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
Agenda Changes
- The Board continued the Tahequs Landfill Phase 2 partial final closure construction hearing to October 16.
- The Board continued the Goolsbee and Goolsbee-K appeals regarding a Verizon wireless facility to November 6.
- The continuance for the Verizon facility was requested to allow time for searching an alternative location.
Sales Tax Clarification
- County Counsel confirmed that the City of Santa Maria sales tax increase applies only to the incorporated area.
- Businesses in unincorporated areas were advised not to raise their sales tax rates.
Good Samaritan Shelter Funding
- The shelter requested emergency funding for the Casa de Familia project due to frozen HUD funds.
- The County is following up with HUD to expedite the release of the frozen funds.
- The Board discussed the possibility of a bridge loan and placing the item on the next agenda if needed.
National Fire Prevention Week Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming October 7–13, 2012, as National Fire Prevention Week.
- Fire department representatives emphasized the importance of fire escape plans and smoke detector maintenance.
Energy Awareness Month Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming October 2012 as Energy Awareness Month.
- Representatives from the EmpowerSBC program and the Community Environmental Council discussed local energy efficiency initiatives.
National 4-H Week Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming October 7–13, 2012, as National 4-H Week.
- The 4-H representative and All Stars spoke about the program’s activities and youth development goals.
Park Hill Estates V.2 Appeal
- The Board set the hearing for the Park Hill Estates V.2 appeal for October 16.
- The Board indicated that a four-fifths vote would be required to accept any late filings from the appellants.
- Supervisors discussed the consistency of procedures regarding late materials and the fairness to the opposing party.
Commission for Women Annual Report
- The Board received and filed the 2011–2012 annual report from the County Commission for Women.
- Commissioners discussed the commission’s goals, activities, and future plans regarding women’s health and domestic violence.
- Supervisors suggested coordinating with the legislative committee and considering a CASA-like approach for family law cases.
No decision 0–0
Countywide Beach Parking Fees
- Staff presented two pricing models and financial estimates for potential beach parking fees.
- Public workshops and the Park Commission unanimously opposed the implementation of beach parking fees.
- The Board moved to receive and file the update and directed staff to discontinue the consideration of beach fees.
Closed Session
- The Chair presented the agenda for the upcoming closed session, including litigation and real property negotiations.
- The Board confirmed the agenda items and proceeded into closed session without a formal vote.
Full summary
Meeting Start and Roll Call
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors convened for its regular meeting on October 9, 2012. A roll call was taken, confirming the presence of all five supervisors. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the approval of the minutes from the October 2, 2012 meeting. A motion to approve the minutes with no changes was made and seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Changes
- The Clerk presented two requests for agenda changes: 1. Item A6 (Public Works): A request to continue the hearing regarding the Tahequs Landfill Phase 2 partial final closure construction to the October 16 meeting. 2. Item D3 (Planning and Development): A request to continue the hearing regarding the Goolsbee and Goolsbee-K appeals of the Montecito Planning Commission’s approval of a Verizon wireless facility. Mr. Shatillo spoke in support of the continuance, stating that Verizon agreed to extend the timeline to allow for the search of an alternative location. CEO Waller recommended November 6 to allow time for a potential further continuance to November 13. A motion was made to continue Item D3 to November 6 and seconded. The motion passed.
Public Comment
- Sales Tax Clarification: Supervisor Gray raised a concern that businesses in the unincorporated Orcutt area were incorrectly applying the City of Santa Maria’s recent sales tax increase. County Counsel confirmed that the city sales tax applies only to the incorporated area and advised that businesses in unincorporated areas should not raise their sales tax.
- Voter ID: A speaker commented on the political nature of voter ID requirements, stating that voter registration cards are sufficient identification.
- Good Samaritan Shelter Funding: Jack Boyce, representing Good Samaritan Shelter, requested emergency funding for the Casa de Familia project, a 16-unit apartment building for homeless families. He reported that $600,000 in HOME funds had been frozen by HUD due to audit scrutiny, causing cash flow issues for the contractor and subcontractors. CEO Waller stated that the County had submitted a response to HUD and was following up to expedite the review. Supervisors discussed the possibility of a bridge loan if HUD did not release funds promptly and suggested contacting federal representatives to expedite the process. Supervisor Gray suggested placing the item on the next agenda to be ready to act if needed.
- Santa Barbara City College: Lori Gaskin, President of Santa Barbara City College, expressed appreciation for the Board’s support of higher education.
Administrative Agenda
- A motion to approve the administrative agenda, excluding Item A-12, was made and seconded. The motion passed.
No decision 0–0
Resolutions
- 1. National Fire Prevention Week: A resolution was presented proclaiming October 7–13, 2012, as National Fire Prevention Week. Chief Dyer and other fire department representatives spoke about the importance of fire escape plans and smoke detector maintenance. The resolution was adopted. 2. Energy Awareness Month: A resolution was presented proclaiming October 2012 as Energy Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County. Representatives from the EmpowerSBC program and the Community Environmental Council spoke about county energy efficiency efforts and local initiatives. The resolution was adopted. 3. National 4-H Week: A resolution was presented proclaiming October 7–13, 2012, as National 4-H Week. Sherry Mills, the Santa Barbara County 4-H representative, and 4-H All Stars spoke about the program’s activities and youth development goals. The resolution was adopted.
Item A-12: Park Hill Estates V.2 Appeal
- The Board considered Item A-12, an appeal by the San Antonio Creek Homeowners Association and the California Native Plant Society of the Planning Commission’s approval of the Park Hill Estates V.2 project.
- Procedural Discussion: Mr. Nelson, representing the project team, supported the October 16 hearing date, citing state law timelines. Mr. Shatillo, representing the appellants, withdrew his request for a continuance but asked for permission to submit additional documents by noon on Monday, October 15, rather than the standard Friday deadline, citing the tight timeline and his recent involvement in the case.
- Board Discussion: County Counsel noted that the Board has the authority to accept late filings by a four-fifths vote. Supervisors discussed the consistency of accepting late materials and the potential impact on the opposing party’s ability to respond. Supervisor Carbajal emphasized the need for consistent procedures regarding late filings. Supervisor Gray expressed concern about the volume of late materials and the fairness to the other side. Supervisor Lavagnino noted that the 30-day hearing requirement under the Subdivision Map Act is an anti-stalling measure.
- Decision: The Chair indicated that the Board would likely require a vote to accept any late filings. A motion to approve Item A-12 (setting the hearing for October 16) was made and seconded. The motion passed.
Departmental Agenda: Commission for Women Annual Report
- The County Commission for Women presented its 2011–2012 annual report. Commissioners discussed the commission’s goals (accountability, customer focus, efficiency), activities (guest speakers, events, legislative advocacy, collaboration with other agencies), and future plans (recruiting for the "Friends of the Commission" fundraising arm, focusing on women’s health, domestic violence, and foster care). Supervisors expressed appreciation for the commission’s work and suggested sharing resource guides in their offices. Supervisor Wolf suggested coordinating with the County’s legislative committee for bill support. A board member suggested that the Women’s Commission consider a CASA-like approach for family law cases to assist children during parental divorces. Another board member thanked the board for their annual service award presentations and collaboration on social service issues, including domestic violence, foster youth, and health and aging. A motion to receive and file the presentation was made and seconded. The motion carried.
Agenda Item 2: Countywide Beach Parking Fees
- Staff Presentation:
- Staff read a revision to Recommendation C into the record regarding the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), finding that the recommended actions do not constitute a project under CEQA guidelines and directing staff to file a notice of exemption.
- Staff presented an update on beach parking fees, noting that the County currently charges $10 at Paloma Beach. Staff compared fee structures with other agencies (e.g., City of Santa Barbara: $2–$12/hour; City of Ventura: $8/day; State beaches: $10/day).
- Staff outlined two pricing models for consideration: a tiered approach (increasing hourly rates up to a daily maximum) and a flat fee approach (single daily rate).
- Financial estimates indicated potential annual revenue ranging from $1.6 million to $2.5 million. First-year implementation costs were estimated at approximately $1 million, with ongoing annual operational costs estimated at approximately $800,000.
- Staff reported that three public workshops were held in North County, South County, and in the evening. A total of 86 speakers participated, none of whom supported beach parking fees. The Park Commission voted unanimously to oppose beach parking fees and did not recommend a fee structure.
- Staff requested board direction regarding the continued exploration of beach parking fees.
- Board Discussion:
- Supervisor Wolf expressed consistent opposition to beach parking fees, citing affordability concerns for low-income families, impacts on surrounding communities, and negative effects on local restaurants. Noted that 86% of revenue from two specific beach restaurants comes from those establishments. Stated that public access to beaches is a foundational aspect of the county's identity and requested that the board discontinue the process of considering beach fees.
- Supervisor Gray asked whether the Park Commission had considered temporary fees specifically for Goleta Beach to fund the Goleta Beach 2.0 project. Staff confirmed that parking was evaluated as a single unit and no separate temporary fee structure for Goleta Beach was discussed. Gray also requested clarification on restaurant revenue figures; staff provided last fiscal year figures for concessionaires at the boathouse ($536,000) and Beachside Cafe ($246,000).
- Supervisor Carbajal acknowledged the thorough public process and the clear opposition from the public. Expressed understanding of the need for revenue but stated that beach fees are counter to county values and disproportionately burden low-income residents. Indicated a preference for exploring alternative revenue sources.
- Supervisor Lavagnino stated that while he opposes beach fees, the county must investigate all revenue options due to budget constraints. Highlighted the financial strain on the Parks Department, including staff cuts and maintenance challenges. Suggested that if the board opposes new fees, it should also consider removing existing fees at Halama Beach. Expressed opposition to the proposed business model due to the high cost-to-revenue ratio compared to other entities like the Santa Barbara City Harbor.
- Supervisor Wolf clarified that the Goleta Beach 2.0 project has a separate funding stream (CIAP grant) and should not be conflated with the countywide beach fee proposal. Reiterated that free beach access is a key community value.
- Supervisor Gray noted that residents in North County already pay fees to access state beaches and Halama Beach, and urged the board to consider the equity implications for low-income residents in areas like Guadalupe.
- Supervisor Wolf clarified that Halama Beach fees were historically associated with camping use, distinct from day-use beaches, and expressed openness to reviewing day-use fees at Halama Beach.
- Public Comment:
- Approximately 20 members of the public spoke, all opposing the implementation of beach parking fees.
- Speakers cited concerns regarding affordability for low-income families, the impact on local businesses and restaurants, the loss of free public access to beaches, and the negative effect on community character.
- Several speakers suggested alternative revenue sources, such as increasing the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), targeting oil and gas revenues, or reducing county expenditures (e.g., vehicle fleet costs).
- Some speakers advocated for the removal of existing parking fees at Halama Beach.
- One speaker representing COLAB argued that the board was not providing full context regarding the county’s fiscal crisis and suggested that temporary fees at specific locations (Goleta Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach) might be more appropriate than countywide fees, though they also opposed the current proposal.
- Staff (CEO Waller) thanked the public for their participation and recognized the park staff for their professionalism during the public input process.
- Board Final Comments:
- Supervisor Wolf reiterated opposition to beach fees, emphasizing that the high bar for implementing such a significant change has not been met. Noted that residents in the CSA3 area already pay additional fees for open space maintenance.
- Supervisor Lavagnino stated that beach parking fees should be a last resort for revenue generation, after exploring options such as oil severance taxes and TOT increases, which previously lacked sufficient board support to go to the ballot. Expressed concern about charging low-income communities in Guadalupe for access to their beach.
- Motion and Decision:
- Supervisor Wolf moved to receive and file the update on beach parking fees and to direct staff to discontinue the consideration of beach fees at this time.
- Supervisor Carbajal seconded the motion.
- The motion carried.
Closed Session Agenda Review
- The Chair presented the agenda for the upcoming closed session. The items listed included: 1. Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation (one case). 2. Conference with real property negotiators regarding two specific cases:
- Assessor’s Parcel Number 097371038 (Negotiators: Mr. Nesbitt and Cardellini; Negotiating Party: Mr. Alexander).
- Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 153170066, 153170062, and 15317063 (Negotiators: Mr. Nesbitt and Mr. Parker; Negotiating Parties: Managing agents of Severio Farming Inc.).
- 3. Conference with labor negotiators. The Chair confirmed the agenda items and stated that the board would proceed into closed session. No formal motion was recorded, and no vote was taken in this segment.