to the Grand Jury. The motion was seconded.
  • Vote: The motion carried.

Adjournments and Recognitions

  • Adjournment in Honor of Matt Sanchez: A Supervisor offered an adjournment in honor of Matt Sanchez, a community member in the South Coast who passed away recently. He noted Sanchez’s work with at-risk youth and announced that his services are scheduled for August 25th at the Granada Theater.
  • Recognition of Susan Tresher: A member of the board provided a biographical overview of Susan Tresher, noting her birth in Glendale in 1928 and her graduation from Harvard Law School in 1955. The speaker detailed Tresher’s employment history, including her role as a permanent full-time attorney for the County of Santa Barbara starting in 1964, her assignment to the Planning Commission, and her retirement in 1982. The speaker also listed Tresher’s community involvements, including service on the boards of the Legal Aid Foundation, Santa Barbara Women Lawyers, and the Santa Barbara County Bar Association, as well as her receipt of the Attorney of the Year Award in 1998. Additionally, the speaker noted Tresher’s role as a stockholder in Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, where she became the first woman to serve on the board of directors.
  • Personal Remarks Regarding Susan Tresher: A Supervisor spoke regarding their personal knowledge of Susan Tresher, referencing her work with the County Council, the Planning Commission, and the Parks Commission. The Supervisor stated that they had interacted with Tresher during their time on the Planning Commission and while serving as Administrative Assistant for Supervisor Fletcher.
  • Recognition of Marion Odell Guest: A Supervisor recognized Marion Odell Guest, who died on July 24. The speaker noted that Guest’s son, Kenny O’Dell, was a musician who wrote songs including "Behind Closed Doors" and "Mama The Man's Crazy." The speaker stated that Guest lived in the Santa Maria Orchard area and taught music to local residents.
  • Adjournment: The Chair thanked the members and announced that the meeting was adjourned until the next scheduled meeting in Santa Barbara.