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 Corrections and Volume
- The Clerk noted corrections to the administrative agenda, including continuing specific ADMHS and bridge items to the July 8 meeting.
- Concerns were raised regarding the high volume of agenda items and the short timeframe for review.
- The CEO’s office attributed the volume to fiscal year-end submissions and new transparency requirements.
- The board discussed potential solutions, such as spreading contract approvals throughout the year.
Wilderness Act Anniversary Resolution
- The board reviewed a resolution highlighting the protection of local wilderness areas and their economic impact.
- A representative from the California Wilderness Coalition noted the role of the Los Padres National Forest in water supply.
- The board adopted the resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act.
Sherry Fisher Honoring Resolution
- The board reviewed a resolution honoring Sherry Fisher for her 40 years of service to the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District.
- The resolution cited her role as the first female bus driver and her contribution to the Measure A transportation sales tax.
- The board adopted the resolution honoring her dedication to public transit.
Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation
- The board reviewed a resolution emphasizing the importance of parks for quality of life and environmental health.
- A Parks Division representative noted the recent receipt of deferred maintenance funding.
- The board proclaimed July 2014 as "Parks Make Life Better Month."
Patty Stadler Commendation
- The board reviewed a resolution commending Patty Stadler as the Employee of the Month for July 2014.
- The resolution highlighted her attention to detail and support for collaborative courts within the Probation Department.
- The board adopted the resolution recognizing her service.
ADMHS Contracts
- The board reviewed a group of Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services contracts totaling approximately $33 million.
- Discussion focused on the development of performance measures and HIPAA restrictions on viewing specific patient outcomes.
- Staff explained that aggregated data can be used for measurement and that service usage is monitored through quarterly reviews.
- The board approved Recommendations A and C for Item A14, while Recommendation B was continued to the July 8 meeting.
Drought Proclamation Re-ratification
- The board considered the re-ratification of the drought proclamation passed in June 2014.
- Inquiries were made regarding the status of the Hilton Creek restoration plan and associated fish reports.
- The CEO’s office indicated that a presentation by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is tentatively scheduled for early September.
- The board passed the motion to re-ratify the drought proclamation.
Children’s Health Initiative Contract
- The board discussed a contract extension amendment for the Children’s Health Initiative.
- Staff explained that some children remain in the program because their parents did not apply for ACA coverage or are undocumented local residents.
- No final vote was recorded in the transcript segment for this item.
Maintenance Backlog
- A motion was made and seconded to address the maintenance backlog item.
- The board passed the motion with a vote of 3 to 2.
Coastal Resiliency and Planning Grants
- The board reviewed grants related to the Coastal Resiliency Project, LCP Planning Assistance, and sea level rise adaptation.
- One supervisor expressed disagreement with the premise of human-caused global warming and suggested funds be spent on infrastructure maintenance.
- The board accepted items A34, A35, and A36.
Transient Occupancy Tax Ballot Measure
- The board considered authorization to submit direct argument in favor of the transient occupancy tax increase.
- One supervisor stated for the record that he was not represented by any argument put forth by the board or the chairman.
- The board passed the motion with a vote of 4 to 1.
Agenda Management and Announcements
- A motion was made to continue Item 1 to allow staff to proceed, which passed unanimously.
- Staff announced that Crown Castle appeals would be heard as the first afternoon items, followed by the HLAC appeal.
Security Force Retirement
- It was announced that Deputy Spinner of the security force would be retiring after 44.5 years of service.
- The board thanked him for his service.
Employment Terms for Unrepresented Management
- The CEO presented a hearing to consider a 1% across-the-board salary increase for managers and executives.
- One supervisor opposed the measure citing "most favored nation" clauses, while another supported it for parity with represented employees.
- A roll call vote was called, but the final outcome is not explicitly stated in the provided text.
Assembly Bill 1014 Advocacy Position
- Staff presented options for the board to take a position on AB 1014, which authorizes ex parte gun violence restraining orders.
- Public speakers included the District Attorney supporting the bill and a registered firearms owner opposing it.
- The board passed a motion to support AB 1014 with four ayes and one abstention.
Mission Canyon Sewer District Rates
- Staff presented a proposed 3.71% rate increase for the Mission Canyon Sewer District, raising the annual rate from $781 to $810.
- The increase covers treatment costs paid to the City of Santa Barbara and county operation and maintenance costs.
- The board passed the motion unanimously.
Green Building Program Amendments
- Staff presented amendments to update the county's Green Building Program, including a name change to "Smart Build Santa Barbara."
- The amendments reduce program tiers from three to two and update checklists to align with Title 24 and CalGreen.
- The board passed the motion unanimously.
2015-2023 Housing Element Update
- Staff presented the project schedule and regional housing needs allocation of 661 units.
- Key topics included the retention of the Multi-Family Residential Orcut zone on specific key sites to guarantee very low-income housing units.
- No final motion or vote was recorded in this segment as the discussion was ongoing.
2023 Housing Element Update Workshop
- A board member identified an error in the staff report regarding the Goleta Community Plan and the Turnpike Shopping Center.
- The member requested that the incorrect statement be struck from the report.
- A motion was made to receive and file the board letter with the correction, but no final vote outcome was recorded.
Crown Castle Distributed Antenna System Appeal
- The board considered the appeal of the Montecito Planning Commission’s denial of the Crown Castle DAS project.
- Staff recommended upholding the appeal, noting federal law limits local zoning regulations on telecommunications facilities.
- The board passed a motion to continue the item to July 8, with staff to prepare findings for denial and offer the applicant the option to return the project to the Planning Commission.
Horace Hosmer Adobe Appeal
- The board considered the appeal of the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission’s approval of changes to the Horace Hosmer Adobe.
- Staff recommended denying the appeal and modifying the HLAC’s action from demolition/reconstruction to rehabilitation.
- The board passed a motion to deny the appeal, uphold the appeal based on inadequate justification for demolition, and modify the HLAC approval to a rehabilitation plan.
Closed Session
- The Clerk outlined the closed session agenda, including existing litigation and public employee performance evaluations.
- The board recessed for approximately one hour.
- Upon returning, the Clerk reported that there were no reportable actions taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Meeting Overview
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors convened for its July 1, 2014 meeting. A roll call confirmed all supervisors were present, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Minutes
- Discussion: The board reviewed the minutes for the budget hearings of June 9, 2014, the special meeting of June 13, 2014, and the regular meeting of June 17, 2014.
- Motion: To approve the minutes.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Public Comment
- Three members of the public addressed the board regarding housing and mental health services. Speakers discussed allegations of discrimination against individuals with disabilities versus those with substance use disorders, citing potential violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). One speaker noted filing a complaint with the Office of the County Counsel. Another speaker stated they were denied workforce housing in favor of an individual with a history of substance use.
Administrative Agenda – General Discussion
- Agenda Corrections: The Clerk of the Board noted corrections to the administrative agenda. Item A14 (Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services contracts) was modified to continue Recommendation B (a contract with Pharma America for pharmaceutical services, not to exceed $494,000) to the July 8 meeting; Recommendations A and C were to be approved immediately. Item A46 (Old Point Lane Bridge Replacement) was continued to the July 8 meeting.
- Agenda Volume and Timing: Concerns were raised regarding the volume of items on the agenda (70 total items) and the short timeframe for review. The CEO’s office acknowledged the issue, attributing it partly to fiscal year-end contract submissions and new transparency requirements. The board discussed potential solutions, including spreading contract approvals throughout the year.
Administrative Agenda – Item A1: Resolution Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Federal Wilderness Act
- Discussion: The resolution highlighted the protection of wilderness areas such as the San Rafael and Dick Smith Wilderness Areas. A representative from the California Wilderness Coalition noted the economic impact of the Los Padres National Forest and its role in water supply.
- Motion: To adopt the resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act and encouraging residents to utilize local outdoor recreational opportunities.
- Vote: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Agenda – Item A2: Resolution Honoring Sherry Fisher
- Discussion: The resolution honored Sherry Fisher upon her retirement from the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD), citing her 40 years of service, including her role as the first female bus driver in 1974 and General Manager since 2003. It noted her role in establishing the Measure A transportation sales tax.
- Motion: To adopt the resolution honoring Sherry Fisher for her dedication to public transit.
- Vote: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Agenda – Item A3: Resolution Proclaiming July 2014 as Parks and Recreation Month
- Discussion: The resolution emphasized the importance of parks for quality of life, environmental health, and recreation. A representative from the Parks Division noted the division’s recent receipt of deferred maintenance funding.
- Motion: To proclaim July 2014 as "Parks Make Life Better Month" and urge citizens to use county parks and facilities.
- Vote: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Agenda – Item A4: Resolution of Commendation for Patty Stadler
- Discussion: The resolution commended Patty Stadler, an Administrative Office Professional III with the Probation Department, as the Employee of the Month for July 2014, highlighting her attention to detail and support for collaborative courts.
- Motion: To recognize Patty Stadler as the Employee of the Month for July 2014.
- Vote: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Agenda – Items A7 through A17: Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services (ADMHS) Contracts
- Discussion: The board reviewed a group of contracts from ADMHS totaling approximately $33 million. Discussion focused on the development of performance and outcome measures, with staff stating they are developing a comprehensive measurement program to be presented in the fall. Concerns were raised regarding HIPAA restrictions on viewing specific patient outcomes; the Clerk clarified that aggregated and sanitized data can be used for performance measurement. Staff explained that service usage and staff qualifications are monitored through quarterly reviews and credentialing processes.
- Decision: The board approved Recommendations A and C for Item A14. Recommendation B was continued to the July 8 meeting. The remaining items in the A7–A17 group were processed as part of the administrative agenda approval.
Administrative Agenda – Item A25: Re-ratification of Drought Proclamation
- Discussion: The item requested the re-ratification of the drought proclamation passed on June 3, 2014. Inquiries were made regarding the status of the Hilton Creek restoration plan and associated fish reports. The CEO’s office indicated that a presentation by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation regarding water releases is tentatively scheduled for early September.
- Motion: To re-ratify the drought proclamation.
- Vote: Passed.
Administrative Agenda – Item A28: Children’s Health Initiative Contract Extension
- Discussion: The item involved a contract extension amendment for the Children’s Health Initiative. Discussion focused on the transition of children to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medi-Cal, with staff explaining that some children remain in the program because their parents did not apply for ACA coverage or because they are undocumented local residents who do not qualify for ACA/Medi-Cal benefits.
- Status: Discussion ongoing; no final vote recorded in this transcript segment.
Agenda Item: Maintenance Backlog
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to address the item.
- Vote: Passed with a vote of 3 to 2.
Agenda Items A34, A35, and A36: Coastal Resiliency and Planning Grants
- Discussion: These items involved the Santa Barbara County Coastal Resiliency Project Phase 1 Climate Ready Grant Agreement, the Coastal Commission LCP Planning Assistance Grant application, and the Local Coastal Program sea level rise adaptation grant application. One supervisor expressed disagreement with the premise of human-caused global warming and stated that funds would be better spent on infrastructure maintenance.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to accept items A34, A35, and A36.
- Vote: Accepted.
Agenda Item A54: Transient Occupancy Tax Ballot Measure
- Discussion: This item sought authorization to submit direct argument in favor of the transient occupancy tax increase ballot measure and to authorize rebuttals if needed. One supervisor stated for the record that he was not represented by any argument put forth by the board or the chairman.
- Motion: A motion was made and seconded to move item A54.
- Vote: Passed with a vote of 4 to 1.
Agenda Management and Announcements
- Item 1 Continuation: A motion was made and seconded to continue Item 1 to allow staff to proceed. It passed unanimously.
- Schedule Change: Staff announced that, after discussion with the chair, the Crown Castle appeals (Items 8 and 9) would be heard as the first afternoon items, followed by the HLAC appeal.
Departmental Agenda: Security Force Retirement
- Discussion: It was announced that Deputy Spinner of the security force would be retiring after 44.5 years of service. The board thanked him for his service.
Agenda Item 2: Employment Terms for Unrepresented Management Bargaining Units
- Discussion: The CEO presented a hearing to consider a 1% across-the-board salary increase for managers and executives to achieve parity with recently negotiated union contracts. One supervisor opposed the measure, citing concerns about "most favored nation" clauses in previous contracts. Another supervisor supported the measure, expressing hope for future parity discussions. A third supervisor clarified that the increase was intended to align managers with represented employees who had received similar adjustments.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the item. It was seconded.
- Vote: A roll call vote was called, but the final outcome is not explicitly stated in this specific segment of the text provided.
Agenda Item 3: Advocacy Position on Assembly Bill 1014 (Gun Violence Restraining Orders)
- Discussion: Staff presented options for the board to take no position, support, watch, or oppose AB 1014, which would authorize courts to issue ex parte gun violence restraining orders. Public speakers included the District Attorney (supporting the bill), a representative for Assemblymember Williams (supporting the bill), a registered firearms owner (opposing, arguing for higher legal standards), and a resident (opposing, citing unintended consequences). Board members discussed the legal standards, the potential for abuse, and the safety risks of enforcement.
- Motion: A motion was made to take an advocacy position to support AB 1014. It was seconded.
- Vote: Passed with four ayes and one abstention.
Agenda Item 4: Mission Canyon Sewer District (CSA 12) Rates
- Discussion: Staff presented a proposed 3.71% rate increase for the Mission Canyon Sewer District, raising the annual rate from $781 to $810. The increase covers treatment costs paid to the City of Santa Barbara and county operation and maintenance costs.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the item. It was seconded.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (5-0).
Agenda Item 5: Green Building Program Amendments
- Discussion: Staff presented amendments to update the county's Green Building Program (formerly IBRP), including a name change to "Smart Build Santa Barbara," a reduction of program tiers from three to two (Ultra Low Energy and Zero Net Energy), and updates to the checklist to align with Title 24 and CalGreen. The amendments would allow staff to make administrative updates without further comprehensive plan amendments.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the item. It was seconded.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 6: 2015-2023 Housing Element Update
- Discussion: Staff presented the project schedule, regional housing needs allocation (661 units), and proposed programs for the housing element update. Key topics included the retention of the Multi-Family Residential Orcut (MRO) zone on Key Sites 3 and 30 to guarantee 372 very low-income housing units, and the potential transfer of MRO requirements to Key Site 17. Public speakers included representatives for the owners of Key Site 3 and a representative from the Tobes Group.
- Status: No final motion or vote is recorded in this segment; the discussion was ongoing regarding the board's direction on the housing element programs and the MRO site retention.
Agenda Item: 2023 Housing Element Update Workshop (Board Letter)
- Discussion: A board member identified an error on page 10 of the staff report, noting that it incorrectly stated the Goleta Community Plan included a proposal to rezone the Turnpike Shopping Center. The member clarified that this rezone is not part of the Goleta Community Plan review and requested that the statement be struck. Staff acknowledged the correction.
- Motion: A board member moved to receive and file the board letter regarding the 2015–2023 Housing Element Update Workshop, incorporating the comment regarding the correction to the Goleta Community Plan, and to determine that receiving and filing the board letter is exempt from CEQA.
- Outcome: The board took a recess for closed session before proceeding with the vote. No final vote outcome is recorded in this transcript segment.
Closed Session
- Discussion: The Clerk of the Board outlined the closed session agenda, which included existing litigation (County of Santa Barbara v. Arch Insurance Company), significant exposure to litigation, and public employee performance evaluations for various positions including Child Support Services, Social Services Director, Public Health Director, ADMHS Director, Public Works Director, Public Defender, Agricultural Commissioner, General Services Director, Planning and Development Director, and Fire Chief.
- Outcome: The board recessed for approximately one hour. Upon returning, the Clerk reported that there were no reportable actions taken during the closed session.
Agenda Item: Crown Castle Distributed Antenna System Appeal (Items 8 and 9)
- Case Details: The board considered the appeal of the Montecito Planning Commission’s May 21, 2014, denial of the Crown Castle Distributed Antenna System (DAS) project. The project involves 29 sites in the Montecito area to provide Verizon Wireless service.
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented the history of design changes, noting that the project originally proposed 29 sites, mostly vaulted, but was redesigned to pole-mounted configurations and "L-box" designs to reduce visual impact. The current proposal consists of 27 antenna sites and 8 power pedestals. Staff noted that federal law limits local zoning regulations on telecommunications facilities. An RF assessment indicated that proposed facilities would emit between 1% and 4% of FCC limits. Staff recommended upholding the appeal, making required findings for approval, adopting a negative declaration, and granting de novo approval.
- Appellant Presentation: Verizon’s RF engineer presented data showing that current cell sites are at or over capacity limits. Crown Castle’s counsel argued that the company is a public utility with statewide franchise rights and that federal law prohibits local denial of facilities that would close a significant gap in coverage or capacity.
- Public Comment: A representative for the Montecito Association urged the board to refer the case back to the Montecito Planning Commission for further processing, arguing that the Planning Commission had not finished its review. Other speakers expressed concerns regarding the aesthetic impact of the project and argued that there was no significant gap in cellular coverage.
- Board Deliberation: One supervisor expressed disappointment that the applicant had refused an extension of the shot clock at the MPC level. Another supervisor noted that the project had evolved significantly and that the community bodies were the appropriate entities to weigh the aesthetic trade-offs.
- Motion: A motion was made to continue the item to the next hearing on July 8, with staff to prepare findings for denial of the project, and to offer the applicant the option to extend the shot clock and return the evolved project to the Montecito Planning Commission for further consideration.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 7: Appeal of Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission Decision (Horace Hosmer Adobe)
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented an overview of the appeal filed by the Pearl Chase Society against the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission’s (HLAC) approval of changes to County Landmark No. 34, the Horace Hosmer Adobe. The original 2010 approved plan called for the rehabilitation of historic structures. During construction, structural engineers determined that the structures could not be rehabilitated as planned and recommended deconstruction and reconstruction. The HLAC approved the change to demolition and reconstruction by a vote of 5 to 3. In response to the appeal, the applicant hired a new structural engineer who assessed the adobe and recommended rehabilitation methods consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. A peer review by Garcia & Associates concurred with the findings that the proposed alterations would constitute rehabilitation in compliance with the standards. Staff recommended that the Board of Supervisors deny the appeal, modify the HLAC’s action from approval of demolition and reconstruction to approval of rehabilitation, and determine that the modified approval is exempt from CEQA.
- Appellant Presentation: The Pearl Chase Society presented arguments supporting the modification of the HLAC decision from "reconstruction" to "rehabilitation," citing the Montecito Community Plan and Secretary of the Interior’s guidelines. They requested the Board impose specific conditions to ensure the project remains a rehabilitation, including the adoption of a comprehensive Historic Property Rehabilitation Treatment Plan, interim protection of the adobe, oversight by staff and the HLAC, and a monitoring process.
- Applicant Presentation: The applicant presented a timeline and visual evidence of the property’s deterioration. They confirmed that expert Nels Roseland assessed the structure and determined it could be rehabilitated rather than reconstructed. They stated support for the staff’s recommendation to modify the HLAC approval to a rehabilitation plan and requested the Board deny the appeal and modify the HLAC approval based on the provided information.
- Public Comment: Eleven members of the public spoke, generally supporting the rehabilitation of the landmark and the applicant’s efforts. Some speakers requested that the treatment plan be specific and monitored, emphasizing the need for written documentation of preservation methods.
- Motion: A motion was made to:
- 1. Deny the appeal based on the inadequate public notice issue and determine that CEQA is adequate for the HLAC action. 2. Uphold the appeal based on inadequate justification for demolition, lack of opinion from adobe preservation specialists, and the subsequent peer review. 3. Modify the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission’s action from approval of a demolition/reconstruction plan to approval of a rehabilitation plan. 4. Determine that the modified approval refining the means and methods of rehabilitation is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- Vote: Passed.
No decision 0–0