Meeting Summary
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At a glance
National Children’s Oral Health Awareness Month Resolution
- The Board presented a resolution proclaiming February 2013 as National Children’s Oral Health Awareness Month.
- Representatives from dental and health organizations spoke in support of the initiative.
- The Board approved the resolution unanimously.
Alpha Resource Center 60th Anniversary Resolution
- The Board presented a resolution honoring the Alpha Resource Center for its 60th anniversary.
- Representatives from the organization spoke in support of the recognition.
- The Board approved the resolution unanimously.
Elder Abuse Prevention Month Resolution
- The Board presented a resolution proclaiming February as Elder Abuse Prevention Month.
- Representatives from the Area Agency on Aging and Social Services emphasized the importance of prevention and reporting.
- The Board approved the resolution unanimously.
Courthouse Lamp Restoration
- The Board considered a request to accept a gift from the Courthouse Docent Council for lamp restoration.
- Docents discussed their volunteer work and the completion of the restoration project.
- The Board accepted the gift.
Old Town Gateway Transportation Art Project
- The Board discussed a privately funded monument honoring military branches and objections to Caltrans’ requirements to alter military seals.
- Veterans and community members argued that the requirement to remove specific text and emblems was incorrect.
- The Board approved a resolution supporting the project and directed staff to send a letter to Caltrans and state officials demanding the removal of the alteration requirement.
Medical Doctor Associates Contract Amendment
- The Board discussed an amendment to increase funding by $375,840 for locum tenens psychiatrists.
- Supervisors raised concerns about conflicting language regarding permanent recruitment versus temporary staffing.
- Staff clarified that the funding covers temporary physicians while a sustainability analysis is conducted.
- The item was pulled for further discussion without a final vote.
Loss of Public Property Report
- The Board discussed a $50,000 loan to the Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corporation.
- Supervisors inquired about the status of the forensic audit and the District Attorney’s investigation.
- Staff indicated that the audit would take significant time to complete.
- The Board moved the discussion to closed session to identify a proper legal basis for discussing the ongoing investigation.
Budget Revision Requests
- The Board discussed a $75,000 allocation from contingency funds to the Housing and Community Development department for a monitoring contract.
- Supervisors expressed concern about using contingency funds without prior board discussion and the necessity of outsourcing.
- Staff explained that internal staff are focused on HUD and OIG audits, necessitating external help for field visits.
- The Board approved the budget revision and requested a future D-agenda item for a comprehensive update on HCD staffing.
North County Jail Appropriations (Administrative Calendar)
- The Board discussed budget revisions related to the North County Jail project.
- Supervisors expressed concern that the project's complexity and financial magnitude warranted a regular D-agenda item.
- The Board agreed to hold the item for a future D-agenda discussion.
Jail Funding and Budget Revision (Trailing Item)
- Staff explained that the revision organizes previously approved appropriations into separate funds to track compliance with state agreements.
- Supervisors raised concerns regarding a $900,000 transition cost and its impact on the Sheriff’s Department’s general fund.
- Staff clarified that the transition costs are drawn from existing allocations and expenditures are likely in future fiscal years.
- The Board decided to trail the item for further discussion and noted that future complex items should be presented as departmental items.
Approval of Administrative Calendar
- A motion was made to approve the administrative calendar, excluding the trailed jail funding item.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Juvenile Justice Trends Presentation
- The Chief Probation Officer and ADMHS staff presented data showing significant decreases in juvenile referrals, probation supervision, and Juvenile Hall admissions.
- The presentation noted an increase in the percentage of high-risk offenders being supervised and a reduction in local mental health services for youth.
- Supervisors discussed the implications of serving a smaller but higher-risk population and the need for specialized staffing and training.
- The Board accepted the report unanimously.
Vincent Winery Development Plan Appeal
- Staff presented a settlement agreement reached through the county’s facilitation process for a 24.4-acre winery site in the San Ynez Valley.
- The settlement includes limits on special events, tour sizes, and annual sales, along with clarified terms to ensure enforceability.
- The appellant and applicant both supported the settlement, arguing it clarifies ambiguous terms and represents a balanced compromise.
- The Board approved staff’s recommended actions and the facilitation agreement with a 4-1 vote.
North County Jail Appropriations (D-Agenda)
- Staff presented a technical budget revision to document cash and in-kind matches for the North County Jail grant.
- Supervisors questioned the source of transition costs and the relationship between the Jail Operations Fund and the contingency account.
- Staff and the Sheriff clarified that transition costs are one-time expenses and that the Jail Operations Fund would need to be recharged in future cycles.
- The Board approved the item with a request for staff to return in March with specific information regarding the general operations account.
Barnum Ranch Oil Field Expansion
- Staff presented a notification from DOGGR regarding a proposed expansion of the Barnum Ranch oil field boundary.
- Staff recommended a joint workshop in Los Alamos to allow for public input and transparency.
- Supervisors debated whether holding a public meeting would create false expectations or clarify facts for the community.
- The Board adopted staff’s recommended actions regarding the boundary extension process with a 3-2 vote.
Miramar Project Mitigation Fee Allocation
- Staff presented options for allocating the $1,395,000 mitigation fee collected from the Miramar project developer.
- Staff recommended allocating the funds to a project on county-owned land, specifically Halama Beach Park, for new visitor-serving accommodations.
- The Board discussed alternative locations and noted that Halama has high occupancy rates and a need for improved facilities.
- The Board directed staff to focus resources on a project on county-owned land, with Halama Beach Park identified as the likely location.
Fiscal Year 2012-13 Financial Status Report (Second Quarter)
- Staff presented the county’s second-quarter financial review, highlighting variances of $300,000 or more for general fund departments.
- The General Fund is projected to be positive $80,000, with key variances including a negative $1.1 million for County Counsel and a positive $538,000 for the Agriculture Commissioner.
- Staff recommended setting aside $4.1 million of one-time RDA revenues to cover a potential liability related to property tax administration fees.
- The Board accepted the report unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Board conferred with legal counsel regarding anticipated and existing litigation, including property tax administration cost recovery.
- The Board conferred with real property negotiators regarding the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara.
- The Board conferred with labor negotiators and conducted public employee performance evaluations.
- The Clerk reported that the Board directed County Counsel to enter into settlement agreements for the property tax administration cost recovery matter.
Full summary
Opening and Minutes
- The Board of Supervisors called the meeting to order, took roll call, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of February 5th. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
- Three speakers addressed the Board:
- Andy Caldwell (COLAB) spoke regarding the onshore oil and winery industries, urging the Board to streamline regulations, particularly CEQA, to support economic growth and job creation.
- David Daniel Diaz raised concerns about a Vista Bus incident involving a driver who was allegedly fatigued, requesting an investigation to rebuild public trust in the transit system.
- Narit Gessler (United Way of Santa Barbara County) provided an update on the charitable giving campaign, noting over $205,000 raised, 702 employee participants, and highlights of community programs such as tax filing assistance and literacy initiatives.
Resolutions
- Resolution A1 (National Children’s Oral Health Awareness Month): The Board presented a resolution proclaiming February 2013 as National Children’s Oral Health Awareness Month. Representatives from dental and health organizations spoke in support. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.
- Resolution A2 (Alpha Resource Center 60th Anniversary): The Board presented a resolution honoring the Alpha Resource Center for its 60th anniversary. Representatives from Alpha spoke in support. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.
- Resolution A3 (Elder Abuse Prevention Month): The Board presented a resolution proclaiming February as Elder Abuse Prevention Month. Representatives from the Area Agency on Aging and Social Services spoke in support, noting the importance of prevention and reporting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Calendar
- Supervisors identified items to pull from the consent calendar for discussion: A5, A7, A9, A10, and A15.
- Item A22 (Courthouse Lamp Restoration): The Board considered a request to accept a gift from the Courthouse Docent Council for the restoration of the Santa Barbara Courthouse Lamp. Docents spoke regarding their volunteer work and the completion of the lamp restoration. The Board accepted the gift.
- Item A15 (Old Town Gateway Transportation Art Project): The Board considered a resolution in support of the Old Town Gateway Transportation Art Project, a privately funded monument honoring military branches. Several veterans and community members spoke regarding Caltrans’ requirement to remove specific text and emblems from the military seals, which they argued was unconstitutional or incorrect. The Board discussed the bureaucratic obstacles faced by the project. A motion was made and seconded to approve a resolution supporting the project and to send a letter to Caltrans, the Governor, and legislative representatives demanding the removal of the requirement to alter the military seals. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item A5 (Medical Doctor Associates Contract Amendment): The Board discussed an amendment to a contract with Medical Doctor Associates to increase funding by $375,840 for locum tenens psychiatrists. Supervisor Wolf raised concerns about conflicting language regarding permanent recruitment versus temporary staffing. Staff clarified that the funding covers temporary physicians while a sustainability analysis is conducted. The item was pulled for further discussion but no final vote was recorded in this segment.
- Item A7 (Loss of Public Property Report): The Board discussed the loss of public property report, specifically regarding a $50,000 loan to the Lompoc Housing and Community Development Corporation (LHCDC). Supervisors inquired about the status of the forensic audit and the District Attorney’s investigation. Staff indicated that the audit would take significant time to complete. Supervisor Wolf suggested moving the discussion to closed session to identify a proper legal basis for discussing the ongoing investigation.
- Item A10 (Budget Revision Requests): The Board discussed a budget revision request allocating $75,000 from contingency funds to the Housing and Community Development (HCD) department for a monitoring contract. Supervisors expressed concern about the process of using contingency funds without prior board discussion and the necessity of outsourcing this function. Staff explained that HCD staff are currently focused on HUD and OIG audits, necessitating external help for field visits. Supervisors requested a future D-agenda item to provide a comprehensive update on HCD’s staffing and challenges. A motion was made and seconded to approve the budget revision. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item A9 (North County Jail Appropriations): The Board discussed budget revisions related to the North County Jail project. Supervisors expressed concern that this major project should be discussed in a regular D-agenda item rather than the administrative calendar, citing the complexity and financial magnitude. Supervisor Farr requested that the item be pulled for further discussion and presentation. The Board agreed to hold the item for a future D-agenda discussion.
Agenda Item: Jail Funding and Budget Revision (Trailing Item)
- Discussion: The Board discussed a budget revision related to jail capital construction and ongoing operations. Staff explained that the revision organizes previously approved appropriations into separate funds to track compliance with state agreements. Questions were raised regarding a $50,000 addition to the budget, which staff clarified was necessary to cover ineligible costs and additional needs not in the current state budget, funded by a transfer from the Sheriff’s Department.
- Concerns Raised: Supervisors expressed concern over the impact on the Sheriff’s Department’s general fund allocation, specifically regarding a $900,000 transition cost. Staff and the Sheriff’s representative clarified that this amount is drawn from existing allocations rather than new funding, with expenditures likely occurring in future fiscal years (14-15 and 15-16) for staffing and fixtures. Supervisors requested a future agenda item or workshop to address the long-term funding strategy for jail operations, noting that the general operations account balance has been reduced.
- Decision: The Board decided to trail this item to the end of the day for further discussion. The Chair noted that future complex items of this nature should be presented as departmental items rather than administrative items.
Agenda Item: Approval of Administrative Calendar
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the administrative calendar, excluding the trailed jail funding item.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Juvenile Justice Trends Presentation
- Presentation: The Chief Probation Officer and staff from Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services (ADMHS) presented data on juvenile justice trends in Santa Barbara County. Key statistics included:
- A 44% decrease in juvenile referrals over the past five years.
- A 30% decrease in juveniles supervised on probation over the past four years.
- A 41% decrease in Juvenile Hall admissions since fiscal year 2006-07.
- An increase in the percentage of high-risk offenders being supervised, rising from 50% to 85% of cases.
- A noted reduction in local mental health services for youth, estimated at 35% since the peak of previous initiatives.
- Discussion: Supervisors discussed the implications of serving a smaller but higher-risk population, the need for specialized staffing and training (such as motivational interviewing and trauma-focused CBT), and the collaborative efforts between probation, law enforcement, and mental health providers. The Chair requested a similar staffing and trend report from the Sheriff’s Department in the future.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to accept the report.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Vincent Winery Development Plan Appeal
- Ex Parte: Supervisors reported ex parte communications with the appellant, the applicant, and staff.
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented a settlement agreement reached through the county’s facilitation process. The project, located in the San Ynez Valley, involves a 24.4-acre site zoned Agricultural One. The settlement includes:
- Reduction of special events to four "organized gatherings" (defined as under 80 people).
- Limitation of winery tours to 12 people at a time (75 for educational tours, max 6 times/year).
- Annual sales limit of 7,000 cases over a five-year period.
- Clarification of terms such as "organized gatherings," "tours," and "members of the public" to ensure enforceability.
- Prohibition of simultaneous public wine tasting and organized gatherings.
- Appellant Statement: The appellant supported the settlement, arguing it clarifies ambiguous terms in the winery ordinance and ensures compatibility with surrounding residential land uses. They requested the Board accept the staff recommendation to deny the appeal and adopt the revised conditions.
- Applicant Statement: The applicant’s representative stated that the project complies with the winery ordinance and that the settlement represents a compromise after three years of review. They requested the Board adopt the findings and conditions as revised by mutual agreement, noting that further changes would unravel the balanced settlement.
- Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed the balance between promoting orderly winery development and ensuring compatibility with neighboring residential properties. Some Supervisors expressed concern that the process had been prolonged and that the settlement might set a precedent for other agricultural zones, while others supported respecting the compromise reached by the parties.
- Public Comment: Mary Beth Kerr expressed concern regarding the proximity of the proposed winery to a high-accident intersection and citing noise and property value impacts. Lee Rosenberg supported the applicant, arguing that agricultural activities are distinct from residential concerns and criticizing the length and cost of the review process. Lynette Lemire, a local business owner, voiced support for the project, citing the importance of the wine industry to the local economy. David Fox, a neighbor, expressed support for the applicant and the settlement. John Poitras opposed the guest-serving aspects of the winery, distinguishing between agriculture and commercial events, and cited county code definitions.
- Motion: Supervisor Farr moved to approve staff’s four recommended actions and the facilitation agreement. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed 4-1.
Agenda Item A9: North County Jail Appropriations
- Discussion: Staff presented a technical budget revision to document cash and in-kind matches for the North County Jail grant. The presentation detailed the transfer of funds, including $602,000 for site acquisition and CEQA costs back to the general fund, the establishment of a Jail Contingency Account, and the allocation of funds for A&E design and construction management. Staff explained the compliance requirements under the Project Delivery and Payment Agreement, the County Budget Act, and GAAP standards to ensure future reimbursement eligibility.
- Questions and Clarifications: Supervisor Farr questioned the source of the $900,000 in transition costs and the relationship between the Jail Operations Fund and the contingency account. Sheriff Brown and staff clarified that the transition costs are one-time expenses for hiring and training staff prior to the facility opening, distinct from ongoing operational costs. They explained that the $3 million previously held in the Jail Operations Fund would be swept for construction match, and the fund would need to be recharged in future budget cycles. Supervisor Wolf requested a broader discussion on the funding plan before approving future contracts, noting the complexity of the financial projections. CEO Waller confirmed that the Board would be provided with scenarios from the Debt Advisory Committee to clarify funding options.
- Motion: Supervisor Wolf moved to approve the item as presented, with a request that staff return to the Board in March with specific information regarding the general operations account. The motion was seconded.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation (property tax administration cost recovery following City of Alhambra v. County of Los Angeles) and existing litigation, as well as to confer with real property negotiators regarding the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara, and with labor negotiators. The Board also conducted public employee performance evaluations. Upon reconvening, the Clerk reported that the Board directed County Counsel to enter into settlement agreements for the property tax administration cost recovery matter, with a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 3: Barnum Ranch Oil Field Expansion
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented a notification from the California Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), regarding a proposed expansion of the Barnum Ranch oil field boundary in the Third District. Staff recommended that the Board request a joint workshop in Los Alamos to allow for public input and transparency, as this is the first such expansion under the 1993 Memorandum of Understanding.
- Public Comment: Joe Armendariz, representing the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association, spoke in opposition to the proposed workshop, arguing that the boundary change is an administrative action with no significant environmental impact and that the process constitutes unnecessary delay. He urged the Board to support the producer to generate revenue.
- Staff Clarification: Pat Abel, District 3 Deputy for DOGGR, explained that the field boundary delineation is for statistical purposes and that the expansion allows for approximately four new wells. She noted that DOGGR does not approve Notices to Drill without the County completing the CEQA process as the lead agency.
- Board Discussion: Supervisor Adam characterized the request as obstruction and delay, suggesting the Board simply concur with the boundary change and address environmental concerns during the subsequent drilling permit process. Supervisor Farr asked for clarification on the specific request, which was confirmed to be a letter requesting the joint workshop.
- Continued Discussion: Staff and the Board discussed the process for extending an oil field boundary. Staff clarified that DOGGR identifies resources through reported production and internally determines if field boundaries need expansion; operators do not petition for boundary changes. The Board discussed the implications of a proposed public workshop or informational meeting regarding the boundary extension.
- One Supervisor expressed concern that holding a public meeting could create false expectations among residents, as the Board has no authority to stop drilling or control DOGGR’s decisions, and noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DOGGR requires a response within 30 days.
- Another Supervisor supported the informational meeting, arguing it would clarify facts for the community, particularly in the Los Alamos area, and prevent future conflicts, noting that no drilling applications are currently pending for the new area.
- Staff confirmed that no applications are pending for the area in question. Staff explained that moving the boundary would allow the operator to qualify for a land use permit (Director’s decision) rather than an oil drilling and production plan (Planning Commission approval), streamlining the process for future wells.
- The Board discussed potential revenue impacts, with one Supervisor requesting a memorandum on the financial benefit to the county.
- Motion: A motion was made to adopt staff’s recommended actions regarding the boundary extension process.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed with a vote of 3-2.
Agenda Item 4: Miramar Project Mitigation Fee Allocation
- Discussion: Staff presented options for allocating the $1,395,000 mitigation fee collected from the Miramar project developer. The fee was required by Condition 81 of the 2011 approval to establish new lower-cost visitor-serving accommodations (e.g., cabins, yurts) in the coastal zone. Staff recommended allocating the funds to a project on county-owned land, specifically Halama Beach Park, where approximately five to seven new sites could be developed along with restroom and access improvements.
- Public Comment: A public speaker from the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association argued against the fee, characterizing it as an abuse of power and stating that fees and regulations drive up business costs.
- Board Discussion: The Board discussed alternative locations, including a hostel in the City of Santa Barbara and Point Sal State Park. Staff noted that the hostel is already constructed and may not have room for expansion, and Point Sal lacks necessary infrastructure (water, power, access). Staff clarified that the recommendation was for the Board to direct staff to pursue spending the money on county-owned land, with Halama being the most likely candidate, and to return with specific project details. The Board discussed the occupancy rates at Halama (85-94%) and the need for improved facilities.
- Motion: A motion was made to give direction to focus resources on a project on county-owned land, with Halama Beach Park identified as the likely location.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 5: Fiscal Year 2012-13 Financial Status Report (Second Quarter)
- Discussion: Staff presented the county’s second-quarter financial review, highlighting variances of $300,000 or more for general fund departments and $500,000 or more for special revenue funds.
- General Fund: Projected to be positive $80,000. Key variances included:
- County Counsel: Negative $1.1 million variance due to a reduction in the overhead billing rate applied to services provided to Risk Management. The rate dropped from an average of ~45% to 6.6% due to a true-up of the 2010-11 fiscal year rate. This resulted in a loss of approximately $680,000 in overhead reimbursement and $350,000 in direct service billing.
- Agriculture Commissioner: Positive $538,000 variance due to increased revenues from device/scanner inspections and federal pest detection contracts.
- General Revenues: Positive $177,000 variance. Property taxes were negative $1.1 million (improved from an initial projection of $1.5 million negative). Property transfer taxes were positive $400,000. One-time RDA dissolution proceeds of $1.4 million were received. TOT and sales tax were lower than projected due to lower growth rates and the Goleta Neutrality Agreement.
- Expenditures: Favorable $3.7 million variance, primarily due to savings in salaries and benefits ($2.9 million) and services/supplies ($690,000).
- Special Revenue and Other Funds: Projected positive $3.2 million variance.
- Public Health: Negative $727,000 variance due to a decline in Medi-Cal patient visits, partially offset by EMR incentive revenues.
- Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services (ADMHS): All funds projected positive year-end results. Fund 44 (Mental Health) showed a $1.1 million favorable variance due to increased state realignment and Medi-Cal revenues, partially offset by increased inpatient costs.
- Risk Funds: Workers' Compensation and General Liability funds showed negative variances of $541,000 and $605,000 respectively, attributed to timing differences in revenue receipt.
- Adjusted Projections: After adjusting for timing differences and unbudgeted revenues (including $4.1 million in RDA proceeds), the General Fund is projected to be positive $5.4 million. Staff recommended setting aside $4.1 million of the one-time RDA revenues to cover a potential $3.1 million liability related to property tax administration fees (based on a lawsuit in Los Angeles County) and to allow for budget restoration. This would leave a combined favorable variance of $5.6 million for all funds.
- The Board discussed the overhead rate calculation for County Counsel and the impact of the Goleta Neutrality Agreement on TOT projections. Staff clarified that the overhead rate is part of a cost allocation formula and that the current low rate is a result of a true-up process.
- Summary: The presenter summarized that actual activity is tracking ahead of budget. The General Fund is projected to end with a positive balance of $5.3 million before a proposed $4.1 million reserve for property tax administration fees, resulting in a net positive of $1.3 million. Sixty-six of 68 funds are reported as favorable. General revenue exceeded the budget based on the final tax roll from the previous year, which was offset by unbudgeted RDA-related dissolution and ongoing revenues. Departments are continuing to generate salary and benefit savings. Monitoring of health funds is ongoing, including the implementation of a monthly dashboard for mental health services.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to accept the report.
- Vote Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.