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
Minutes and Administrative Agenda
- The Board approved the May 6 minutes with amendments to restore garage floor area exclusions in land use codes.
- Supervisor Carbajal requested dialogue with the Coastal Commission regarding the restoration of specific garage exclusions.
- The Board pulled Item A18 from the administrative agenda for further discussion.
Resolutions (Items A1–A3)
- The Board adopted resolutions honoring the San Ynez Valley Support the Troops Association and a Child Support Services attorney.
- The Board acknowledged May as Water Awareness Month and noted a 45% delivery reduction from Lake Cachuma starting October 1.
- A representative from the County Water Agency reported that rainfall is approximately 40% of normal levels.
SB 82 Mental Health Grant (Item A4)
- Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services requested the withdrawal of the item regarding the SB 82 investment grant.
- The Board moved to withdraw Item A4 from the agenda, and the motion passed.
State Hospital Debt Bed MOU (Item A5)
- The Board considered recommendations regarding the fiscal year 2013-14 state hospital debt bed memorandum of understanding.
- A public speaker questioned the purchase of hospital beds valued at $225,000 and criticized the department's history.
Employer Contribution Rates (Item A14)
- The Board discussed adopting fiscal year 2014-15 employer contribution rates recommended by the SBCSRS Actuary.
- Supervisors and staff confirmed that the Retirement Board approved a closed 17-year amortization period to eliminate unfunded liability.
- Public comment addressed the financial impact and unfunded pension liability from the perspective of the Taxpayers Association and CoLab.
Power Efficiency Services Agreement (Item A17)
- The Board considered a request from General Services regarding a Power Efficiency Services Agreement.
- A speaker from CoLab argued the investment would yield limited savings, while Supervisor Lavagnino noted that declining the grant would likely redirect funds to another county.
Sheriff Hangar G9 Lease (Item A18)
- The Board approved the lease of Hangar G9 at the San Ynez Valley Airport to the Sheriff’s Air Support Unit.
- Supervisor Farr directed General Services to provide a report on the airport's physical maintenance, budget, and administration.
- Staff explained that the county would likely succeed to the lease if the contract with the Airport Authority were terminated.
Operating Plan and Budget Hearings (Item 832)
- A civil engineer urged the Board not to eliminate field survey and real property employees to preserve institutional knowledge.
- The Board approved the item regarding recommendations for hearings on the fiscal year 14-15 recommended operating plan and budget.
Public Safety Realignment Plan
- The Chief Probation Officer presented the county’s fourth realignment plan covering Post-Release Community Supervision and Post-Sentence Supervision.
- Discussion focused on staffing offsets, specialized housing needs, and state funding for mental health services.
- The Board moved Items A, B, and C related to the realignment plan, and the motion passed unanimously.
Third Quarter Budget and Financial Update (Item 2)
- The Auditor/Controller reported a projected positive General Fund balance of $3 million and a favorable Special Revenue Fund balance of $11.7 million.
- Reportable variances included a $1 million negative variance for the Sheriff’s Department and a $1.6 million negative variance for Mental Health Services.
- The Board accepted and filed the third-quarter financial status update.
Sheriff’s Department Budget and Overtime
- The Board adopted a report regarding the Sheriff’s Department budget, addressing overtime costs and staffing vacancies.
- A Sheriff’s Department representative noted the department has come in under budget in six of the last seven years.
- Supervisor McNally emphasized employee safety and burnout risks associated with high overtime hours.
ADMHS Third Quarter Financial Status (Item 3)
- The Board approved a budget revision request for a projected $1.6 million deficit in the Mental Health Fund.
- The department is working with Marion Hospital to develop a 26-bed acute psychiatric wing to address inpatient costs.
- The Board directed the department to return in August with final fiscal year-end information.
Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (Item 4)
- The Board received the five-year CIP totaling $471.1 million, with 75.5% of the total currently funded.
- The Board approved 24 new projects totaling $61.9 million in concept and referred them to the Planning Commission for general plan conformity review.
- Staff confirmed that the county receives reimbursement for maintenance and capital costs associated with state and federal mandates.
Facility Condition Assessment (Item 5 / D5)
- Staff presented the Phase 1 Facility Condition Assessment, identifying $83.6 million in deferred maintenance and an overall Facility Condition Index of 8.7.
- The Board directed staff to return with a phased-in funding plan for deferred maintenance during budget deliberations.
- The proposed funding plan includes options for dedicating 10% to 25% of future general fund growth to deferred maintenance.
Summit View Reorganization and Tax Exchange (Item 6 / 7)
- The Board postponed Item 7 to allow for fiscal analysis and potential mediation regarding the Summit View annexation.
- The Board voted to proceed with Option 3, which involves engaging in fiscal analysis and, if necessary, mediation or arbitration.
- The County Fire Department opposed the annexation, citing the "closest resource principle" for emergency services.
Petroleum Operations Initiative Petition
- The Board certified the initiative petition to ban high-intensity petroleum operations, which contained 16,030 valid signatures.
- The Board set a special hearing for June 13, 2014, in Santa Maria to receive a report on fiscal impact and legal risks.
- The hearing will determine whether to adopt the ordinance or submit it to the November 2014 general election.
Closed Session
- The Board reviewed the closed session agenda, which included anticipated litigation and a conference with labor negotiators.
- The labor negotiator conference did not occur, and there was nothing reportable regarding the anticipated litigation.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Minutes
- The Board of Supervisors called the May 20 meeting to order. A memo from Planning and Development regarding changes to the minutes of the May 6 meeting was presented. Supervisor Carbajal requested that proposed amendments be placed on future agendas for the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to restore specific provisions regarding garage floor area exclusions in the Land Use and Development Code and the Coastal Zoning Ordinance. Supervisor Carbajal also requested that the Board engage in dialogue with the Coastal Commission about restoring the 750-square-foot exclusion for certain garages when the Coastal Zoning Ordinance change is submitted. A motion was made and seconded to approve the May 6 minutes with the noted changes. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
- The Board opened the floor for public comment. Speakers addressed various topics, including jail staffing levels and alleged manipulation of draft reports by the Sheriff’s Department; a request to reconsider the unfunding of a specific position; research indicating that a significant percentage of Isla Vista residents struggle to meet basic needs; and concerns regarding child safety, social worker caseloads, and staff turnover. Supervisors Carbajal and Farr responded by thanking the speakers and noting that the CEO had been directed to address social services and provide a report on actions taken. Supervisor Carbajal requested data on retention challenges and costs. A speaker from the Taxpayers Association raised concerns about employer contribution rates for the Employees Retirement System on the consent agenda.
Administrative Agenda
- The Board reviewed the administrative agenda. Supervisor Farr moved to pull Item A18 from the agenda for further discussion. The motion was accepted.
Resolutions (Items A1–A3)
- The Board moved and seconded to pass Items A1 through A3. The resolutions passed unanimously.
- Item A1: The Board adopted a resolution honoring the San Ynez Valley Support the Troops Association for its dedication to providing care packages to men and women in uniform.
- Item A2: The Board adopted a resolution honoring Stacey Rapley, a Child Support Services attorney, as the Employee of the Month for May 2014.
- Item A3: The Board acknowledged May 2014 as Water Awareness Month. A representative from the County Water Agency provided an update on the drought, noting that rainfall is approximately 40% of normal and announcing a 45% delivery reduction from Lake Cachuma starting October 1. The Board noted that a meeting with water purveyors regarding mandatory reductions is scheduled for June 17.
Agenda Item A4: SB 82 Investment in Mental Health Wellness Grant
- A memorandum from Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services requested the withdrawal of Item A4 from the agenda. The item concerned recommendations regarding the acceptance of an SB 82 investment in mental health wellness grant. The Board moved and seconded to withdraw Item A4. The motion passed.
Agenda Item A5: State Hospital Debt Bed Memorandum of Understanding
- The Board considered a request from Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services to consider recommendations regarding the fiscal year 2013-14 state hospital debt bed memorandum of understanding. A public speaker criticized the department’s history and questioned the purchase of hospital beds valued at $225,000. No vote was recorded in this section of the transcript.
Agenda Item A14: Employer Contribution Rates
- The Board considered a request to adopt fiscal year 2014-15 employer contribution rates recommended by the Santa Barbara County Employees Retirement System (SBCSRS) Actuary, effective July 1, 2014. Public comment was received from the Taxpayers Association and CoLab regarding the financial impact and unfunded pension liability. Supervisors Wolfe, Carbajal, Adam, and Lavagnino discussed the amortization period, noting that the Retirement Board has set a closed amortization period to eliminate the unfunded liability. The CEO confirmed that the SBCSRS Board approved a closed 17-year amortization period in November. No explicit vote outcome is stated in this segment, but the item was discussed as part of the administrative agenda.
Agenda Item A17: Power Efficiency Services Agreement
- The Board considered a request from General Services regarding a Power Efficiency Services Agreement. A speaker from CoLab criticized the agreement, arguing that the investment would yield limited savings and that funds came from ratepayers. Supervisor Lavagnino explained that if the county declined the grant, the funds would likely go to another county and ratepayers would not receive a refund. No explicit vote outcome is stated in this segment.
Agenda Item A18: Sheriff Hangar G9 Lease
- The Board considered a request from General Services to lease Hangar G9 at the San Ynez Valley Airport to the Sheriff’s Air Support Unit. This item was previously pulled for further discussion. Public comment raised concerns about the elimination of commercial maintenance space and the proposed rent of $4,100 per month. Sean Knight, President of the Airport Authority Board, stated that G9 is not the only commercial property and that the airport is exploring other options. Supervisor Farr asked about the rent disparity and lease terms if the county were to terminate its contract with the Airport Authority. General Services staff explained that the county would likely succeed to the lease. Supervisor Farr stated she was prepared to proceed with the lease but directed General Services to provide a report on the current status of the San Ynez Valley Airport, including physical maintenance, budget, and administration, as a D item. Staff responded to questions regarding market analysis, stating that the review focused on operational efficiencies and that rent was negotiated. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 832: Recommendations Regarding Hearings for Fiscal Year 14-15 Recommended Operating Plan and Budget
- A civil engineer from the County Public Works Department spoke as an individual, urging the Board not to eliminate field survey and real property employees, citing the Capital Improvement Program and the need for institutional knowledge. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Santa Barbara County Fiscal Year 14-15 Public Safety Realignment Plan
- The Chief Probation Officer presented the county’s fourth realignment plan, covering Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) and Post-Sentence Supervision (PSS) offenders. The presentation included staffing and budget details, reported outcomes, and discharge planning processes. Discussion focused on staffing offsets, the need for specialized clean and sober housing, mental health services, risk assessment classifications, and state funding. A representative from COLAB characterized the realignment as an unfunded mandate and urged the Board to be proactive in Sacramento regarding funding. Supervisors acknowledged the work of the Community Corrections Partnership and staff. A motion was made to move Items A, B, and C. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 2: Fiscal Year 2013-14 Third Quarter Budget and Financial Update
- The Auditor/Controller presented the third-quarter financial status report. The General Fund is projected to have a positive balance of $3 million. Special Revenue Funds are projected to have a favorable balance of $11.7 million. Reportable variances included a projected negative variance of approximately $1 million for the Sheriff’s Department, attributed to overtime costs and hiring/training cycles, and a projected negative variance of $1.6 million for Mental Health Services, driven by nursing shortages and inpatient bed costs. Discussion addressed budget management, turnover in the Sheriff’s Department and Social Services, and the status of property tax transfers for the Fire Department. Public comment was received from Mr. Caldwell. The recommended action was for the Board to accept and file the update. The vote outcome for this specific item is not recorded in the provided transcript segments.
Agenda Item: Public Safety / Sheriff’s Department Budget and Overtime
- Andy Caldwell (CoLab) addressed the Board regarding the Sheriff’s Department budget overruns, citing a $30 million deficit over recent years and questioning the cost-effectiveness of hiring additional staff versus paying overtime. Supervisor McNally emphasized employee safety and burnout risks associated with high overtime hours. A representative from the Sheriff’s Department provided context on the budget, noting that the department has come in under budget in 6 of the last 7 years, and detailed current staffing vacancies and recruitment efforts. Supervisor Carbajal moved to adopt the report. The motion was seconded. The board voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Closed Session Update
- The board reviewed the closed session agenda, which included an anticipated litigation discussion with legal counsel and a conference with labor negotiators. The labor negotiator conference did not occur, and there was nothing reportable regarding the anticipated litigation. The board reconvened in open session.
Agenda Item 3: Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services (ADMHS) Third Quarter Financial Status Update
- Dr. Watt and CFO Michael Evans presented the financial status of ADMHS. The department projects a year-end deficit of $1.6 million for the Mental Health Fund, an improvement from a previously projected $4 million deficit. Expense drivers included out-of-county inpatient contract beds and personnel costs. Revenue drivers included realignment growth and charges for services. The department is working with Marion Hospital to develop a 26-bed acute psychiatric wing. Supervisor Wolf asked about the status of a previously deferred grant item. Supervisor Park inquired about the breakdown of inpatient costs and the feasibility of expanding the local PUF. Supervisor McNally asked about the cost per bed day. Supervisor Carbajal moved to approve the item, which included receiving and filing the report, approving the budget revision request for the $1.6 million deficit, and directing the department to return in August with final fiscal year-end information. The motion was seconded. The board voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 4: Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Fiscal Years 2014–2019
- Richard Morgantini (CEO’s Office) presented the five-year CIP, totaling $471.1 million, with 75.5% of the total funded. For the next fiscal year, 99% of projects are funded. 24 new projects totaling $61.9 million are included. Discussion focused on the funding level, the merger of the CIP with the Facility Condition Assessment report, reserve funds for maintenance, and the distinction between capital and maintenance projects. Andy Caldwell (CoLab) asked about the relationship between the CIP and the maintenance deficit. Staff confirmed that the county receives reimbursement for maintenance and capital costs associated with state and federal mandates. Supervisor Carbajal moved to receive the CIP program, review and approve in concept the 24 new projects, and refer them to the Planning Commission for general plan conformity review. The motion was seconded. The board voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 5 / D5: Asset Management Plan Development Project Facility Condition Asset Report Phase One
- Staff presented the final draft of the Phase 1 Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) conducted by Jorgensen Associates. The assessment evaluated 8.5 million square feet of buildings and 310 acres of park infrastructure. Key findings included a deferred maintenance total of $83.6 million and an overall Facility Condition Index (FCI) of 8.7. The report identified 223 "currently critical" projects and 834 "potentially critical" projects. Funding requirements to maintain current conditions are estimated at $8 million to $30 million annually. Discussion focused on the prioritization of small versus large projects and funding strategies. Supervisor Carbajal proposed directing staff to develop options for funding deferred maintenance using a percentage of unallocated general fund growth. Supervisor Adam referenced Measure M. Supervisor Wolf suggested consulting the Debt Advisory Committee. Supervisor Carbajal moved to accept staff’s recommendation to receive the report and direct staff to return with a phased-in funding plan, including options for dedicating 10% to 25% of future general fund growth to deferred maintenance, to be presented during budget deliberations. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 6 / 7: Summit View Reorganization and Tax Exchange Options
- Staff presented an overview of the proposed reorganization to annex a 10.05-acre parcel (Summit View) from the County Fire Protection and Vector Control Districts into the City of Lompoc and the Mission Hills Community Services District. The County Fire Department opposed the annexation, citing the "closest resource principle." The City of Lompoc’s fiscal analysis estimates a recurring annual surplus for the City upon build-out. Staff presented three options for the Board: accepting the proposed tax exchange rate, directing staff to continue negotiating toward a revenue-neutral rate, or authorizing the CEO or Chair to seek an extension agreement for third-party consultation, mediation, or arbitration. The Board discussed the procedural history and fiscal constraints. A motion was made to proceed with Option 3, which involves engaging in fiscal analysis and, if necessary, mediation or arbitration to resolve the tax exchange agreement. The County Counsel clarified that under Option 3, the Chair could be authorized to execute an agreement extending the statutory timeframes for fiscal analysis and mediation by 30 days. Public comment was received from a resident in Santa Maria regarding 911 call rerouting and aquifer overdraft. The Board voted to postpone Item 7 to allow for the fiscal analysis and potential mediation outlined in Option 3. The motion to proceed with Option 3 was passed.
Agenda Item: Certification of Initiative Petition to Ban High-Intensity Petroleum Operations
- The County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor and Registrar of Voters certified the petition for the initiative to ban high-intensity petroleum operations in the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. The petition contained 19,098 signatures, with 16,030 deemed valid. The Registrar outlined three options: adopting the ordinance immediately, submitting it to the voters in the November 4, 2014, general election, or ordering a staff report on fiscal impact and consistency with county plans. The Board discussed the timing of the decision and the scope of the potential staff report. Supervisors discussed the need for an impartial analysis of legal risks and fiscal impacts. Approximately 20 speakers addressed the Board, with supporters citing environmental concerns and opponents citing economic impacts and regulatory taking concerns. Staff provided context regarding the timeline for completing required analyses, noting that a robust economic analysis would not be feasible within the short timeframe. A motion was made to set a special hearing to receive the report pursuant to Elections Code Section 9111 and to either adopt the proposed ordinance without alteration or order it submitted without alteration for the November 2014 general election. The motion specified that the hearing would be held in Santa Maria at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2014. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for June 3 in Santa Barbara at 9:00 a.m.