BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Agenda Changes and Administrative Notes

• Staff added an addendum regarding the extension and membership reduction of the Summerlin Planning Advisory Committee.
• Several items, including the Goolsbee & Goolsbee K Appeal and the SEIU MOU, were requested for continuance to future dates.
• Staff clarified that the Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building recommendation authorizes a landmark nomination through the City of Santa Barbara.
• The Tahequs Landfill item was trailed to the end of the day to be heard as a departmental agenda item.

Resolution: National Adoption and Permanency Month

• The Board recognized November 2012 as National Adoption and Permanency Month and presented the resolution to foster parents.
• The Department of Social Services Director announced her departure from the county, prompting remarks acknowledging her leadership.
• The resolution was adopted by the Board.

Item A10: Appointment to SenCal Health Board

• Supervisor Carbajal moved to designate Terry Nisich’s appointment as interim, noting the position should revert to the Social Services Director upon a new hire.
• The CEO supported the appointment due to Nisich’s broad oversight of social services, mental health, and public health.
• The motion to make the appointment interim and revisit it later passed.

Item A12: Elwood Pipeline Lease Amendment

• Supervisor Carbajal raised concerns about the adequacy of the $100,000 indemnification bond in the event of a pipeline rupture.
• Staff clarified that the pipeline company carries $2 million in pollution insurance and the lease requires $10 million in pollution liability coverage.
• The Board agreed to continue the item to December 4, 2012, to allow for further review of insurance adequacy.

Item A3: Weights and Measures Revenue Expenditure

• Supervisor Lavagnino requested the item be pulled for a separate vote, citing opposition to the program and concerns about hiring new staff before the new pension tier begins.
• Staff confirmed that hires are scheduled for after January 1, and a public speaker argued the program is costly and ineffective.
• The motion to pull the item for a separate vote passed.

Item A9: Toys for Tots and Holiday Unity Food Drive

• Representatives from Unity Shop and the Marine Reserves noted a significant drop in donations due to economic conditions and warehouse construction issues.
• They requested community support for food and toy donations to support the campaign.
• No formal vote was recorded, and the item proceeded to the balance of the agenda.

Item 1: Sheriff’s Project Delivery and Construction Agreement

• The item was to be withdrawn and resubmitted at a later date.
• The motion to withdraw the item passed.

Item 8: Goolsbee & Goolsbee K Appeal (Verizon Wireless Facility)

• Staff requested the item be continued to March 5, 2013, to allow parties to work toward an amicable solution.
• Supervisor Carbajal supported the continuance.
• The motion to continue the item to March 5, 2013, passed.

Item 2: Children’s Health Initiative Progress Report

• A presentation highlighted a 94% decrease in uninsured children since 2006 and increased enrollment in Medi-Cal and Healthy Families.
• Supervisors commented on the program’s cost-effectiveness and the importance of preventive care.
• The item was received and filed.

Healthy Families / Medi-Cal Transition Progress Report

• Staff noted that no children would lose coverage due to the transition and that a new Medi-Cal program offers improved coverage and eliminates premiums for some families.
• Supervisors expressed support for the program’s success in reducing emergency room visits and utilizing state and federal funds.
• A representative for COLAB questioned the necessity of the insurance program given the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
• The motion to receive and file the progress report carried.

Agenda Item 4: Environmental Health Services Body Art Fee Resolution

• Staff proposed new fees for body art in response to the Safe Body Art Act, including an annual facility health permit and practitioner registration.
• Supervisors and public speakers expressed concern that high fees might drive practitioners to operate illegally and questioned the justification for the fee structure.
• The Board indicated a direction for staff to re-examine the fee structure, provide more detailed justification, and return with a revised proposal.

Agenda Item 5: Public Works – Speed Limits

• Public Works presented a semi-annual update on speed limits, noting that 18 of 21 reviewed segments had speed limits reduced by 5 mph.
• One speed limit was reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph on Hot Springs Road, and one new segment was established on Apollo Way at 35 mph.
• The motion to approve the recommendations passed.

Agenda Item 3: County Executive Office / Human Resources – MOU with SEIU 721

• Staff requested to continue this item to the December 4th meeting to clarify communications received from the union regarding terms and conditions of employment.
• The motion to continue the item to the December 4th meeting passed.

Agenda Item 6: County Executive Office – Fiscal Year 2013–2015 Financial Outlook Report

• The Budget Director presented a projected budget gap of $12.4 million, driven by rising pension, health insurance, and workers’ compensation costs.
• Extensive discussion occurred regarding the funding mechanism for the new North County Jail, with concerns raised about the long-term sustainability of the reserve-based model.
• Staff summarized available funds to help balance the gap, including strategic reserves and unspent Prop 172 funds.
• The motion to receive and file the report carried.

Agenda Item 7: FY 2012-13 Financial Status Report (Q1)

• Staff reported a net positive of $114,000 for the General Fund despite a $1.3 million negative variance in general revenues.
• The projected year-end results show a $6.2 million favorable variance, which was not included in the previous fiscal outlook gap calculation.
• The motion to receive and file the report carried.

Agenda Item A20: Tahequs Landfill Resource Recovery Project (CEQA Contracts)

• Staff explained that the cost of the Environmental Impact Report and technical studies would be funded through a tipping fee increase.
• Staff clarified that the CEQA process requires a range of alternatives, including urban sites, and that no site is predetermined.
• The motion to approve the contracts for technical studies and air quality modeling passed.

Closed Session

• The board entered closed session to discuss anticipated litigation, labor negotiations, and the appointment of interim directors.
• Upon returning, the clerk reported that no reportable actions were taken during the closed session.

Meeting Start and Roll Call

• The regular session of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for November 13, 2012, was called to order. Roll call confirmed the presence of all five supervisors. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Minutes of November 6, 2012

• Motion: Approve the minutes of the previous meeting.
• Action: Motion by Supervisor Gray, seconded by Supervisor Wolf.
• Outcome: Passed.

Agenda Changes and Administrative Notes

• Staff reported the following changes and clarifications:
• Item 826 (Addendum): Added to the agenda regarding the extension of the Summerlin Planning Advisory Committee (SUNPAC) term and reduction of its membership.
• Item 8 (Goolsbee & Goolsbee K Appeal): Staff requested this item regarding a Verizon wireless facility be continued to the March 5, 2013, meeting.
• Item A13 (Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building): Staff clarified that the recommendation authorizes the county architect to file a landmark nomination through the City of Santa Barbara’s process, not the county’s.
• Item 825 (Resolution): Noted that this resolution would not be presented at this meeting but at another function.
• Item A20 (Tahequs Landfill): Staff requested this item be trailed to the end of the day to be heard as a departmental agenda item.
• Item D3 (SEIU MOU): Staff requested this item be trailed to the afternoon session after closed session.

Public Comment

• Andy Caldwell (CoLab): Spoke regarding the events ordinance, advocating for objective standards to balance revenue generation with neighborhood protection. He expressed concern about staff backing out of a ready-made ordinance proposal due to budget and time constraints.
• Volunteer Recognition: Dr. Lee Heller was recognized as the outstanding volunteer for the week for her work with County Animal Services.

Administrative Agenda

Resolution: National Adoption and Permanency Month

• Discussion: The Board recognized November 2012 as National Adoption and Permanency Month. Penny and Jeff, foster parents who adopted two children, were presented with the resolution. The Department of Social Services Director, Kathy Gallagher, announced this was her last board meeting before departing for a new opportunity. Several supervisors offered remarks acknowledging her leadership and the department's work.
• Outcome: The resolution was adopted.

Item A10: Appointment to SenCal Health Board

• Discussion: Supervisor Carbajal moved to designate the appointment of Terry Nisich as an interim appointment, noting that the position should revert to the Social Services Director once a new hire is made. CEO Waller supported the appointment due to Nisich’s broad oversight of social services, mental health, and public health.
• Motion: Make the appointment interim and revisit when a new Social Services Director is hired.
• Action: Motion by Supervisor Carbajal, seconded by Supervisor Wolf.
• Outcome: Passed.

Item A12: Elwood Pipeline Lease Amendment

• Discussion: Supervisor Carbajal raised concerns about the adequacy of the $100,000 indemnification bond in the event of a pipeline rupture. Staff clarified that the pipeline company carries $2 million in pollution insurance and the lease requires $10 million in pollution liability coverage. Supervisor Carbajal requested the item be continued to allow for further review of the insurance adequacy.
• Motion: Continue the item to December 4, 2012.
• Outcome: Agreed to continue.

Item A3: Weights and Measures Revenue Expenditure

• Discussion: Supervisor Lavagnino requested the item be pulled for a separate vote, citing opposition to the program and concerns about hiring new staff before the new pension tier begins on January 1. Staff confirmed hires are scheduled for after January 1. Andy Caldwell spoke in opposition, arguing the program is costly and ineffective compared to a consumer complaint-based system.
• Motion: Pull item for separate vote.
• Action: Motion by Supervisor Wolf, seconded by Supervisor Carbajal.
• Outcome: Passed (4-1).

Item A9: Toys for Tots and Holiday Unity Food Drive

• Discussion: Representatives from Unity Shop and the Marine Reserves spoke about the campaign, noting a significant drop in donations due to economic conditions and construction issues at their warehouse. They requested community support for food and toy donations.
• Outcome: No formal vote recorded in this segment; item proceeded to the balance of the agenda.

Balance of Administrative Agenda

• Motion: Approve the balance of the administrative agenda, including the continuation of Item A12 to December 4.
• Action: Motion by Supervisor Wolf, seconded by Supervisor Carbajal.
• Outcome: Passed.

Departmental Agenda

Item 1: Sheriff’s Project Delivery and Construction Agreement

• Discussion: The item was to be withdrawn and resubmitted at a later date.
• Motion: Withdraw the item.
• Action: Motion by Supervisor Carbajal, seconded by Supervisor Lavagnino.
• Outcome: Passed.

Item 8: Goolsbee & Goolsbee K Appeal (Verizon Wireless Facility)

• Discussion: Staff requested the item be continued to March 5, 2013, to allow parties to work toward an amicable solution. Supervisor Carbajal supported the continuance.
• Motion: Continue the item to March 5, 2013.
• Action: Motion by Supervisor Carbajal, seconded by Supervisor Lavagnino.
• Outcome: Passed.

Item 2: Children’s Health Initiative Progress Report

• Discussion: A presentation was given on the progress of the Children’s Health Initiative, highlighting a 94% decrease in uninsured children since 2006, increased enrollment in Medi-Cal and Healthy Families, and improved healthcare utilization rates. Supervisors commented on the program’s cost-effectiveness, the role of CENCAL, and the importance of preventive care.
• Outcome: The item was received and filed.

Healthy Families / Medi-Cal Transition Progress Report

• Discussion: Staff presented a progress report on the transition of Healthy Families to Medi-Cal. Staff noted that no children would lose coverage due to the transition and that a new Medi-Cal program designed for this transition offers improved coverage and eliminates premiums for some families.
• Board Comments: Supervisors expressed support for the program’s success in reducing emergency room visits and utilizing state and federal funds. One Supervisor noted that previous opposition to the program was based on a misunderstanding of the funding source, acknowledging the program has worked well. Another Supervisor deferred further budget-related concerns to the budget cycle.
• Public Comment: A representative for COLAB stated that public health clinics serve as a provider of last resort and questioned the necessity of the insurance program given the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. They also noted that emergency room visit statistics were lower prior to the program’s inception.
• Motion and Vote: A motion to receive and file the progress report was made by Supervisor Carbajal and seconded by Supervisor Wolf. The motion carried.

Agenda Item 4: Environmental Health Services Body Art Fee Resolution

• Presentation: Staff presented a resolution to adjust body art fees (tattooing, body piercing, and permanent cosmetics) in response to new state legislation (Assembly Bill 300, the Safe Body Art Act), which became effective in January of the current year.
• New Requirements: The new law requires annual practitioner registration, annual facility health permits, vehicle permits for mobile units, and plan review for new facilities. It also establishes specific construction and sanitation standards.
• Fee Structure: Staff proposed new fees, including an annual facility health permit ($365), annual practitioner registration ($300), temporary event sponsor fee ($1,150), and temporary event practitioner fee ($40). Staff stated fees are based on time spent on inspections and technical assistance.
• Clarifications: Staff clarified that existing businesses are grandfathered in regarding construction standards unless they move locations. Ear piercing is excluded from the main statute but local registration is optional (the county opted not to register ear piercers). Permanent cosmetics are covered under the new body art standards, distinct from state cosmetology licenses.
• Board Discussion:
• Supervisors questioned the high cost of the temporary event sponsor fee compared to benchmark counties.
• Supervisors raised concerns about the duplication of licensing and inspection for permanent cosmetics, which are already regulated by the state Department of Consumer Affairs.
• Supervisors questioned the justification for the annual practitioner registration fee increase and the overall fee structure, noting that Santa Barbara County fees are higher than neighboring counties.
• Supervisors expressed concern that high fees might drive practitioners to operate illegally, creating public health risks.
• Staff explained that the temporary event fee reflects the time spent providing technical assistance to organizers to ensure compliance. Staff also noted that comparison data with other counties is not "apples-to-apples" because some counties have not yet implemented the new state law or have no active program.
• Public Comment:
• COLAB Representative: Opposed the fee increases, arguing that the temporary event sponsor fee should be lower. They also questioned the annual practitioner registration fee and noted that San Luis Obispo County does not collect fees.
• Business Owners/Practitioners: Several speakers expressed opposition to the fee increases, stating they are too high for small businesses and may drive practitioners to operate illegally. They argued that inspections take less time than the fees imply and requested clarification on how the fees are calculated. One speaker clarified that a sole practitioner who owns the facility would only pay the facility permit fee, not both the facility and practitioner fees.
• Practitioners: Speakers noted that the industry has a history of self-regulation and that the new fees do not reflect the actual time spent on inspections. They requested itemization of how the fees are used.
• Staff Response to Public Comment:
• Staff clarified that a practitioner who owns the facility pays only the facility permit fee, not both fees.
• Staff confirmed that activities like pedicures and waxing are regulated under different codes (Consumer Affairs) and are not covered by the Safe Body Art Act.
• Staff explained that enforcement of illegal tattooing is complaint-driven and difficult. The new law provides greater enforcement authority than the previous law.
• Board Discussion (Continued):
• Supervisors reiterated concerns about the high fees, particularly the temporary event sponsor fee and the annual practitioner registration fee.
• One Supervisor proposed reducing the annual facility health permit to $204 and the annual practitioner registration to $136, based on estimated staff time.
• Another Supervisor suggested adopting the average fee schedule of benchmark counties.
• Supervisors suggested that staff return with a re-evaluation of the fees, providing more detailed justification for the time spent on each activity and comparing fees more accurately with other counties.
• Motion and Vote: No motion was taken to adopt the fee resolution. The Board indicated a direction for staff to re-examine the fee structure, provide more detailed justification, and return to the Board with a revised proposal or further analysis.

Agenda Item: Public Comment / Previous Item (Continued)

• Discussion: The board discussed the timing for a public presentation, agreeing to allow the presenter to return on December 4th.
• Motion: Supervisor Carbajal moved to continue the item to the December 4th meeting.
• Second: Supervisor Lavinino seconded the motion.
• Vote: The motion passed.

Agenda Item 5: Public Works – Speed Limits

• Discussion: Public Works presented a semi-annual update on speed limits for county roads, including those in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th districts. The presentation explained the methodology used to set speed zones, which relies on engineering traffic surveys, the 85th percentile speed, roadway conditions, and collision data. The Traffic Engineering Committee reviewed the data and made recommendations.
• Of 21 segments reviewed across 8 roads, 18 speed limits were reduced by 5 mph due to conditions not readily apparent to motorists.
• One speed limit was reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph on Hot Springs Road (from Riven Rock to Mountain Drive).
• One new speed limit segment was established on Apollo Way at 35 mph.
• Other speed limits remained unchanged.
• Supervisor Carbajal noted that no roads in their district had increased speed limits and thanked staff for their work.
• Motion: A motion was made to approve the recommendations.
• Second: Supervisor Gray seconded the motion.
• Vote: The motion passed.

Closed Session

• Agenda: The board entered closed session to discuss anticipated litigation (three potential cases), labor negotiations with employee organizations, and the appointment of interim directors for the General Services Department and the Department of Social Services.
• Outcome: Upon returning, the clerk reported that no reportable actions were taken during the closed session.

Agenda Item 3: County Executive Office / Human Resources – MOU with SEIU 721

• Discussion: Staff requested to continue this item to the December 4th meeting to clarify communications received from the union regarding terms and conditions of employment. A public speaker, Mr. Caldwell, was informed of the continuation.
• Motion: Supervisor Gray moved to continue the item to the December 4th meeting.
• Second: Supervisor Lavagnino seconded the motion.
• Vote: The motion passed.

Agenda Item 6: County Executive Office – Fiscal Year 2013–2015 Financial Outlook Report

• Discussion: The Budget Director presented the annual fiscal outlook report, which includes an economic outlook, fiscal issues, and a projected budget gap.
• Economic Context: The report noted a slow economic recovery with modest GDP growth (2% projected). Unemployment in the county decreased from 8.6% to 7.1%. Revenue growth has slowed, while costs, particularly employee benefits, have risen.
• Projected Gap: The total projected gap is $12.4 million. This is calculated from positive revenue changes ($8.1 million), negative expenditure changes ($17.9 million), and the use of one-time funds ($2.6 million).
• Revenue Changes:
• Positive: $5.7 million from state/federal reimbursements; $2.5 million from Redevelopment Agency (RDA) tax distributions; $2.5 million from property tax revenues.
• Negative: $900,000 due to increased property tax allocations to the Fire District; $1.7 million due to the expiration of Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds.
• Expenditure Changes:
• Pension Fund Stability: $6.7 million increase. Contributions are rising due to past investment losses and actuarial adjustments. The Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013 will impact new hires, potentially generating future savings.
• Concession Agreements: $3.7 million impact as temporary concessions expire.
• Health Insurance: $2 million increase. A conservative 15% increase was budgeted due to uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act, despite actual increases being lower in the previous year.
• Workers’ Compensation: $1.9 million increase due to rising premiums for pre-2010 claims.
• Assessor’s Funding Gap: $1.6 million needed due to decreased fees and supplemental billings.
• New North County Jail: $1.3 million incremental increase in general fund contributions.
• Retiree Health Care: $700,000 increase to address unfunded liabilities.
• Jail Funding Discussion: Extensive discussion occurred regarding the funding mechanism for the new North County Jail. The board reviewed a chart showing incremental increases in general fund contributions to build a reserve for jail operations.
• Staff explained that the jail’s annual operating cost is estimated at $17.3 million.
• The plan involves incrementally increasing the Sheriff’s general fund allocation to build a reserve, which will be drawn down until the ongoing general fund contribution covers the full operating cost.
• Supervisors expressed concern about the long-term sustainability of this funding model, noting that it relies on future general fund growth and may require service reductions or new revenue sources if growth does not meet projections.
• Supervisor Wolf highlighted the net gain of only 175 new beds due to the closure of part of the South County Jail and called for a clear strategy for funding the ongoing costs.
• Supervisor Carbajal noted the difficulty of the predicament, acknowledging the state grant but emphasizing the burden on the general fund.
• Supervisor Lavagnino sought clarification on whether the reserve would be depleted and if the full operating cost would need to be funded from the general fund annually once the reserve is exhausted. Staff confirmed that the ongoing general fund contribution must eventually cover the full operating cost.
• Tier 2 Items (Not included in gap calculation):
• Social Services: $4.2 million (reimbursement uncertainty).
• Property Tax Administration Fees: $4.1 million (legal dispute in appeal).
• Mental Health: $2.8 million (reserves exist for disputed costs).
• Mental Health Services Act: $2.5 million (funding uncertainty).
• Deferred Maintenance: $2 million (part of a $291 million backlog; long-term plan to be presented in spring).
• Public Health: $2 million (declining Medi-Cal revenue).
• FEMA Audit: $1.1 million (disputed findings).
• Motion: No motion was recorded in this transcript segment for Item 6; the discussion continued.

Agenda Item: Fiscal Outlook Report (Continuation)

• Discussion: Staff presented data regarding the Fire Department’s projected operating deficit for FY 13-14 ($1.6 million) and FY 14-15 ($1.8 million), noting that rising salary, benefit, and retirement costs are driving the gap. Staff explained that unbudgeted RDA tax increment revenue (~$750,000) will help reduce the gap but will not close it until FY 16-17. A board member questioned why certain one-time items (mental health, emergency storm damage, ADMHS settlement) were included in the impact total despite funds being set aside. Staff clarified these figures were informational and not included in the gap calculation. The CEO agreed to remove the total from the slide to avoid confusion.
• Financial Summary: Staff summarized the projected FY 13-14 gap as negative $12.4 million, comprised of $8.1 million in projected revenue increases offset by $17.9 million in increasing expenditures and $2.6 million in structural departmental imbalances. Staff listed available funds to help balance the gap, totaling $24.3 million, including:
• $7.5 million added to the strategic reserve (totaling $29.2 million).
• $5.6 million in unspent Prop 172 and public safety realignment funds.
• $5.1 million in FY 11-12 concession savings.
• $4 million in FY 11-12 concession savings for Sheriff and Fire.
• $2.1 million earmarked for facilities maintenance.
• Projected FY 12-13 general fund savings of $4.6 million.
• Jail Funding Discussion: A board member inquired about the use of strategic reserve and Prop 172 funds for the North County Jail construction match ($9.7 million). Staff confirmed that cash funds would be needed upfront because the construction timeline exceeds the three-year window for incurring costs under certain financing options (e.g., COPs). Staff noted that if borrowing is used, debt service payments (~$840,000/year) would be included in projections.
• Motion and Vote: A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.

Agenda Item 7: FY 2012-13 Financial Status Report (Q1)

• Discussion: Staff presented the first-quarter budget and financial update, noting a materiality level of $300,000 for general fund departments and $500,000 for special revenue funds.
• General Fund: Departments performed well against budget, resulting in a net positive of $114,000, despite a $1.3 million negative variance in general revenues. The revenue shortfall was primarily due to a lower-than-forecasted FY 11-12 tax roll (impacting secured property tax and property tax in lieu of VLF) and lower TOT receipts. Property transfer taxes were positive $400,000, indicating housing market improvement.
• Special Revenue Funds: Excluding timing differences, most funds were on target. Public Health showed a negative variance due to reduced Medi-Cal clients and an increase in uninsured clients. Mental Health funds showed negative variances due to state reimbursement delays (timing differences). Risk funds showed variances due to the transfer of funds from General Services to the CEO’s department, which staff noted were adjusted in October and not real variances. The Workers' Compensation Fund is underfunded by $7.8 million per the actuarial report but is on target for the current fiscal year.
• RDA Dissolution Proceeds: Staff detailed the distribution of one-time RDA asset dissolution proceeds (~$2 million) from seven RDA dissolutions, noting that six agencies are returning housing cash balances. The State Department of Finance is reviewing these distributions. A secondary distribution of successor agency cash balances is expected in April, followed by potential distributions of property assets.
• Projected Year-End Results: After adjusting for timing differences and adding unbudgeted RDA revenues, the current projection for year-end results is a $6.2 million favorable variance ($4.6 million for the General Fund and $1.6 million for special revenue funds). Staff confirmed this surplus was not included in the previous fiscal outlook gap calculation and could be applied to the FY 13-14 gap.
• Motion and Vote: A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.

Agenda Item A20: Tahequs Landfill Resource Recovery Project (CEQA Contracts)

• Discussion: Staff presented the status of the CEQA process for the Tahequs Landfill Resource Recovery Project, which includes a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and anaerobic digestion to extend landfill life to 2036.
• Funding and Costs: Staff explained that the cost of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and technical studies (~$1.2 million) would be funded through a tipping fee increase, estimated at $2.45 per ton (approx. 20 cents/month for South County ratepayers). This change from developer-funded to ratepayer-funded was made after reviewing the proposed developer's financials, which indicated ratepayers would ultimately bear the cost plus return on investment.
• Alternative Sites: A board member raised concerns about conflicting reports regarding alternative sites, specifically the South Coast Transfer Station and the Marburg Industries site in Santa Barbara. Staff clarified that the CEQA process requires a range of alternatives, including urban sites. The Marburg site would be studied under the same guidelines as other RFP respondents, requiring a $100,000 deposit and detailed information. Staff emphasized that the analysis would guide the decision, and no site is predetermined.
• Public Input and Process: Staff confirmed that public input is a formal part of the CEQA process, including scoping hearings and draft EIR comments. The County is the lead agency and will certify the EIR.
• Contracts: Staff requested approval for contracts with Pottery & Associates for technical studies (traffic, visual, etc., under $100,000 each) and a separate contract for air quality modeling (exceeding $100,000).
• Motion: A motion was made to approve the item.
• Action: Motion by Supervisor Carvajal, seconded by Supervisor Gray.
• Outcome: Passed.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned until December 4th.