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
Cannabis Cultivation Registry Program
- The Board considered a proposed ordinance establishing a non-personal cannabis cultivation registry program.
- A motion was made to approve the item.
- The motion passed.
San Ynez Valley Airport Review
- The Board reviewed the San Ynez Valley Airports Authority’s response to the airport review in the 3rd District.
- The Chair inquired about Brown Act training compliance and inspection protocols for county-owned hangars.
- The Airport Authority President noted that privately owned hangars currently lack a legal mechanism for mandatory inspections.
- The Authority proposed updating Ordinance 3310 Chapter 4 to allow for annual inspections of both county and private hangars.
Advocacy Support for HR 731 (California Clean Coast Act)
- The Board considered a proposed advocacy support position for HR 731 concerning the California Clean Coast Act.
- A motion was made to approve the item.
- The motion passed.
Appointment to Air Pollution Control District Community Advisory Council
- The Board considered an appointment of Janet Blevins to the Air Pollution Control District Community Advisory Council.
- Public comment was received regarding the appointment.
- No specific motion outcome was explicitly detailed in the provided text.
Resolution Proclaiming April 2017 as National Poetry Month
- The Board considered a resolution to proclaim April 2017 as National Poetry Month in Santa Barbara County.
- The resolution recognized Orchid Academy students for their achievements in the Poetry Out Loud competition.
- A motion was made to adopt the resolution.
- The motion passed.
Resolution Honoring Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
- The Chair noted an addendum adding a resolution honoring Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
- The resolution recognized CASA's contributions to child support and their new location partnership with Santa Barbara County.
- No specific motion outcome was explicitly detailed in the provided text.
Employees Retirement System (SBCERS) Report
- The CEO of SBCERS presented an annual update noting a decrease in the funding ratio from 78.4% to 71.5%.
- The report detailed a 2.16% rate increase attributable to demographics and discount rate changes.
- Staff provided legal context regarding the county's status as a "37 Act" county and recent court cases.
- A motion was made to receive and file the report.
- The motion passed.
Drought Relief Project Submittal / Water Supply and Protection Projects
- Staff presented a regional proposal addressing immediate drought emergencies and long-term water supply sustainability.
- Supervisors raised concerns about ensuring Table A water is used as a drought buffer rather than for development.
- The Board clarified that the Bureau of Reclamation retains ownership of Lake Cachuma and holds the water rights.
- A motion was made to adopt a resolution supporting the proposal and directing staff to send it to state officials.
- The motion passed.
Emergency Purchases for Goleta Beach Park
- Staff reported on emergency protective measures installed at Goleta Beach, including a sand berm and rock revetment.
- Total spending on Goleta Beach protection over the past two and a half years exceeded $2 million.
- Supervisors discussed fiscal implications, shared costs with other agencies, and the environmental impact of the revetment.
- A motion was made to approve the financial items related to the emergency permit.
- The motion passed.
Human Services Commission Mini Grants (Fiscal Year 2017-2018)
- The Human Services Commission recommended funding 11 capacity-building mini-grants totaling $71,500.
- Supervisors discussed the effectiveness of small grants versus larger consolidated grants for human services programs.
- A motion was made to approve the commission’s recommendations for the award of mini-grants.
- The motion passed.
Internal Facing Organizational Strategic Plan
- County staff presented the County’s first internal-facing organizational strategic plan, including mission, vision, and values.
- The plan includes four organizational goals and a draft Implementation Action Plan with 36 distinct action items.
- Staff reported that over 71% of surveyed employees agreed or strongly agreed with the vision statement.
- A motion was made to approve the strategic plan.
- The motion passed.
Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) Formation – San Ynez River Valley Eastern Management Area
- Staff presented a proposal to form a GSA for the eastern management area of the San Ynez River Valley groundwater basin.
- The proposed Memorandum of Agreement includes a GSA committee with weighted voting based on estimated groundwater use.
- The MOA includes provisions for a hydrogeological study with funding anticipated in the Water Agency’s fiscal year 2017-2018 budget.
- A motion was made to approve the MOA and direct the chair to sign the resolution to form the GSA.
- The motion passed.
CIEP/Grant Recommendations
- The Board discussed ratifying recommendations made by a commission regarding CIEP grants.
- Supervisor Adam clarified that the board was ratifying the commission's recommendations in the third year of a three-year grant cycle.
- A motion was made to ratify the recommendations.
- The motion passed.
Honorary Resolution 827 (Equal Pay Day)
- Supervisor Hartman sponsored a resolution to commemorate Equal Pay Day.
- The resolution cites statistics on the wage gap in Santa Barbara County and urges internal pay evaluations.
- A motion was made to adopt the resolution.
- The motion passed.
Withdrawal of Item D5
- A request was made to withdraw Item D5 from the agenda.
- Item D5 related to the draft fiscal year 17-18 action plan and substantial amendments for the Home Investment Partnership Consortium.
- A motion was made to withdraw Item D5.
- The motion passed.
Closed Session
- The board reconvened from closed session with a report from Mr. Gazzone.
- Staff informed the Board that two items of anticipated litigation with significant exposure were noticed for closed session.
- The Board met with county counsel regarding these two separate cases.
- No reportable actions were taken in the closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Approval of Minutes (April 4, 2017)
- Discussion: None recorded.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Administrative Agenda Items (A26–A28, A12, A9)
- Discussion: The Board considered honorary resolutions (A26–A28) and other administrative items. Regarding Item A9 (San Ynez Airport Authority), the Chair inquired about Brown Act training compliance and the inspection program for county-owned hangars. The Airport Authority President stated that Brown Act training was provided via manual and certification, and that while county-owned hangars are inspected under license agreements, privately owned hangars lack a current legal mechanism for mandatory inspections. The Authority proposed updating Ordinance 3310 Chapter 4 to allow for annual inspections of both county and private hangars. A motion was made to withdraw Item 5 (referenced in the context of the administrative sequence).
- Motion/Decision: Motions were made and seconded to approve the administrative agenda items, including A26–A28 and A12.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item A5 – Cannabis Cultivation Registry Program
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations from the County Executive Office regarding a proposed ordinance establishing a non-personal cannabis cultivation related operations registry program.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to approve the item.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item A9 – San Ynez Valley Airport Review
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations from General Services regarding the San Ynez Valley Airports Authority’s response to the San Ynez Valley Airport review in the 3rd District.
- Motion/Decision: No specific motion outcome is explicitly detailed in the merged text beyond the administrative block approval mentioned previously.
- Vote Outcome: Not explicitly stated as a separate vote in the final summary segments; addressed within administrative agenda or withdrawn per earlier motion.
Agenda Item: Item A12 – Advocacy Support for HR 731 (California Clean Coast Act)
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations from the Legislative Program Committee regarding a proposed advocacy support position for HR 731 (Carbajal) concerning the California Clean Coast Act.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to approve the item.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item A22 – Appointment to Air Pollution Control District Community Advisory Council
- Discussion: The Board considered an appointment from Supervisor Hartman of Janet Blevins to the Air Pollution Control District Community Advisory Council. Public comment was received from Barry Sigmund.
- Motion/Decision: No specific motion outcome is explicitly detailed in the provided text segments for this specific item.
- Vote Outcome: Not explicitly stated.
Agenda Item: Item A28 – Resolution Proclaiming April 2017 as National Poetry Month
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Adam to proclaim April 2017 as National Poetry Month in Santa Barbara County and to recognize Orchid Academy students for their achievements in the Poetry Out Loud competition. The resolution noted that over 2,000 high school students from seven local schools participated in the county competition, with Orchid Academy students Chloe Shelley and Derek Sportsman finishing in the top two places. Chloe Shelley represented the county at the state competition in Sacramento.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to adopt the resolution.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item A29 – Resolution Honoring Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
- Discussion: The Chair noted that an addendum was posted adding Item A29, a resolution honoring Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for their contributions to child support and their new location partnership with Santa Barbara County.
- Motion/Decision: No specific motion outcome is explicitly detailed in the provided text segments.
- Vote Outcome: Not explicitly stated.
Agenda Item: Item 1 – Employees Retirement System (SBCERS) Report
- Discussion: Greg Levin, CEO of the Santa Barbara County Employees Retirement System (SBCERS), presented an annual update. Key points included:
- System Overview: SBCERS is a 1937 Act County Retirement System established in 1944, with the County comprising approximately 98.5% of the system. It is governed by an 11-member Board of Retirement.
- Financial Status: The actuarial liability increased by $340.7 million, while assets increased by $22 million, resulting in a net change in unfunded liability of $320 million. The funding ratio decreased from 78.4% to 71.5%.
- Benefits and Contributions: The average annual benefit in 2016 was $35,880. The average member contribution rate increased by 58 basis points to 5.77% in 2016. The average employer cost is 38.71% of pay.
- Assumptions: The Board of Retirement elected to lower the discount rate to 7%, a change to be recognized over five years, fully implemented by 2022. The plan’s real return assumption (4.25%) is at the median, while its inflation assumption is more conservative than peers.
- Mortality Experience: SBCERS members have a remaining life expectancy of 22.3 years at age 65, compared to 20.8 years for CalPERS members.
- Rate Increase: The total one-year county rate increase attributable to the experience study was 2.53%, though the actual rate increase was 2.16% due to phasing in gains from 2014 investment returns. Approximately 33% of the increase is due to demographics, and 67% is due to discount rate changes.
- Projections: If investment performance matches expectations, employer contribution rates could decrease to approximately 25% by 2030, with full funding potentially achieved by 2034–2035.
- Legal Context: Staff provided context on legal precedents, noting that once a county elects to become a "37 Act" county, there is no opt-out. Staff discussed the San Joaquin County case, which clarified that the 2013 statute (PEPRA) does not limit the county's ability to change the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) pickup percentage. Staff also mentioned the Marin case and related Alameda County cases currently before the California Supreme Court.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to receive and file the report.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item 2 – Drought Relief Project Submittal / Water Supply and Protection Projects
- Discussion: Staff presented a regional proposal developed by the Governor’s Drought Task Force and local water agencies to address immediate drought emergencies and long-term water supply sustainability. The proposal includes a list of priority projects for additional water supplies (reacquisition of suspended Table A water, recommissioning of the desalination plant in Santa Barbara, evaluation of reuse water) and protection of existing supplies (addressing Chrome 6 levels in the San Ynez Valley, managing emergency pumping at Lake Cachuma, constructing an intertie between Goleta Water District and the City of Santa Barbara).
- Table A Water: Supervisors raised concerns about the destination of Table A water, specifically whether it would be used as a drought buffer for local residents or sold to developers. Supervisors emphasized the need for guarantees that water would not be used for development on the Gaviota Coast contrary to land use policies.
- Lake Cachuma: It was clarified that while water purveyors paid the capital costs of the Cachuma project in full, the Bureau of Reclamation retains ownership and operation of the dam and holds the water rights. The National Marine Fisheries Service has compelled the Bureau of Reclamation to restart releases at approximately eight acre-feet per day.
- Water Pricing: Water pricing discussions, including potential drought buffer components, are scheduled for a future Water Purveyors Association meeting.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to receive and file the report and adopt a resolution supporting the proposal, directing staff to send it to the State Drought Task Force, State Senator, and Assemblymembers.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item 3 – Emergency Purchases for Goleta Beach Park
- Discussion: Staff provided background on shoreline erosion at Goleta Beach, noting approximately 1.5 million annual visitors. Severe drought conditions reduced natural sediment supply, leaving the beach vulnerable to storms. In response to storm events in January and February 2017, the County installed emergency protective measures, including a sand berm (cost: $75,000) and approximately 950 feet of rock revetment (cost: $451,000 for the second permit and additional costs for the third). Previous geotextile cells installed in 2016 (cost: $350,000) were eroded by winter swells. Total spending on Goleta Beach protection over the past two and a half years exceeded $2 million, with over $12 million spent since 1995. Funding sources included the Coastal Impact Assistance Program grant, deferred maintenance funds, CIP grants, and annual board allocations. Staff applied for FEMA reimbursement, expecting a 93.75% recovery rate.
- Public Comment: A resident of Los Alamos raised concerns about crime, tagging, and drug activity in the area, suggesting a sheriff’s substation or storefront presence. Another speaker discussed the impact of the project on beach access and parking, noting that parking is predominantly used by UCSB students.
- Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed the fiscal implications, the use of deferred maintenance funds for emergency work, and the long-term sustainability of the revetment. Questions were raised regarding the visitor count methodology, the potential for shared costs with other agencies (such as UCSB, Caltrans, and the City of Goleta), and the environmental impact of the rock revetment versus alternative solutions like managed retreat or cobble. Concerns were expressed about the approval of expenditures after the fact and the lack of a special meeting for such a large expenditure. Staff indicated they would return in September with options for future adaptive management, including potential removal of the emergency rock if required by the Coastal Commission.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to adopt items A, B, C, D, and E as noted in the staff report, approving the financial items related to the emergency permit.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item 4 – Human Services Commission Mini Grants (Fiscal Year 2017-2018)
- Discussion: The Human Services Commission presented recommendations for capacity-building mini-grants for fiscal year 2017-2018. The commission reviewed 42 requests totaling approximately $300,000 and recommended funding 11 grants totaling $71,500. The grants are intended to support nonprofit agencies in improving capacity through staff training, database development, media outreach, and other evidence-based practices. The recommended grantees include Sarah House, Child Abuse Enlisting Mediation, Domestic Violence Solutions, Family Service Agency, Girls Inc., Pacific Pride, San Ynez Valley People Helping People, San Ynez Valley Senior Citizen Foundation, Santa Maria Valley Meals on Wheels, and United Way in Northern County.
- Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed the effectiveness of small grants (approximately $5,000–$7,000) versus larger consolidated grants (e.g., $70,000) for human services programs. Questions were raised about the time frame for reviewing the overall grant structure in the next cycle.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to approve the Human Services Commission’s recommendations for the award of mini-grants totaling $71,500 for fiscal year 2017-2018.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item 6 – Internal Facing Organizational Strategic Plan
- Discussion: County staff presented the County of Santa Barbara’s first internal-facing organizational strategic plan. The plan includes a mission, vision, values (Trust and Ethics, Customer Focus, Accountability and Professionalism, Innovation), and four organizational goals (Talent Management, Organizational Culture, Quality Services and Process Improvements, Technology and Facilities). Staff outlined the strategic planning process, which included employee surveys, environmental scans, and a full-day planning session. An Implementation Action Plan (IAP) with 36 distinct action items is in draft form and will be finalized after the budget process. The plan is scheduled for rollout to the organization in summer 2017.
- Public Comment: Robert Ben Romo provided public comment.
- Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed the inclusivity of the process and the importance of the values. Supervisor Adam expressed interest in reviewing the action items and offering insights. A representative from First Five of Santa Barbara County expressed support for the plan’s role in defining the agency’s place within the broader county organization. Staff reported that over 71% of surveyed employees agreed or strongly agreed with the vision statement, and 75% agreed or strongly agreed with the mission statement.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to approve the strategic plan.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item 7 – Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) Formation – San Ynez River Valley Eastern Management Area
- Discussion: Staff presented a proposal to form a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) for the eastern management area of the San Ynez River Valley groundwater basin in compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The San Ynez River Water Conservation District, San Ynez River Water Conservation District Improvement District No. 1, and the City of Solvang are coordinating to develop a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for joint management. The MOA structure was selected to minimize administrative costs and proposes a GSA committee with weighted voting based on estimated groundwater use: five votes for the Water Agency, three for the San Ynez River Water Conservation District, two for ID-1, and one for the City of Solvang. An advisory committee is also proposed, potentially including Chumash representatives, county planning, mutual water companies, and agricultural interests. The MOA includes provisions for a hydrogeological study, with funding anticipated in the Water Agency’s fiscal year 2017-2018 budget.
- Board Discussion: Supervisor Williams asked about the voting structure and the frequency of reporting to the board. Staff confirmed that the county’s representative would report back to the board regularly.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to approve the MOA and direct the chair to sign the resolution to form the GSA.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item 5 – CIEP/Grant Recommendations
- Discussion: The board discussed ratifying recommendations made by a commission regarding CIEP (Community Investment and Economic Partnership) grants. Supervisor Adam clarified that the board was ratifying the commission's recommendations in the third year of a three-year grant cycle.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to ratify the recommendations.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Item 8 – Honorary Resolution 827 (Equal Pay Day)
- Discussion: Supervisor Hartman sponsored a resolution to commemorate Equal Pay Day. The resolution cites statistics on the wage gap in Santa Barbara County and urges citizens and employers to recognize the value of women’s skills and conduct internal pay evaluations.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to adopt the resolution.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Withdrawal of Item D5
- Discussion: A request was made to withdraw Item D5 from the agenda. Item D5, from Community Services, related to the draft fiscal year 17-18 action plan and substantial amendments for the Home Investment Partnership Consortium.
- Motion/Decision: A motion was made to withdraw Item D5.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Agenda Item: Closed Session Report
- Discussion: The board reconvened from closed session. Mr. Gazzone provided a report. Staff informed the Board that two items of anticipated litigation with significant exposure were noticed for closed session. The Board met with county counsel regarding these two separate cases.
- Motion/Decision: No reportable actions were taken in the closed session.
- Vote Outcome: N/A.