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 John Woodward
- Supervisor Carbajal presented a resolution honoring John Woodward for his service on the County Historic Landmarks Advisory Committee since 2002.
- Mr. Woodward and property owner Julia Carr spoke regarding his contributions to securing landmark status for local properties.
- The Board passed and adopted the resolution.
Resolution Commending the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Team
- Supervisor Farr presented a resolution recognizing the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Team for their support of victims.
- Team representatives and District Attorney Joyce Dudley discussed the team's role in navigating the justice system and introduced a therapy dog.
- The Board passed and adopted the resolution.
Resolution Proclaiming National Recovery Month
- Supervisors Carbajal and Lavagnino presented a resolution proclaiming September 2012 as National Recovery Month.
- Representatives from the Alcohol and Drug Prevention Continuum of Care provided statistics on local treatment services and state funding access.
- The Board passed and adopted the resolution.
Administrative Item A11: MPOWER SBC Funding Opportunities
- Supervisor Lavagnino requested the item be pulled for discussion to highlight community outreach and staff performance.
- Supervisor Wolff noted that 550 attendees were educated and over $250,000 in loan applications were submitted.
- Supervisor Carbajal expressed concern regarding participant numbers relative to investment and urged growth in participation.
Administrative Item A12: 2013 Health Insurance Program Renewal
- Supervisor Wolff requested the item be pulled for discussion, noting approximately $2 million in savings from lower-than-planned rate increases.
- He suggested using a portion of the unutilized savings for a one-time employee give-back or other purposes.
- The item was discussed as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.
No decision 0–0
Volunteer Recognition
- The Board honored the Sheriff’s Arrow Squadron, a volunteer pilot group formed in 1941.
- The group was recognized for its service in search-and-rescue, law enforcement support, and transportation.
Departmental Agenda Item 4: Goldsby and Goldsby K Appeal (Verizon Wireless Facility)
- Dr. Russell reported that the applicant and appellants agreed to a continuance to search for an alternative site.
- The Board voted to continue the item to October 9, with the option to continue again if necessary.
Departmental Agenda Item 1: Tentative Agreement with Santa Barbara County Firefighters Local 2046
- CEO Waller presented a tentative agreement extending the current MOU to February 28, 2016, with anticipated savings of $1.44 million in the current fiscal year.
- The agreement includes wage concessions, retirement offset changes, and COLA cost-sharing provisions for future workforce.
- Supervisors recognized the firefighters' voluntary concessions and understanding of economic realities.
- The Board voted to adopt the tentative agreement.
No decision 0–0
Public Health – Ordinance to Amend County Code Section 34B (Domestic Water Systems)
- Staff proposed amendments to construction standards for private water systems, including reduced pump test durations and stored water requirements.
- The proposal also requires periodic nitrate monitoring for small water systems and removes treatment requirements for secondary aesthetic standards.
- County Counsel advised proceeding with the item as structured to avoid re-noticing, with staff directed to work on modifications for second reading.
- The Board voted to approve staff’s recommendations.
Public Health – Ordinance to Amend County Code Chapter 34A (Wells)
- Staff presented proposed updates to the well ordinance, including increased annular space and seal requirements to prevent contamination.
- The changes align with current industry standards and were supported by the Ag Advisory Committee.
- Staff agreed to send copies of the ordinances to the Water Board for comment.
- The Board voted to approve staff’s recommendations.
No decision 0–0
Closed Session
- The Board recessed into closed session to discuss existing and anticipated litigation, including Kathleen Ulam v. County of Santa Barbara.
- The session included conferences with labor and real property negotiators regarding the property at 225 Toro Canyon Road.
Full summary
Meeting Convening and Pledge of Allegiance
- The regular session of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for September 4, 2012, was convened. Roll call was taken, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
No decision 1–0
Approval of Minutes (August 21, 2012)
- Motion: To approve the minutes of the August 21, 2012 meeting.
- Procedure: Motion by Supervisor Carbajal, seconded by Supervisor Wolff.
- Outcome: Passed.
Administrative Items A1–A3 (Resolutions)
- Motion: To approve items A1, A2, and A3.
- Procedure: Motion by Supervisor Carbajal, seconded by Supervisor Lavagnino.
- Outcome: Passed.
Resolution Honoring John Woodward
- Discussion: Supervisor Carbajal presented a resolution honoring John Woodward for his service on the County Historic Landmarks Advisory Committee since 2002 and his prior roles, including chairing the City of Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission. Mr. Woodward spoke regarding his service and the work of the commission. Julia Carr, owner of the Irene and Francis Rich Cabana, thanked Mr. Woodward for his support in securing landmark status for the property.
- Outcome: The resolution was passed and adopted.
Resolution Commending the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Team
- Discussion: Supervisor Farr presented the September 2012 Employees of the Month resolution for the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Team. The team members were listed. A representative of the team spoke about their work in supporting victims. District Attorney Joyce Dudley spoke about the team’s role in helping victims navigate the justice system and introduced Malvern, a therapy dog donated to the office. Supervisors Wolff, Lavagnino, and Carbajal offered comments recognizing the team’s work.
- Outcome: The resolution was passed and adopted.
Resolution Proclaiming National Recovery Month
- Discussion: Supervisors Carbajal and Lavagnino jointly presented a resolution proclaiming September 2012 as National Recovery Month in Santa Barbara County. Dr. Ann Dietrich and Genaro Valdez from the Alcohol and Drug Prevention, Intervention, Treatment and Recovery Continuum of Care spoke. John Richards, chair of the Alcohol and Drug Programs Board, provided statistics on local treatment services and the county’s ranking in accessing state funds for substance abuse treatment. Supervisor Carbajal recognized the staff of the Drug and Alcohol Division.
- Outcome: The resolution was passed and adopted.
Reception
- The Board took a break for a reception in honor of National Recovery Month.
Administrative Item A11: MPOWER SBC Funding Opportunities
- Discussion: Supervisor Lavagnino requested this item be pulled for discussion. He highlighted the program’s community outreach events and staff performance. Supervisor Wolff noted that 550 attendees had been educated at workshops, over $250,000 in loan applications had been submitted, and over 100 leads were generated for contractors. Supervisor Carbajal expressed concern about the number of program participants relative to the investment and urged growth in participation. Supervisor Gray shared his personal experience with a home energy assessment.
- Outcome: The item was discussed as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.
Administrative Item A12: 2013 Health Insurance Program Renewal
- Discussion: Supervisor Wolff requested this item be pulled for discussion. He noted the approximately $2 million in savings from lower-than-planned health rate increases. He suggested that if the savings are not fully utilized for a wellness program, the Board should consider using a portion of the funds for a one-time give-back to employees or other purposes, given that employee insurance rates are still rising.
- Outcome: The item was discussed as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.
No decision 0–0
Approval of Balance of Administrative Agenda
- Motion: To approve the balance of the administrative agenda.
- Procedure: Motion by Supervisor Wolff, seconded by Supervisor Lavagnino.
- Outcome: Passed.
Public Comment
- David Daniel Diaz: Spoke regarding an incident at Hammond’s Meadow cemetery site where county mowing allegedly caused a water pipe leak and exposed human remains. He requested the County investigate and protect the site. Supervisor Carbajal asked the CEO to determine which department has responsibility and report back.
- Shane Stark: Announced a series of ballot forums hosted by the League of Women Voters Education Fund in September at the Santa Barbara Library.
Volunteer Recognition
- The Board honored the Sheriff’s Arrow Squadron, a volunteer pilot group formed in 1941, for their service in search-and-rescue, law enforcement support, and transportation.
Departmental Agenda Item 4: Goldsby and Goldsby K Appeal (Verizon Wireless Facility)
- Discussion: Dr. Russell reported that both the applicant (Verizon) and the appellants’ attorney agreed to a continuance to search for an alternative site. The shot clock was extended to October 16. Dr. Russell recommended continuing to October 9 to allow an additional week before the deadline. Supervisor Carbajal asked if the date could remain open to either the 9th or 16th. The Chair suggested continuing to the 9th, with the option to continue again if necessary.
- Motion: To continue the item to October 9.
- Procedure: Motion by Supervisor Carbajal, seconded by Supervisor Wolff.
- Outcome: Passed.
Departmental Agenda Item 1: Tentative Agreement with Santa Barbara County Firefighters Local 2046
- Discussion: CEO Waller presented a tentative agreement to extend the current MOU to February 28, 2016. The agreement eliminates 1.5% of previously negotiated wage increases, reconfigures remaining salary increases (4% in 2013, 4% in 2014, 4.5% in 2015), eliminates a $70 per pay period employer-paid retirement offset for future workforce, and requires future workforce to share half of annual retirement COLA cost increases up to 2%. It also eliminates the employer-paid retirement offset for all employees effective June 23, 2014, and initiates negotiations in February 2014 regarding current employees sharing COLA costs. Anticipated savings are approximately $1.44 million in the current fiscal year, with $450,000 in ongoing savings.
- Comments: Supervisor Lavagnino recognized the firefighters for voluntarily giving up previously negotiated wage increases despite their contract not being expired. Supervisor Carbajal noted that the firefighters did not have to agree to concessions as their contract was not expired. Supervisor Gray expressed pride in the firefighters’ understanding of economic realities. Supervisor Wolf spoke in support of the agreement, acknowledging the bargaining process between Local 2046 and county staff, and noting the sacrifices made by county employees. Supervisor Lavagnino expressed gratitude for the agreement, citing the prevention of immediate service level impacts at a fire station in their district.
- Motion: To adopt the tentative agreement and move forward.
- Procedure: Motion by Supervisor Lavagnino, seconded by Supervisor Carbajal.
- Outcome: Passed.
No decision 0–0
Public Health – Ordinance to Amend County Code Section 34B (Domestic Water Systems)
- Discussion: Michelle Mickiewicz and Dave Brumman from Public Health presented a proposal to amend Chapter 34B of the County Code, which establishes construction standards for private and semi-private domestic water systems serving 1–14 connections. The proposed changes include:
- Reducing the well capacity pump test duration from 12 hours to 4 hours for wells producing over 50 gallons per minute, contingent on geologist certification.
- Reducing the required stored water for multiple parcel water systems from 2,500 gallons to 1,000 gallons per connection to align with single-parcel requirements.
- Requiring state small water systems (5–14 connections) to monitor nitrates and nitrites once every three years, in response to concerns from the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
- Removing the requirement for treatment if water fails to meet secondary (aesthetic) standards, while retaining the treatment requirement for primary (health-related) standards. In cases where secondary standards are not met and no treatment is provided, a notice must be recorded with the property deed.
- Q&A: Supervisor Wolf asked about backup power requirements; staff responded there is no specific requirement, though it is considered good practice. Supervisor Wolf inquired if fire department storage requirements would supersede the ordinance’s potable water storage limits; staff confirmed that fire department requirements would dictate tank sizing if they were greater. Supervisor Wolf raised a concern that the definition of "emergency" in the ordinance does not explicitly include impacts to the environment or creeks, only groundwater, crops, and livestock. Staff explained that runoff and creek pollution issues fall under the jurisdiction of the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the county’s NPDES permit, rather than Public Health’s authority under this specific ordinance. Supervisor Wolf suggested adding environmental protection language to the ordinance. County Counsel advised that adding new language at this stage would require re-noticing for a first reading unless precise language was provided immediately. Counsel recommended proceeding with the item as structured and directing staff to work on any desired modifications for potential inclusion at the second reading. Supervisor Gray noted the importance of ensuring any changes regarding water are reviewed by the Ag Advisory Committee. Supervisor Carbonell questioned whether land use ordinances already address creek contamination, suggesting a potential jurisdictional overlap. Staff reiterated that the proposed changes are within Public Health’s authority and that environmental runoff is handled by other agencies.
- Motion: To approve staff’s recommendations.
- Procedure: Motion by Supervisor Carbajal, seconded by Supervisor Wolf.
- Outcome: Passed.
Public Health – Ordinance to Amend County Code Chapter 34A (Wells)
- Discussion: Dave Brumman presented proposed changes to Chapter 34A, the well ordinance, which has not been revised since 1975. The proposed changes align with current industry standards and include:
- Increasing the annular space between the well casing and soil from 2 inches to 3 inches.
- Requiring a minimum 50-foot annular seal for all wells, regardless of intended use, to prevent surface water contamination and allow for future changes in land use.
- Requiring the construction of a cement pad around the wellhead.
- General language and formatting updates.
- Q&A: Staff noted that the Water Industry Advisory Committee provided minor comments which were incorporated, and the Ag Advisory Committee unanimously passed a resolution supporting the changes after several meetings to address their concerns. Supervisor Wolf asked if the ordinance was sent to the Water Board; staff indicated it was not, as the Board was less concerned with well construction than with water system monitoring. Supervisor Wolf suggested that if the Water Board provides feedback with concerns, it be brought back to the board. Staff agreed to send copies of the ordinances and a summary of changes to the Water Board for comment. Supervisor Lavagnino asked for clarification on what triggers new requirements for existing wells. Staff explained that adding a new connection triggers the new requirements. Supervisor Lavagnino asked if converting a guest house to a legal second unit would trigger the requirements. Staff clarified that detached guest houses are not considered connections, but converting them to permanent second residential units would increase the connection count and trigger the new requirements. Attached second units do not trigger the requirements. Supervisor Lavagnino asked if individual well water test results are automatically sent to the county; staff stated that while septic system inspection reports are required to be sent, individual well water tests are not, unless required for specific purposes like loans.
- Motion: To approve staff’s recommendations.
- Procedure: Motion by Supervisor Carbajal, seconded by Supervisor Wolf.
- Outcome: Passed.
No decision 0–0
Closed Session Agenda
- The Chair announced the board would recess into closed session. County Counsel listed the following items for closed session: 1. Existing litigation: Kathleen Ulam v. County of Santa Barbara. 2. One case of anticipated litigation with significant exposure. 3. Two cases of anticipated litigation regarding the decision to initiate. 4. Conference with labor negotiator and employer relations. 5. Conference with real property negotiator regarding the property at 225 Toro Canyon Road, Carpinteria District 1, involving the Carpinteria Unified School District, General Services, and Public Works staff, with price and terms of payment under negotiation.
- The meeting recessed into closed session.
Educational Program Segments (Earth System Science, MESA Competition, Junior Docents)
- Discussion: The transcript contains recorded segments from an educational television program titled "Innovations in Education."
- Earth System Science: A segment introduced Earth System Science, defining the four major subsystems (lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere) and their interactions. It included a review of mathematical representation standards and posed discussion questions for students regarding how Earth’s systems function as a whole.
- MESA Program: A segment featured the Mesa Math Engineering Science Achievement program, a state-funded initiative for academically disadvantaged students. Participants discussed the program’s focus on STEM fields, college preparation, and specific competitions such as robotics, mousetrap cars, and math contests. Students and staff described the preliminary competitions held at various universities (including Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UCSB) and the advancement of winners to regional finals.
- Junior Docents: A segment described a program where students from Los Olivos School serve as junior docents at the Wilding Art Museum. Participants discussed the training process, the role of leading tours for younger students, and the educational benefits of peer-to-peer learning in an art context.
- Motions/Decisions: None.
- Vote Outcome: N/A.
Public Health Services Promotion (Healthy for Life)
- Discussion: The transcript contains a recorded segment from a public health program titled "Healthy for Life," hosted by the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.
- Service Overview: The segment outlined the department’s network of six main health care centers (Franklin, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Santa Maria Women’s Health Care Center) and three satellite centers.
- Santa Barbara Clinic: Staff and patients described services including primary care, urgent care, urology, and neurology. A physician noted the clinic’s role as a safety net for uninsured or Medi-Cal patients and its status as a federally qualified health center.
- Franklin Health Care Center: Staff listed services including family practice, pediatrics, women’s health, immunizations, and a daily afternoon walk-in clinic. Hours were stated as Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Carpinteria Health Care Center: Staff listed services including family practice, pediatrics, women’s health, obstetrics, and immunizations. Hours were stated as Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Santa Maria Health Care Center: Staff described primary care, urgent care, immunizations, and a well-child clinic. They noted the availability of an in-house laboratory and pharmacy, as well as Saturday walk-in hours. Transportation options, including SMAT bus lines and bike lockers, were mentioned.
- Santa Maria Women’s Health Care Center: Staff described services including gynecology, obstetrics, family planning, and state-sponsored programs such as Family PAC and the Cancer Detection Program. Hours were stated as Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a Monday late clinic from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Lompoc Health Care Center: Staff listed services including adult primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, and a walk-in clinic. Saturday walk-in hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for acute illness were noted.
- Payment Options: The segment listed accepted payment methods, including Medicare, Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, Healthy Kids, Family PAC, Perinatal Plus II, and sliding-scale fee-for-service.
- Motions/Decisions: None.
- Vote Outcome: N/A.
Public Service Announcements and Community Outreach
- Discussion: The transcript includes brief public service announcements and community outreach segments.
- Recycling: An announcement informed residents of Santa Barbara County that clean plastic bags (produce, sandwich, bread bags, and bubble wrap) can be placed in blue recycling bins. It encouraged the use of reusable cloth bags and directed viewers to LessIsMore.org for more information.
- Mentorship: A segment featured young people discussing the importance of mentors and role models in achieving career goals, such as becoming doctors, lawyers, or engineers. It encouraged community members to mentor children.
- Nutrition: A segment demonstrated the preparation of a "veggie roll-up" using wheat tortillas, low-calorie cream cheese, and vegetables. It directed viewers to championsforchange.com or the Public Health Department for the recipe.
- Smoke-Free City Ordinance: A brief dialogue referenced a new ordinance for a "clean, green, smoke-free city." One speaker expressed support for the ordinance, while another expressed opposition, citing concerns about the number of existing laws. The segment ended without a resolution or formal vote.
- Motions/Decisions: None.
- Vote Outcome: N/A.
Smoking Regulations Overview
- Discussion: A speaker outlined the locations where smoking is prohibited, including public and private places open to the general public, common areas of multifamily dwellings, places of employment, enclosed and unenclosed areas of hotels, restaurants, bars, and other public accommodations, ticket/boarding/waiting areas of public transit depots and bus stops, and streets or sidewalks.
- Discussion: The speaker listed locations where smoking is permitted, including up to 25% of guest rooms in hotels that allow smoking, private residential properties, inside private automobiles when no minor child is present, unenclosed areas where no non-smoker is present and it is not reasonable to expect another person to arrive, and designated smoking areas.
- Decision/Vote: No motions, decisions, or votes were recorded in this segment.
Public Health Program Presentation (Una Vida Saludable)
- Discussion: Health educators Fidel Villanueva and Susie Herrera introduced a program aimed at promoting healthy behaviors to prevent health issues in the community.
- Discussion: The presenters discussed the Santa Barbara County Health Care Centers, noting that the clinic located at 345 Camino del Remedio is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Discussion: Dr. Takashi Wada, Public Health Director and Health Officer for Santa Barbara County, stated that the county’s ten clinics serve over 40,000 people annually, primarily individuals with public insurance, low income, or no health insurance, providing a critical safety net for medical needs.
- Discussion: A clinic representative explained that patients experiencing life-threatening emergencies should call 911 immediately. Patients with non-emergency conditions requiring immediate attention may visit the urgent care clinic without an appointment, while those with non-urgent conditions should schedule an appointment with their primary care physician.
- Discussion: A nurse, Lupe Paredes Reyes, was introduced to speak with the audience.
- Decision/Vote: No motions, decisions, or votes were recorded in this segment.